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Issues & Legislation

My "Video Votes" give an overview of how I voted on some of the high-profile pieces of legislation before Congress and what those votes mean for New Mexico.

Tom's Video Vote on VAWA

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Tom gives an overview of his vote for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in this "Video Vote."

Video Vote on Payroll Tax Cut Extension

Tom details his vote to extend the payroll tax cut through the end of 2012.

Watch the Video
Tom on the Debt Limit Bargain: This Deal Stinks!

Tom votes to protect New Mexico from repercussions of debt default, but doesn't like it.

Watch the Video
Tom's Video Vote on Debit Card Swipe Fees

Tom explains his vote against a measure to prevent the lowering of debit card fees that retailers pay to big banks. New Mexico small business owners explain what Tom's vote means for New Mexico small businesses.

Watch the Video
Tom's Video Vote on the Ryan Budget

Tom outlines his vote against the House-passed 2012 budget, proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan.

Watch the Video
Tom's Video Vote on Bush Tax Cuts, DADT, & New START

An overview of the votes made in the final days of the 111th Congress.

Watch the Video
Tom's Video Vote on Wall Street Reform

The Senate's financial reform bill holds Wall Street accountable and protects consumers.

Watch the Video
Tom's Video Vote on Health Reform

Tom discusses his vote for health reform and the immediate impact it will have on New Mexico.

Watch the Video

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Our Congress brings people together from across our nation -- each representing different values, interests and ideas.  The result is a lot of legislation that we must discuss, debate and consider.  You've probably seen Schoolhouse Rock's 1975 classic video, "I'm Just a Bill" which was an introduction to the legislative process for many.  You can watch that above.

While Schoolhouse Rock gives a good overview of the lawmaking process, the truth is it's quite complex.  Otto von Bismarck famously said, "If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made."  This gives sausage makers far too little credit.

While there might be a lot that goes into making a law, a public understanding of that process is crucial to our democracy.  The legislative process should be transparent so lawmakers can be held accountable.

Here are a few resources that give a great overview of how Congress works:

1. How Our Laws Are Made

Click the image below to see a great infographic of the process a bill goes through to become a law and the many hurdles along the way:

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2. The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress provides information about the legislative process and the status of current bills:

3. The Center on Congress

The Center on Congress is a non-partisan program at Indiana University providing helpful information including videos and summaries:

4. The United States Senate

The website for the U.S. Senate includes information about the history of "the world's greatest deliberative body:"

Office Locations

  • Albuquerque
    400 Gold Ave. SW
    Suite 300
    Albuquerque, NM 87102
    (505) 346-6791

  • Carlsbad
    102 W. Hagerman Street
    Suite A
    Carlsbad, NM 88220
    (575) 234-0366

  • Eastside Office
    100 South Avenue A
    Suite 113
    Portales, NM 88130
    (575) 356-6811

  • Las Cruces
    201 N. Church Street
    Suite 201B
    Las Cruces, NM 88001 
    (575) 526-5475

  • Santa Fe
    120 South Federal Place
    Suite 302
    Santa Fe, NM 87501
    (505) 988-6511

  • Washington, DC
    531 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC, 20510
    (202) 224-6621