Representative Melanie Stansbury, Democratic from New Mexico

Melanie Stansbury

Representative · New Mexico · Democrat

Melanie Stansbury

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, it rained yesterday in New Mexico--a real rain, a monsoon rain, a rain that we have been waiting for, for months in our communities. My social media was flooded with images of people celebrating, recording out of their windows and doors, dancing, and rejoicing. That is because in New Mexico, in our desert, water is life, water is culture, and water is what sustains us. As New Mexicans, we have been in the grips of a historic drought. The mighty Rio Grande has been dry for a record of over 90 days through our communities this summer.
RESTORING GLOBAL CLIMATE ACCORDS··Share
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand with our farmers and ranchers because in New Mexico, these are not just industries, they are part of our identity, our culture, and our way of life passed down from generation to generation. From our acequias to family farms, they put food on our tables, but right now that way of life is under attack. This administration is flooding our beef supply with foreign beef, failing to protect the safety of our food as Americans face recall after recall, and cutting food programs that keep our children, our seniors, and our people from going hungry.
STANDING WITH RANCHERS AND FARMERS··Share
Mr. Speaker, good evening. I thank Mr. Jackson for yielding. He is not only one of my dear friends, but also a mentor, and I believe one of the greatest fighters in this institution. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight on behalf of the people of New Mexico because in New Mexico, the assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just an assault on our communities but on our identities, our histories, and our ways of life. The consequences go far beyond a slogan or some polling that some political firm has done. They reach into our hospitals and our clinics. They reach our veterans.
GIVING VOICE TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PRINCIPLES··Share
Biography
Melanie Stansbury began her career as a scientist and environmental policy expert, focusing on water resources and sustainable development. Elected as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s 1st congressional district in 2021, she prioritizes climate action, Indigenous rights, and expanding access to healthcare. Stansbury authored the Water Data Act to improve water management and serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources. She brings a data-driven, collaborative approach to representing her diverse district, ensuring local voices guide federal solutions.
Education
  • M.S., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
    2007
  • B.A. in Human Ecology and Natural Science, Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA
    2002
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2021–Present

    Represented New Mexico's 1st congressional district for 3 terms.

  • Member, New Mexico House of Representatives

    2019–21

  • Staffer, White House Office of Management and Budget

    2011–15

  • Staffer, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

    2002–04

  • Consultant

Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural Resources23%
Government Operations and Politics9%
Native Americans7%
Education7%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Melanie Stansbury's record in Congress.

  • Water Infrastructure Funding

    Secured federal funding for water infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including projects to address drought and water access.

  • Wildfire Disaster Aid

    Advocated for and helped deliver federal disaster relief for communities impacted by the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires.

  • Native American Education Support

    Supported increased federal investment in Native American education programs and schools in New Mexico.

  • Climate and Conservation Legislation

    Introduced and supported bills to promote climate resilience and protect New Mexico’s public lands and ecosystems.

Committee Assignments
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  • House Committee on Natural Resources
  • House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Rep. Melanie Stansbury FAQ

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Representative Stansbury focuses on Public Lands and Natural Resources, Government Operations and Politics and Native Americans. Deliver personalized constituent letters to New Mexico's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.

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