Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Democrat · NM · 49 bills sponsored
A bill to increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement within the Department of Homeland Security, to provide independent oversight of border security activities, to improve training for agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other purposes.
# Bill Summary: S 3997 - DHS Transparency and Accountability Act This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to increase public transparency and strengthen oversight of border security operations. The proposed legislation aims to establish independent review mechanisms for border activities, improve training standards for CBP agents and officers, and create more opportunities for community input on DHS policies and operations. The bill would primarily affect DHS and CBP employees, border communities, and the general public. It would require these agencies to be more transparent about their operations and subject to additional oversight, while also mandating enhanced training requirements for personnel who interact with the public at the border. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No additional details about specific provisions or amendments are available at this time. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is sponsoring the bill.
A bill to improve the hiring and training processes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
# Summary of S. 3996 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hire and train their employees. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills of this type typically address recruitment standards, training curriculum, background check procedures, and professional development requirements for federal immigration and border agents. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect prospective and current employees of ICE and CBP, as well as the general public who interact with these agencies. It may also impact the agencies' operational budgets and hiring timelines. **Current Status:** As of now, S. 3996 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) in the 119th Congress. To become law, it would need to be approved by its committee, pass the Senate, be approved by the House, and be signed by the President. *Note: More detailed information about specific provisions would require access to the full bill text.*
A bill to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to timely update the Online Detainee Locator System, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3995 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require two federal agencies—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—to keep the Online Detainee Locator System updated in a timely manner. This system allows the public to search for information about people being held in immigration detention facilities. The bill aims to ensure that information in the system is current and accurate. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect immigrants and asylum seekers in federal detention, as well as their families and legal representatives who use the system to locate and track detained individuals. It would also impact the CBP and ICE agencies by establishing requirements for how they maintain this database. **Current Status:** S 3995 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico. Without additional action from lawmakers, the bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026
# Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to prevent grocery stores from charging excessive prices during supply shortages or emergencies. If passed, it would give federal regulators authority to investigate and potentially penalize grocery retailers that significantly raise prices on essential food items when supplies become limited or during declared emergencies. The legislation targets what supporters call "price gouging"—pricing practices that take advantage of urgent situations to maximize profits. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects grocery store chains and food retailers, as well as consumers shopping for food. It would impact pricing practices during emergencies (like natural disasters or pandemics) and supply disruptions. The exact enforcement mechanisms and specific price thresholds aren't detailed in this summary, as the full bill text would contain those details. Supporters argue it protects consumers from unfair pricing during vulnerable times; critics might argue it could affect supply incentives or inventory management during shortages. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and is currently in committee review, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act
# Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act (S 3854) – Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would support the development and improvement of advanced computer systems used to create weather forecasts and predictions. Specifically, it aims to increase computational power and resources dedicated to weather modeling—the mathematical simulations that meteorologists use to predict future weather patterns. The legislation would direct funding and support toward building better technology infrastructure for this purpose. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect the National Weather Service and other federal agencies responsible for weather forecasting. Indirectly, it benefits the general public by potentially improving the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts, which helps people and communities prepare for severe weather events, hurricanes, and other atmospheric conditions. **Current Status:** The bill (S 3854) is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). At this stage, it remains under review and discussion within the relevant congressional committees before any further action would occur.
CLEAN SMART Act of 2026
# Summary of the CLEAN SMART Act of 2026 I'm unable to provide a detailed summary of this bill because the specific provisions aren't included in the information you've shared. To give you an accurate explanation in plain language, I would need access to the bill's full text, which typically outlines: - The actual policy changes being proposed - Which industries, groups, or regions would be affected - The bill's funding mechanisms (if any) - Specific requirements or programs it would create **What I can tell you:** This is a Senate bill (S 3828) currently in committee, introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in the 119th Congress. The title "CLEAN SMART Act" suggests it likely relates to energy, environmental, or technology policy, but I cannot confirm specifics without the bill's text. **To learn more:** You can find the complete bill text and details on Congress.gov by searching for "S 3828" or "CLEAN SMART Act of 2026." This will show you the full policy language, official summary, and any recent updates to its status. Would you like help interpreting the bill if you can share more details about its contents?
