Greetings! It's officially Summer, and I am looking forward to spending as much time among New Mexicans as possible. In fact, I just spent the week following Memorial Day visiting northern New Mexico. During my trip I met with friends and constituents, I presented long overdue medals of valor to New Mexican war hero Damian Horne, and I was given the distinct privilege of releasing the one-millionth silvery minnow into the Rio Grande. And that was just in the first couple of days!

One of my staffers was kind enough to drive me around the state in her very nicely-appointed Sports Utility Vehicle. But boy, does she pay a lot for gas! New Mexicans, no doubt, are feeling "pain at the pump" and now that I'm back in Washington I am focusing my efforts creating and passing good energy policies for the benefit of all Americans.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this summer. Please continue to contact my offices when there is something I can do for you and when help is needed. Take care, and enjoy this month's issue.

Sincerely,

Our servicemen and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan survived bombs and bullets on the battlefield, but many of those who return home face an equally great danger - combat-related mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), and in too many tragic cases, suicide.

When 22-year-old Army Specialist Joshua Omvig of Iowa returned from a valiant 11 month tour of duty in Iraq in 2005, he was haunted by the experience and died as a result of untreated PSTD. The untimely death by his own hand brought this often overlooked form of war casualty into the national spotlight. In 2007, I joined 26 other Senators in honoring Joshua's memory and I cosponsored the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act (S.479).

I am moved by this critical issue and committed to protecting those who protect our country, and with Senator Obama by my side, I introduced the "Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act" (S.38) in May. This legislation would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with community mental health centers and other qualified entities to provide peer outreach and support services, readjustment counseling and mental health services in any remote area of the country in which the VA determines there is inadequate access to medical

services. It also will require any contract-provider to hire a trained peer specialist as well as have its clinicians participate in a training program to be certain they well provide "culturally competent" services.

Veterans are not alone in the stress and mental health challenges they often face upon returning from combat service. Their families and loved ones, too, have made sacrifices for our country and S.38 will support their needs as well. The bill will expand access to services so that families can better help veterans adjust back to civilian life, and also help the families as they readjust to having their loved ones back from duty.

I firmly believe that outreach and access to treatment are essential to prevent readjustment problems and mental health issues for our returning veterans and their families. Left untreated, these disorders can become chronic and debilitating. I will continue the fight to reduce the risk of veterans becoming casualties of this serious problem.

The recent article, "Suicide risk much higher for male veterans," illustrates the devastating effect mental health issues have on returning veterans.

I had the pleasure of visiting Pratt Morales at Golden Crown Panaderia in Albuquerque. Recently, Pratt and his family obtained a loan for improvements to their Old Town Albuquerque store through ACCION New Mexico. In the picture to the left, I watched as Pratt pulled his turkey bread fresh from the oven. To learn more about the Golden Crown Panaderia, visit their website.

Many New Mexicans have probably heard of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) recently, but some may think these aircraft, which require no onboard pilot, are the stuff of science fiction or the distant future. In fact, these UAVs are increasingly being used to support a number of military and homeland security efforts.

I am a strong advocate of using these aircraft to secure U.S. borders because UAVs can fill gaps in current surveillance technologies. They can provide precise and real-time imagery so border patrol agents on the ground can make quick informed decisions. UAVs can also serve as exceptional tools to combat drug traffickers, potential terrorists and those who would enter our country illegally. Last year, I was able to help secure $20 million for UAVs in the FY2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill for border security work.

New Mexico also plays a key role in UAV technology development at New Mexico State University's (NMSU) UAV Systems and Operations Validation Program, which allows NMSU to do UAV research for the Department of Defense. I have been a long-time supporter of this program, and was pleased to obtain $4.9 million in Defense funding for this NMSU program in FY2007.

As part of the recent Senate debate on better border security, I supported adding more UAVs along the border and will continue to do so. UAVs are an exceptional tool that we must make use of as we work to secure our borders and defend our nation.

With the hot days of summer just around the corner, New Mexicans will once again turn their attention to that vital commodity that nourishes our bodies and quenches our thirst: water.

The people of Southwest particularly understand and appreciate the importance of water. Our water is a resource which must be well-managed and protected. Approximately 90 percent of New Mexicans depend on groundwater for drinking water and 77 percent of New Mexicans obtain water exclusively from groundwater sources. During times of drought, when surface water is scarce, New Mexicans must be able to reliably turn to groundwater.

The New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act of 2007 (S.324) recently passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

This legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive study of groundwater resources in the state. I will continue to urge Congress to focus on finding solutions to our water dilemma in New Mexico, and I believe a comprehensive study of the state's water resources, including the Salt Basin under Otero Mesa, is an important part of effective water planning. Visit this link for the full bill text of S.324.

