Luján Applauds Federal Approval of New Mexico’s $382 Million Broadband Plan

Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, issued the following statement on the federal government's approvalof New Mexico's $382 million broadband infrastructure plan:

"I'm proud to announce the federal approval of New Mexico's historic $382 million broadband plan, a major step toward achieving 100% connectivity across New Mexico. I helped pass the bipartisan law that created BEAD and have fought to protect it so New Mexico receives the resources our communities need and deserve.

"This investment will deliver reliable, affordable high-speed internet to rural, Tribal, and underserved communities, expanding access to education, health care, and economic opportunity across our state. It's critical that these investments are put to work without delay."

During the 117th Congress, Senator Luján, then Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Senator Luján has consistently pushed back against the Trump administration's efforts to weaken or delay BEAD implementation and has worked to ensure New Mexico can use these funds as Congress intended.

In December 2025, Luján urgedthe Trump administration to preserve states' ability to use their non-deployment BEAD Program funds consistent with congressional intent and the bipartisan infrastructure law.

In July 2025, Luján calledon National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator Arielle Roth to fully implement the BEAD Program as authorized and funded by Congress.

In June 2025, Luján and more than 40 colleagues urgedSecretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to fully implement the BEAD program to connect all Americans to high-quality, affordable internet.

###