Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today voted 55-43 to approve a 2010 Budget Resolution that invests in initiatives that will help the United States regain its competitive edge. 

Bingaman supported the roughly $3.5 trillion budget blueprint because it focuses resources on education, renewable energy and border security, among other issues important to New Mexico.  The measure also finds ways to help pay for comprehensive health care reform, which the Senate will consider in the coming months.

“Investing in education, health care and a green energy now will strengthen our economy in the long run,” Bingaman said.  “I believe this budget blueprint outlines the right agenda for New Mexico and the country.”

Bingaman and Senator Tom Udall co-sponsored an amendment that adds an additional $550 million to the resolution for federal agents, investigators, and resources to combat drug cartels and maintain law and order along the U.S.-Mexico border.   Among other things, the provision includes $260 million for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire, train, equip, and deploy 1,600 officers and 400 canine teams to the border to significantly increase the inspections of cars and individuals leaving the United States.  It also adds $10 million for Bingaman’s border law enforcement grant program, which assists law enforcement agencies along the southern border and in other high drug trafficking areas.

“For the first time in many years, our budget recognizes the unique concerns of the border region,” Bingaman said. 

The resolution also provides tax relief for working families. 

The House of Representatives and the Senate must reconcile their two versions of the budget.  When it is finalized, the Budget Resolution will be used as a guide as Congress develops its annual spending bills.