Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman discusses the defense authorization bill—the bill that provides funding for military construction activities and Department of Energy labs in New Mexico—passed by the Senate this week. Bingaman supported the bill but voted to strip the amendment authorizing the military to detain and interrogate American citizens; he is hopeful that this provision will be revisited, and he continues to oppose it. Bingaman also highlights work done on the payroll tax credit, which he voted to extend, and is optimistic that legislation will extend this important middle class tax credit next week.