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This month marks the first anniversary of The Domenici Report, my online newsletter. We kicked off this newsletter in September 2006 to help keep New Mexicans abreast of what’s going on in Congress and to make you aware of how I can be available to you as your Senator. We’ve also featured events, activities, and notable items from within the state, to allow all New Mexicans to know what’s going on in their own backyard. I hope that you have enjoyed each month’s articles and that you’ve had a glimpse into what is happening in Washington and in our own beautiful state.
Be sure to check out the many photos in this month’s issue. As you’ll see, I spent the month of August doing what I enjoy most – visiting New Mexicans and participating in community, environmental, and business events around the state.
Thank you for your readership and your feedback. I look forward to a second year of The Domenici Report.
Sincerely
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On September 18, the United States Air Force commemorated its 60th anniversary, which has officially been christened “Heritage to Horizons . . . Commemorating 60 Years of Air and Space Power.” New Mexico has maintained a long and close relationship with the U.S. Air Force, and I am proud to congratulate the Air Force on this milestone anniversary.
New Mexico is home to Cannon, Holloman and Kirtland Air Force Bases, as well as the former Walker Air Force Base in Roswell. Our state is honored and proud that so many Air Force officers and airmen have called New Mexico home.
The fact that the Air Force is celebrating “Air and Space Power” is not lost on New Mexico, where work is done in both areas. Holloman will be a premier site of air power when the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing becomes home to the F-22A Raptor, the most advanced fighter in the world. Cannon is also undergoing changes and growth in the air power
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arena, as Air Force Special Operations Command stands up the new 27th Wing at Cannon beginning October 1. Kirtland continues to be the scene of much space work, including expansion of Air Force Research Laboratorys Space Vehicle Directorate and the Operationally Responsive Space office.
For the last six decades, America and its allies have been protected by the greatest Air Force in the world. I salute the men and women of the Air Force and hope that on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, New Mexicans will show sincere appreciation and gratitude to the officers and airmen who have served, and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in our defense.
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This month I joined the Senate in passing the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill for FY2008 (HR.2642). The bill has many provisions important to New Mexico.
HR.2642 provides important funding for New Mexico’s military installations. These projects include $10 million to facilitate the Air Force Special Operations Command work at Cannon AFB and $71 million to support a new Army engineering battalion that will be based at White Sands Missile Range. The bill directs $42.7 million in BRAC-related funding to facilitate moving space vehicles work to Kirtland. I was also able to obtain $11.4 million for a new Pararescue/Combat Rescue Officer (PJ/CRO) School building at Kirtland.
HR.2642 also includes $37.2 billion for veteran’s health care, a 13.9 percent
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increase in spending over last year’s funding. I am also happy this bill contains language supporting the goals of one of my bills, the Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 (S.38), which will help make sure that the men and women bravely serving in Iraq and Afghanistan receive the mental health care they deserve.
I believe the increased funding for veterans care and programs that this bill calls for is of the utmost importance. These critical resources will help the Veterans Administration meet growing demands, particularly new care associated with veterans of American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. HR.2642 will now be sent to a conference committee to work out differences in the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill.
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Drug use disorders, which include misuse, dependence, or addiction, have a devastating effect on individuals, families, and even entire communities. These disorders alone are estimated to cost American businesses approximately $128.6 billion in lost productivity each year, and alcohol is estimated to cause 500 million lost workdays annually. This is not to mention the personal struggles a drug dependent individual faces every day.
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and it is my hope that millions of Americans who suffer with addictions will reach out and ask for help. 
Learn more about Recovery month here: http://www.recoverymonth.gov
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In August, I joined Eddy County Manager Steve Massey to visit the future site of the Eddy County Regional Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Carlsbad. (pictured, below left) Programs such as the one in Eddy County will restore hope in the lives of recovering addicts and their families and friends, and stands to benefit communities in the region. To find out more about this program and others in your area click on www.bhc.state.nm.us
On Capitol Hill, Senator Ted Kennedy and I continue our work on a bill to bring fairness to mental health coverage. It is with great joy that I report Senate passage of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S.588), and with anticipation that I look ahead to full congressional approval of the bill. This bill will mean that group insurance plans offering mental health coverage must provide it on nearly the same level as they cover other physical ailments, like heart disease or diabetes. Mental illnesses, whose symptoms are often masked by drug and alcohol addictions, are a national problem, and now we have a package that can move the nation forward to better address treatment for those who suffer. I encourage you to follow the debate.
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Salt cedars are one of the most invasive plants along western waterways. If you’ve spent any time along our state’s rivers, chances are you’ve seen these prolific plants.
Salt cedars, or tamarisk, pose a serious threat to the health of our state’s fragile water resources. Salt cedars were introduced to our ecosystem in the 19th century to combat erosion. But with them came a whole new problem – these thirsty plants, when mature, can consume an estimated 200 gallons of water a day, serving as a drain on an already drought-ridden New Mexico. They also emit salt into our soils and waters. I coauthored a bipartisan measure to establish a five-year $410 billion state revolving fund, allowing western states like New Mexico to combat destructive invasive species and mitigate their damage.