Fair Repair Act
# Fair Repair Act (S 3821) Summary **What It Would Do:** The Fair Repair Act would give consumers and independent repair shops greater legal rights to repair electronics and equipment they own. Specifically, the bill would require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts at reasonable prices to anyone who wants to fix broken devices—not just authorized repair centers. It would also restrict manufacturers from using software locks or legal threats to prevent people from repairing their own products. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact consumers, independent repair technicians, and electronics manufacturers (like Apple, John Deere, and similar companies). Farmers, device owners, and small repair businesses would likely benefit, while manufacturers could face new compliance obligations. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been brought up for a vote in the full Senate. As introduced legislation, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill reflects growing momentum behind the "right to repair" movement, which argues that people should be able to fix their own devices rather than being forced into expensive manufacturer repairs.
Nutrition Administration Assistance Act of 2026
# Nutrition Administration Assistance Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Nutrition Administration Assistance Act of 2026 would provide additional support and resources to federal nutrition programs, though the specific details of the proposed changes are not publicly available in the summary provided. The bill aims to improve how nutrition assistance is administered at the federal level. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact people who receive federal nutrition benefits (such as SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, and other nutrition assistance programs) and the government agencies responsible for administering these programs. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No further action has been taken on the proposal at this time. *Note: Additional details about specific provisions were not available in the source information provided.*
A bill to amend the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act to modify a provision relating to the extension of certain dates for the completion of the Regional Water System, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3573 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modify the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, a 2006 law that settled a long-running water rights dispute in New Mexico. Specifically, it would extend certain deadlines for completing the Regional Water System project, which was designed to provide water to communities in the Santa Fe area and resolve competing claims over water rights among Native American tribes, the state, and local governments. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects communities in northern New Mexico that depend on the Regional Water System, including the city of Santa Fe, surrounding municipalities, and Native American pueblos whose water rights are protected under the original settlement agreement. It could impact water availability and rights for residents and tribes in this region. **Current Status:** S 3573 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Without additional information about the specific deadline extensions proposed, the exact reasons for the delays, or the bill's progress through committee, it's unclear when or if this bill might advance further.
New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act
# Bill Summary: New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation Act **What It Does:** This bill would require the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service to work with the New Mexico Land Grant Council to create a formal agreement outlining how communities with historical land grants can use federal lands for traditional purposes. Land grant-mercedes are properties originally granted by Spain and Mexico to communities or individuals centuries ago. When the U.S. acquired these lands, most became federal property, but the communities that historically inhabited them retained certain rights. This bill aims to clarify and streamline the process for these communities to access federal lands for activities like grazing livestock, accessing cemeteries, maintaining roads, and other historical uses. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the 27 New Mexico communities recognized as land grant-mercedes, along with federal land managers and Native American tribes in the region. These communities have deep historical and cultural ties to the lands and want clearer pathways to continue traditional practices. The bill also requires federal agencies to consult with Indian tribes affected by any agreements made. **Current Status:** The bill (S 1363) is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in the 119th Congress.
LISTOS Act of 2025
# LISTOS Act of 2025 - Summary I appreciate your request, but I'm unable to provide a detailed summary of this bill because the information available is limited. The bill details show only basic metadata: it's sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), it's currently in committee review, and its formal title is "LISTOS Act of 2025." However, no subject categories or bill text description are provided in the source material you've shared. To give you an accurate, factual summary covering what the bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need access to the actual bill text or a Congressional Research Service summary. I'd recommend checking Congress.gov (the official legislative tracking website) where you can search for "S 3540" to find the full bill text, sponsor statements, and detailed summaries written by legislative analysts.
Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act
# S. 640: Technical Corrections to New Mexico Water Settlement Acts This bill makes administrative corrections to three existing water rights agreements in northwestern New Mexico involving Native American tribes and pueblos. Specifically, it allows the federal government to deposit unpaid interest into three trust funds that were created to help the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and other pueblo communities develop their water resources. Originally, these funds—established in 2009 and 2010—were not permitted to earn or accrue interest, which meant they didn't grow over time. The bill fixes this limitation by authorizing interest payments to be added to the accounts. The bill primarily affects the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and several other pueblo communities in New Mexico that are parties to long-standing water rights settlements. By allowing interest to accumulate in these development funds, the bill aims to increase the resources available for these tribes and pueblos to invest in water infrastructure and management projects. This is considered a technical correction rather than a major policy change, as it simply addresses an oversight in the original legislation. **Status:** The bill has passed the U.S. Senate and awaits action in the House of Representatives.
Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025
# Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to impose stricter penalties and sanctions against people and organizations involved in trafficking fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. If passed, it would give the federal government additional tools to punish fentanyl traffickers through measures such as financial sanctions, travel restrictions, and other enforcement mechanisms. The bill is designed to combat the fentanyl crisis by targeting the supply chain and making it riskier and more costly for traffickers to operate. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily impact fentanyl traffickers and drug trafficking organizations, as well as financial institutions and companies that might do business with them. It could also affect international partners and foreign entities involved in the drug trade. Law enforcement agencies would gain new authority to pursue these cases. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3330) remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), it has not advanced to the floor for debate. The bill has not yet been enacted into law.
Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
# Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modify an existing water rights settlement agreement involving the Taos Pueblo Indian tribe in New Mexico. While specific amendments aren't detailed in the available information, bills of this type typically adjust how water resources are allocated, managed, or distributed between Native American tribes and state or federal entities. The changes would likely affect the terms of how the Taos Pueblo can access and use water from local sources. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiary would be the Taos Pueblo tribe and its members in New Mexico. The bill would also potentially affect neighboring communities, farmers, municipalities, and other water users in the Taos area who share regional water resources. State and federal water management agencies would need to implement any changes to existing agreements. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 3242) is in committee review in the U.S. Senate. It was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The bill has not yet advanced to a floor vote or been passed. Without access to the full bill text, specific provisions and the exact nature of the settlement amendments cannot be detailed here.
Disarm Hate Act
# Disarm Hate Act (S 3256) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Disarm Hate Act would prevent individuals convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms. Currently, federal law prohibits gun ownership for certain criminal convictions, but hate crime convictions are not automatically included in this restriction. This bill would add hate crime convictions to the list of offenses that trigger a firearm ban, similar to existing bans for felonies and domestic violence convictions. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect people convicted of federal hate crimes—offenses motivated by bias based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. It would also apply to anyone subject to a court order related to a hate crime. Gun owners would not be affected unless they have a hate crime conviction. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No companion bill has been introduced in the House. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process.
Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025
# Summary of S 3281: Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), is designed to address food security issues for both American families and farmers. While specific provisions are not detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on strengthening federal food assistance programs, supporting agricultural producers, and ensuring access to nutritious food for low-income households. **Current Status and Impact** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Until it advances further in the legislative process, the exact provisions and scope of the bill cannot be confirmed from public records. Once more details become available, it will be clearer who specifically benefits—likely including SNAP (food stamp) recipients, low-income families, and farmers facing economic challenges. **Note:** For a complete summary including specific provisions, appropriations amounts, and detailed policy changes, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov once more detailed information is publicly available.
Fire Innovation Unit Act of 2025
# Fire Innovation Unit Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** The Fire Innovation Unit Act of 2025 would establish a new federal program focused on developing and testing innovative approaches to wildfire prevention and firefighting. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't publicly available yet, legislation with this title typically aims to create a dedicated unit within federal agencies (likely the U.S. Forest Service or Department of Interior) to research and implement new technologies and strategies for combating wildfires more effectively. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact federal land management agencies, firefighting professionals, and communities in wildfire-prone regions. It could also affect technology developers and researchers working on fire-related innovations, as well as states and local governments that partner with federal agencies on wildfire response. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee review. This means it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Many bills remain in committee and do not advance to a vote, while others may be modified before moving forward.
