The end of the 2006 is upon us and with it the 109th Congress. It has been an interesting year, and I'm pleased with a lot that has been accomplished this year. There have been disappointments and hardships, but I hope all New Mexicans can enjoy the holiday season and get set for an exciting 2007. I anticipate working hard with my colleagues and newly-elected members of Congress to further the goals of our nation and focus on what is best for our great state. In the meantime, enjoy The Domenici Report and I'll see you in January.

Sincerely,

The 109th Congress wrapped up on Dec. 9, 2006. While some important legislation was approved before the final gavel, Congress left some unfinished business. Primarily, I am disappointed in the failure to complete the federal appropriations process for FY2007. Only two appropriations bills were signed into law this year.

The federal government will be funded and operational through mid-February with a Continuing Resolution (CR). This CR mandates that government agencies be funded at the lowest level provided in FY2006 or any House or Senate-passed FY2007 Appropriations bill.

This is not an ideal situation and it will impact federal programs throughout New Mexico as specific earmarked funds are not made available.

It wasn't all bad news, however. Prior to adjournment, Congress agreed to several important legislative items I was promoting-most notably several important tax relief programs, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, and Rural Water legislation. For more information about this legislation and other important information about education tax credits and other programs, visit my website.

"Caring" is a pillar of Character Counts that we always hope to see in abundance over the holiday season. For thousands of New Mexicans, "Caring" is a way of life. I want to tell you about some of our very special neighbors.

Ten-year-old Meaghan McCarthy-Bustamante of Rio Rancho learned her beloved aunt had cancer. Meaghan devoted her spring and her summer to taking care of her Mom's sister.

During the weeks of her aunt's treatment, the 5th grader from Colinas del Norte Elementary found out that cancer victims often lose their hair. Meaghan was told of a way to help financially strapped children recovering from cancer get hair pieces through Locks of Love.

With her mom's permission, Meaghan cut her flowing long hair. In her aunt's honor, Meaghan gave 17 inches of her blonde tresses to Locks of Love.

Meaghan is helping young cancer victims feel better and more confident in their recuperation. And her aunt, who I'm sure drew inspiration in Meaghan's "Caring," is now cancer free.

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Every day the folks at "CARE 66" in Gallup help people with no homes and no jobs rebuild their lives. They tell us about grateful, "Caring" clients who help them do their jobs!

One older gentleman had been in shelters for years. He found his faith at "CARE 66." He helped open the center, and he took on the role of cook and occasional client advocate. "CARE 66" gave him additional job training, and helped this man combat some health problems. He got an outside job. That gave him renewed confidence, and after years of estrangement, he reconciled with his family. Today he has a more traditional home.

This man's loyalty to "CARE 66" demonstrates the inspiration of those dedicated professionals at the center in Gallup. They go the extra mile to help people get back on their feet and find their way to a better life.

Join me in thanking these shining examples of New Mexicans who care. And let's all make our New Year's resolution to follow their lead in 2007.

Adam Gonzales is my new friend from northern New Mexico. In October, Adam and his parents came all the way from El Prado to Albuquerque to help celebrate National Character Counts Week.

Adam also wanted to share with me in person some wonderful news. He is an Eagle Scout!

This month, Adam will receive the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America at the Eagle Court of Honor. This is a testament to the young man's work ethic, persistence, and dedication to traits that we embrace with Character Counts-Citizenship, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, and Caring.

What Adam has learned with this achievement are lessons that will make him courageous and successful all his life.

For that reason, Adam is our first recipient of my newsletter's Character Counts Salute. Each month, I will pay tribute to a young person, a teacher, a coach, or a mentor who can be an inspiration to us all of why Character Counts.

As New Mexico grows, the delivery of safe and reliable water to residents and business has become a bigger challenge for our communities. For many years, there has not been a federal program specifically dedicated to helping small, rural communities deliver water to their residents. Before it adjourned, Congress passed a little-noticed bill I wrote to change that situation.

The Rural Water Supply Act (S.895) was given a final congressional approval and I expect President Bush to sign it into law. This legislation directs the U.S. Department of Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), to establish a program to plan, design, and construct rural water supply projects.

The bill authorizes $15 million a year through 2016 for planning new water delivery infrastructure and would establish a loan guarantee program within BOR to help communities finance

new water projects and pay for maintenance on existing water systems.

It will also expedite the appraisal and feasibility study process to allow communities to find the best approach to meet their needs.

The stress already on rural and small water systems is exacerbated by the fact that many of these systems are aging and the local tax base is not large enough to carry out improvements.

My aim with this legislation was to create new opportunities to help rural communities in New Mexico and the West improve and maintain their water infrastructure. I look forward to President Bush signing this bill into law soon so that we can begin to use this avenue as a way to help some of our small water systems.

