Teresa Leger Fernandez

BADGES for Native Communities Act

Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act This bill revises federal policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians. Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes, and (2) work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers. The Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, response times, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.

New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service to enter a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council to describe existing processes that land grants-mercedes may use to obtain authorization for historical, traditional, or other uses of federal lands. Land grants-mercedes were created when Spain and Mexico issued grants of land to communities or individuals. When the United States acquired the land, including New Mexico, a process was created for adjudicating and recognizing these property rights. During that process, most land grants-mercedes lands became federal lands. Today, New Mexico recognizes 27 community land grants-mercedes as political subdivisions. When entering into the memorandum of understanding, the BLM and the Forest Service must consult with Indian tribes. The memorandum of understanding must provide for (1) enhanced cooperation and coordination between the BLM, the Forest Service, and qualified land grants-mercedes; and (2) subsidiary agreements with certain land grants-mercedes for specific projects. Additionally, the bill outlines what the memorandum of understanding must describe, such as the procedures for notice and comments on land management planning decisions. Finally, the BLM and the Forest Service must include in land use plans a section that evaluates the impact of other uses in the plan on historical or traditional uses by land grants-mercedes.

Nutrition Administration Assistance Act of 2026

The proposal would provide additional support and resources to help federal agencies administer nutrition assistance programs more effectively, such as food stamps and school meal programs. It aims to improve how these programs operate and serve low-income families, seniors, and children who rely on government food assistance. The bill affects both the agencies running these programs and the millions of Americans who depend on them for affordable access to food.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide enhanced student loan relief to educators, and for other purposes.

Teachers and other educators would receive expanded forgiveness of their federal student loans if they meet certain service requirements, making it easier for them to have their debts reduced or eliminated after working in schools for a specified period. The changes would modify existing loan forgiveness programs to be more generous or accessible to education professionals who struggle with student debt. This would primarily benefit teachers, school administrators, and other education workers carrying student loans while serving in public schools.

Caja del Rio Protection Act

The proposal would designate two protected areas in New Mexico—the Caja del Rio Special Management Area and the Caja del Rio National Conservation Area—to preserve the land for conservation purposes while potentially allowing limited recreational and educational activities. This would affect landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation groups in the region by restricting certain types of development and resource extraction on the designated lands. The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Providing for the expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives.

This resolution would remove Representative Tony Gonzales from the House of Representatives through an expulsion vote, which requires a two-thirds majority of voting members. The measure has been sent to the House Ethics Committee, which typically investigates allegations of misconduct before such actions are considered. If approved by the full House, Gonzales would lose his seat and his district would need to hold a special election to fill the vacancy.

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act This bill authorizes the Forest Service to convey, without a payment or exchange in land, a cemetery to a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or certain community land grant that has a bona fide interest or historic claim to the cemetery. This authorization applies to up to 40 acres of land that was used, or previously used, as a cemetery, including up to 1 acre adjacent to the land used as a cemetery. The conveyed land must continue to be used as a cemetery. If it is not used for that purpose, the Forest Service may revert the land and any improvements back to the United States. The Forest Service may waive certain conveyance costs upon the demonstrated need of a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or community land grant.

Virginia’s Law

I don't have enough information to write an accurate summary. "Virginia's Law" is too vague a title, and without details about what specific crime or law enforcement policies this bill would change, I cannot explain what it would actually do or who it would affect. To provide a meaningful summary, I would need the bill's full title, bill number, or a description of its specific provisions.

Seedlings for Sustainable Habitat Restoration Act of 2025

The proposal would establish a program to grow and distribute native tree and plant seedlings for restoring damaged forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats across the country. It would support nurseries, conservation groups, and landowners who participate in habitat restoration projects by providing funding and seedlings. This would help communities rebuild ecosystems damaged by wildfires, development, or other environmental harm while potentially creating jobs in plant nurseries and restoration work.

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.

This bill would adjust deadlines for completing a water system project in New Mexico that was part of a settlement agreement with Native American tribes. The changes would give the project more time to finish construction and meet its obligations to provide water to tribal communities and other users in the region. The bill affects Native American tribes, local water users, and the federal government's implementation of the original settlement agreement.

Expressing support for the designation of the first Saturday in May as "National Lowrider Day".

This resolution would officially recognize the first Saturday in May as "National Lowrider Day" to celebrate lowrider car culture and its significance in American art and communities. The designation would honor the history and craftsmanship of lowrider vehicles, which have deep roots in Latino and African American communities and represent a unique form of automotive art and self-expression. The resolution is largely symbolic and does not create new laws or funding, but rather expresses Congress's support for recognizing this cultural tradition.

Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act

Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements for matching federal funds in fire recovery projects. Specifically, USDA may waive cost-sharing requirements for projects responding to fires resulting from management activities (e.g., controlled burns) conducted by USDA on National Forest System land.

Historic Preservation Enhancement Act

This legislation would strengthen protections and funding for historic buildings, sites, and landscapes across the country, likely making it easier and more affordable for property owners and communities to preserve important historical structures. The bill would affect homeowners, local governments, nonprofits, and businesses involved in restoration work by potentially expanding tax incentives, grants, or other financial support for preservation projects. It has been sent to congressional committees for review to determine which parts fall under their specific areas of responsibility.

Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act

Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act This bill authorizes deposits representing unpaid interest into the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Trust Fund, the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund, and the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund. These funds were established in 2009 and 2010 under certain water rights settlement agreements that did not allow accrual of interest.

Healing Partnerships for Survivors Act

This bill would establish partnerships and programs to provide health services and support to survivors of trauma, abuse, or other harmful experiences. The legislation likely aims to improve access to mental health care, counseling, and recovery resources for affected individuals by coordinating between healthcare providers and community organizations. It would help survivors receive coordinated treatment and support services to aid their healing and recovery.

Weather-Safe Energy Act of 2025

The bill would likely establish new standards or requirements for energy systems to better withstand extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and severe storms. It probably aims to improve how power grids and energy infrastructure are designed and maintained so they're more resilient during climate-related disasters, protecting both the reliability of electricity for homes and businesses and the workers who maintain these systems. The measure would involve coordination between energy companies, government agencies, and technology developers to implement weather-resistant upgrades.

Women in Agriculture Act

Women in Agriculture Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the position of Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison within USDA. Among other things, the liaison must advocate on behalf of women who are farmers and ranchers in interactions with USDA employees and promote the advancement of women in USDA leadership roles. The liaison may also enter into a contract or cooperative agreement to conduct various research, training, and other activities with respect to women who are farmers and ranchers. The liaison must submit an annual report to Congress on USDA grants, loans, loan guarantees, and cost-share programs for woman-owned agriculture operations. In addition, the bill expands the USDA high-priority research and extension areas to authorize grants for developing and making widely available agriculture equipment and machinery that is ergonomically designed for use by women. Further, USDA must give priority to certain loans or grants to address the availability, quality, or cost of childcare in an agricultural or rural community.

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 This bill creates a buffer zone around the Chaco Culture National Historic Park in New Mexico by prohibiting certain leases on federal land for the development of mineral resources or geothermal energy within the buffer zone. Nonproducing oil and gas leases in the buffer zone are terminated.

Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025

Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025 This bill permanently provides for Medicare coverage of audio-only, at-home telehealth services that are furnished through the Indian Health Service.