School Meals for Healthy Kids Act of 2025
# School Meals for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The School Meals for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 aims to improve the nutritional quality and accessibility of school meals across the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on updating nutrition standards, increasing federal funding for school meal programs, and ensuring students have access to healthier food options during the school day. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact school-age children who participate in federal meal programs (breakfast and lunch), school districts that administer these programs, and families who rely on school meals as a significant source of nutrition for their children. It could also affect food service workers and the food industry that supplies schools. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 3157) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). For the most current details on specific provisions and any legislative progress, you can check Congress.gov.
Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act
# Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act (S 3149) Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act would establish federal policies and programs to help communities recover from large wildfires. While specific details aren't available in the provided summary, bills with this title typically address rebuilding efforts, funding for affected areas, and restoration of burned landscapes. The bill would likely create mechanisms to support homeowners, businesses, and local governments dealing with wildfire damage. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact communities in western states prone to wildfires—particularly New Mexico, where sponsor Senator Ben Ray Luján is from. It could also affect federal land management agencies, state and local governments, residents whose homes or property were damaged by fires, and environmental restoration organizations. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced to a floor vote. The bill would need to pass out of its assigned committee and gain broader Senate support before becoming law.
LEAF Act of 2025
I don't have access to the specific details of S. 3152 (LEAF Act of 2025) to provide you with an accurate summary. To give you a factual overview of what this bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need to review the actual bill text. I'd recommend checking these reliable sources: - **Congress.gov** (congress.gov) - The official source with full bill text, summaries, and status updates - **Your representative's or senator's official website** - Often includes statements about bills they sponsor - **Ballotpedia** - Provides nonpartisan summaries of legislation If you can share the bill text or a link to it, I'd be happy to help summarize it for you in plain language.
Pay Our Capitol Police Act
# Pay Our Capitol Police Act (S 3094) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would provide additional pay or compensation to Capitol Police officers. While specific details aren't available in the summary provided, the bill's title indicates it aims to increase or ensure proper compensation for members of the U.S. Capitol Police force. **Who It Affects** The primary beneficiaries would be Capitol Police officers who protect Congress and the Capitol building. The bill could also affect the federal budget, as it would require funding for increased police compensation. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). *Note: For more detailed information about specific pay increases or provisions, you would need to review the full bill text, which is typically available on Congress.gov.*
Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
# Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What This Bill Does** This bill is a safety net designed to keep two major food assistance programs running if the federal government runs out of money. Specifically, it would ensure that SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (a nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children) continue operating without interruption if Congress fails to pass a regular budget for the Department of Agriculture in 2026. The bill also covers nutrition assistance programs in Puerto Rico and American Samoa, and would pay back any benefits that were missed during a funding gap. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would directly affect millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits to buy groceries and feed their families. It also impacts Puerto Rico and American Samoa residents using federal nutrition assistance. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on yet and is still in the early stages of the legislative process. It was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico.
A bill to amend section 7014 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to advance toward full Federal funding for impact aid, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S. 2921 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill seeks to increase federal funding for "impact aid," a federal program that provides money to school districts that lose tax revenue because they have large amounts of federal property (like military bases, Native American reservations, or national parks) within their boundaries. These districts can't tax federal land, so the impact aid program compensates them for that lost revenue. The bill aims to move toward the federal government fully funding impact aid rather than providing only partial funding as it currently does. **Who It Affects** School districts affected by federal land would benefit most from this bill. This includes districts near military installations, on or near tribal lands, and in areas with significant federal property. Students in these districts could potentially see improved school funding. The bill also indirectly affects taxpayers nationwide, as increased federal funding would come from the federal budget. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No specific provisions beyond the general goal of increased impact aid funding have been detailed in the available information.
Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025
# Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow the federal government to set aside and commit funding in advance for various Native American programs and services. Specifically, it would authorize "advance appropriations"—money that Congress budgets today but becomes available to spend in the following year—for multiple accounts across three federal agencies: the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service. This advance funding approach gives these agencies more predictability and planning time for their budgets. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would affect Native American communities and tribes across the country by securing advance funding for essential services, including: tribal operations and administration, education programs and school construction, healthcare services and facility improvements, loan programs for tribes, and lease payments. By committing these funds ahead of time, the bill aims to help these agencies better plan and deliver consistent services without waiting year-to-year for Congress to approve budgets. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.