New Mexico Congressman Secures Seat on Key Committee

Northwest New Mexico is expected to be well represented on the House Committee on Natural Resources. Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan has been appointed to a committee that has oversight on land and water issues, ranging from fisheries and wildlife to minerals and mining interests. New Mexico Rural Water Association national director Jim Dunlap said Lujan can help the state protect its share of San Juan River water through the committee. The committee's jurisdiction also includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Lujan represents the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation and 15 Pueblo tribes...more

Harold Runnels, Joe Skeen and Steve Pearce all sat on this committee. The Congressman from the 2nd congressional district served on this committee for almost 50 years because of its importance to southern NM.

Of our three freshman reps, Heinrich from Albuquerque was appointed to this committee last year and Teague wasn't. That seemed odd at the time.

Now with the Lujan appointment, the reps from Albq. and Santa Fe serve on the committee but southern NM is left high and dry.

The question is why? Does Teague not want on the committee? Does he not have enough standing with the leadership to receive the appointment? You would think with his upcoming tough race with Pearce the dem's would be itching to help him, but instead they give it to Lujan?

Given the importance of oil & gas, mining, grazing and public lands recreation to the district, we deserve an answer as to why Mr. Teague is not serving on the Resources Committee.