In August, I toured the Abo Arroyo Watershed Salt Cedar Project near Mountainair, where the Claunch-Pinto Soil & Water Conservation District has cleared nearly 300 acres of invasive vegetation. The Abo Arroyo Watershed Salt Cedar Project partners have also entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food Service to treat 60 acres
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acres of seed source salt cedar above the canyon to preserve the landscape and prevent further tamarisk invasion. It was wonderful to see federal, state and local resources result in the resurgence of a stream flowing strong after the removal of acres of salt cedars.
It is encouraging to witness firsthand the positive results of this collaboration. I commend all involved for a job well done.
http://www.blm.gov
http://nmdaweb.nmsu.edu
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After months of hard work and coordination among local, state, and federal officials, daily flights from Roswell to Dallas-Fort Worth, via regional jet, began on September 5, bringing with them expectations of sustained economic growth in southeast New Mexico.
The new air service, provided by American Eagle, is an attractive option for
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those traveling to visit friends and family, or for those traveling for business or leisure.
This new nonstop travel option will benefit the entire southeast region of New Mexico. I believe there are a number of growing economic engines in the region—both private and public—that can help this air service grow. These flights, for instance, can serve tourism, business and major programs like FLETC-Artesia, WIPP and the uranium enrichment plant going up in Lea County.
Many worked diligently over the past several years to make these regional flights a reality. Local leaders in the region deserve a pat on the back for a “job well done.”
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National Character Counts Week is October 21-27, and across New Mexico young people will celebrate with parades, assemblies, awards ceremonies, and pep rallies.
But this year, I think the best way to mark the virtues of character education is by honoring the late Poe Corn.
I was privileged to have Poe work for me for 27 years. He was instrumental in establishing Character Counts in southeast New Mexico classrooms, ball fields, and community events. When Poe passed away in January, we lost a great friend and a man of sterling character.
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But he leaves a wonderful legacy for our youth through Character Counts.
It is fitting that Chaves County Character Counts plans to honor Poe in October with plaques at the Roswell Zoo and the Cielo Grande Recreation Area. These are telling tributes to Poe Corn, a man who truly lived by the pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Citizenship, and Caring.
For a list of Character Counts Week events, check out the new Albuquerque Character Counts website: www.charactercountsnm.org
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Diane Holloway was a single mother on public assistance when she opened Diane’s Restaurant in Silver City. She got her start with a $5,000 SBA microloan through WESST Corp, a garage-sale stove, and two employees. Diane, now employing over 40 people, expanded the restaurant due to its popularity, and in June opened a bakery across the street.
There’s something else special about Diane’s Restaurant besides its menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, baked goods and to-die-for desserts. Diane also gives back by hiring people who have also been on welfare and by offering health insurance to her employees. Diane gives big thanks to WESST Corp for its part in her success, which is why I am happy to be able to support WESST Corp through my work in Washington D.C.
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You can learn more about Diane’s Restaurant at http://www.dianesrestaurant.com
WESST Corp, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit, has regional offices in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell and Gallup. Learn more about its serves at www.wesst.org or 1-800-GOWESST.
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All eyes will be on the Albuquerque skies from October 6-14 as hundreds of balloons fly in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
This very unique attraction draws close to one million visitors from around the globe who watch nearly 700 balloons in all imaginable colors and shapes dot the majestic New Mexico sky. Festival attendees may see hot air balloons in the shapes of an American flag, a chile ristra, a stagecoach, an eagle, or my favorite, a flying pig!
To learn more about the festival, including history, photo galleries, and a schedule of this year’s events, at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta website: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/
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Senator Domenici met Victor O. Martinez of Carlsbad during a tour of the Sunland peanut plant in Portales. Following the tour, Domenici met with area peanut farmers to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill. (Aug. 14)
Senator Domenici visited with Grants business and city leaders at a morning coffee to discuss various local issues, including the possible resurgence of uranium mining in the region. (Aug. 15)
Senator Domenici shakes hands with Senator Bingaman at the ceremony to formally open the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility in Alamogordo. Domenici secured $20 million for the water technologies facility. (Aug. 16)
Senator Domenici visits with Ed “Wishbone” Summerall & Ronnie Merrill of the American Legion Riders Chapter 8, who were manning an "Operation Wounded Warriors" booth at the Otero County Fair. (Aug. 16)
Senator Domenici knocks on the top of a new water well for the village of Ruidoso, as Mayor L. Ray Nunley and other city officials look on. The Senator secured $1.6 million in Bureau of Reclamation drought emergency money to drill the well. (Aug. 17)
Senator Domenici joins local officals to break ground for the major expansion of P&M Signs Inc. in Mountainair. (Aug. 20)
Senator Domenici met Janice Johnston, one of his former Garfield Middle School students, at the dedication of the MESA facility at Sandia National Laboratories. Domenici taught for a year at Garfield before going to law school. (Aug. 23)
Senator Domenici chats with former Gov. Bruce King, Mike and Mary Anaya during an Estancia Valley Economic Development luncheon in Moriarty. (Aug. 24)
Senator Domenici met with Adrian Romero, Christine Habermann and Melanie Quill, all of Albuquerque, who were visiting Domenici staffer Mike Misurek. Their Capitol visit fell on the day Congress marked the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (Sept. 11)
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