Wild horses are a living symbol of American history. The horses of the Jarita Mesa Wildhorse Territory date back centuries. These horses are protected under the Wildhorse and Burro Act of 1971, and adopted out to good homes and caring owners in accordance with the National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.

To meet environmental assessment guidelines and appropriate herd levels, the Carson National Forest is in the process of gathering a number of wild horses from the Jarita Mesa.

If you would like the opportunity to provide one of these New Mexico horses a home, adoption requirements, applications, and additional information are available at USDA Forest Service website or at the Carson National Forest's El Rito Ranger District office (505) 581-4554.

To learn more about the National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program please visit their website.

More information on Jarita Mesa Wildhorse Territory can be located on USDA Forest Service website.

This holiday season, many New Mexicans will travel to be with loved ones around the state and across the country. With the hopes that your travels will be safe and hassle free, please find a couple travel tips.

If you are traveling the roads, remember to visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation's website for road conditions and travel advisories at http://nmroads.com. Additionally, weather updates can be found from the National Weather Service. Lastly, in the event of an emergency, the New Mexico State Police can be contacted at (888) 442-NMSP (6677).

If you are flying, don't forget the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) travel restrictions. With a little planning you will be able to get through airport security checkpoints smoothly and quickly.

Most importantly do not forget that all carry on liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less and be able to fit in a single one-quart, clear plastic zip-top bag.

Additionally, the TSA has asked that passengers not travel with wrapped gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, TSA personal may have to unwrap your gift. For more information on how to make your flight hassle free, I encourage you to visit the TSA's website.

For those of you staying home, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers safety tips to keeping your home safe for children during the holidays.

Wherever and however you celebrate the holidays, keep them safe.

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

The Passport agencies are now issuing E-Passports. What is an E-Passport? The State Department has developed a new passport that has an integrated circuit "chip" embedded in the back cover. The chip stores the same data visually displaced on the data page of the passport: name, date and place of birth, gender, dates of issuance and expiration, passport number and digital photo image of the bearer.

December is a special time of year for a number of religions and cultures. Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa are upon us this month, and New Mexicans will gather together to celebrate. Our state is rich in holiday traditions, all of which make this season special for our children.

Nancy and I would like to wish you and your families a safe and blessed holiday season. Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!

Here are two interesting websites for those who may have children and are interested in the traditions and celebrations of Hanukah and Kwanzaa:

www.akhlah.com/holidays/hanukkah

www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

The North Pole website is a site where children can track Santa on his trip around the world delivering toys to all the children. They can also see Santa's favorite DVD's, music, send him an email letter, or have one of his elves read a story or even create their own Christmas story: www.northpole.com

This is another tracking site for Santa's visits-you can follow Santa along across the globe: www.noradsanta.org

If your child would like to mail a letter to Jolly Old St. Nick, they may use the following address by plugging in their city, state and zip code:

Santa Claus
City, State, Zip

As we near the end of 2006, I want to remind all eligible Medicare beneficiaries once again that Medicare is in open season from now until December 31.

This means you can reevaluate and make changes to your current Medicare plan. I want to emphasize this point: If you are not satisfied with the coverage you are receiving under your current Medicare plan Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Part D (the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan), you can make a change now. If you don't, you will have to wait until November 15, 2007 when open season begins again.

To review the 2007 Medicare plans, you can access them online at Medicare & You 2007. Additionally you can visit the Medicare website. Or, if you prefer to speak to someone directly, please call
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Every year-from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, Medicare recipients can switch their plans. I believe it is very important for individuals to be active in their healthcare choices and the Medicare open season gives recipients an opportunity to evaluate how their plans are working for them, and adjust them if necessary.

For beneficiaries covered under Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, please check to make sure that the plan in which you are registered still applies to your current healthcare situation. There may be changes to plans and formularies which could affect your medication coverage so it is very important to review your plan at this time.

Just off Highway 53-east of Grants and near Ramah-is a famed spot that has been a rest stop and watering hole for people in New Mexico for centuries. It is El Morro.

Today, El Morro is protected as the El Morro National Monument, a designation made 100 years ago this month by President Theodore Roosevelt. El Morro National Monument preserves the history and tells the stories of those who came before us.

El Morro is well known for the petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the sides of this mesa. Ancient Indians, exploring Spaniards and Americans came to this spot for its protection and for cool waters.

These carvings are signatures, dates and messages of the people who have traveled to this beautiful spot.

Of particular interest and lesser known are the ancient pueblo ruins or Atsinna ("place of writings on rock") atop the bluff. Visitors can hike a two-mile trail to the top of the mesa to see these ancient ruins where pueblo Indian settled for safety about 700 years ago. It is a workout to climb the heights of the mesa, but it is worth doing for the historical experience and bird's-eye views of this scenic corner of Cibola County.

Visit the National Park Service website for El Morro and learn more about the resources, rules and recommendations for making a visit to this special national monument.

You can also learn more about work to save El Morro resources through the National Park Service's Vanishing Treasures program.