While we want a better understanding of our water resources, it is advisable for all citizens in New Mexico to conserve water whenever we can.

For more information on state water resources visit these useful sites:

The Interstate Stream Commission

Water, Use it Wisely!

The best and brightest teenagers from across the globe flocked to New Mexico in May for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Budding young scientists competed at the Albuquerque Convention Center to demonstrate their proven understanding of science.


Several young people from our own state were honored at the end of the week-long exhibition. I congratulate these exemplary young men and women:

Susannah Clary of Los Lunas High School; Erika DeBenedictis and Stephen Michael Bergin of St. Pius High School in Albuquerque; Kristina Dahm and Christian Stephen Hammond of Rio Rancho High School; Adam Akkad and H. Richard Zou of Albuquerque Academy; Quentin Bernard Smith of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque.

When America competes, America advances. I am proud that these bright young New Mexicans are contributing to the progress and success of our great nation.

To learn more about the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair visit their website.

There is no better way for kids to learn how "to do the right thing" than by example, and this month I salute two wonderful Character Counts role models.

Though New Mexican Hank Baskett's football career has carried him across the country where he plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, he still holds the attention and admiration of his home state. Not only is his hard work and success in the NFL outstanding, but his sterling character, demonstrated through courage and teamwork, is inspiring.

Obviously, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Hank was raised by one of New Mexico's best, Hank Baskett Sr. A long-time Air Force veteran, Hank Sr. now runs the

Oasis Children's Advocacy Center in Clovis, where he helps children who are victims of violent crime. His tremendous strength of character and the positive example he sets forever impacts the life of every child at Oasis.

Dr. Art Guenther was another distinguished New Mexican of character, who sadly passed away this spring. Dr. Guenther was my great partner in establishing New Mexico as a leader in the disciplines of science and technology. For the young men and women of New Mexico exploring careers in science, Dr. Guenther was a terrific role model. He will be missed deeply, but his legacy will live on through all who were touched by his life, his work, and his integrity.

If you are one of the many New Mexicans who haven't made summer vacation plans yet, consider some of the nationally renowned vacations spots right in your own backyard! New Mexico has countless options to suit all tastes. Whether it's visiting Hatch for some chile roasting, or catching opening night at the world famous Santa Fe Opera - there is something for everyone. Wherever you decide to go, you will find our State to be truly enchanting.

The newly launched Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau website showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Albuquerque area and it features powerful new online tools to help you plan a visit. So take a moment to see what Albuquerque has to offer. You might end up planning an unforgettable summer vacation much closer to home than expected. View the new website Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

For those drawn to southern New Mexico, a visit to the breathtaking Carlsbad Cavern is sure to be a lifetime experience. Boasting one of the world's largest underground chambers and

countless formations, Carlsbad Cavern offers walking tours year-round. To learn more about this New Mexico treasure, and plan your own visit to the Carlsbad Cavern National Park.

Avid fisherman will find the San Juan River running through northwestern New Mexico to be a little piece of heaven. In close proximity to Aztec, Farmington, and Navajo Dam, the San Juan River offers world-class fly fishing amid scenic landscape. Find out everything need to know about fly fishing on the San Juan River.

To learn how to get your fishing permit, visit the New Mexico Game & Fish website.

For more ideas for exploring the state, visit the New Mexico Tourism Department.

For the thousands of New Mexicans who will be traveling to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda this summer, passports (or evidence of application) will be necessary to get in and out of the U.S. Keep these important tips in mind as your plan your travels:

Applicants should be sure to check their applications against the checklist on the State Department website. Thirteen percent of applications are delayed by simple errors. Make sure that your application isn't held up by a small mistake or failure to follow guidelines. Check your application here.

Travelers can check the status of their passport applications online. The status of routine applications is normally available online approximately four weeks after the application is submitted. Information on expedited applications is normally available online approximately one week after the application is submitted.

Those who have applied and are leaving within two weeks can go online to send an email inquiry to check the status or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Travelers who have not applied for passports to date should allow at least 10-12 weeks for standard passport processing and 2-3 weeks for expedited processing. Information on how to apply for a passport, including how to expedite processing, is available at http://travel.state.gov.

Citizens with pending passport applications will be permitted to travel by air to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda as long as they present official evidence of application along with a government-issued I.D. Visit this website for more information on travel flexibility for applicants.

White Oaks is still listed in several guides as a "ghost town", but this old township of about 15 residents is vital and active. Recently, an educational field trip from Carrizozo held class at the old schoolhouse, which hasn't been occupied by students since 1942. There are pottery and artist studios featuring regular exhibits, stables with horse riding activities, and the famous "No Scum Allowed Saloon." For more information check out the official website.