As the federal government shutdown drags into its fifth week, vulnerable Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) is facing sharp criticism for what opponents call stunning hypocrisy — publicly demanding troop pay and food assistance even as he voted for the very shutdown that cut off those funds.
According to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), Democrats have now voted 13 times against reopening the government, leaving programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) defunded. Funding for these programs is set to run out on November 1, potentially cutting off food aid to millions, including around 460,000 New Mexicans, the state with the highest percentage of SNAP recipients in the nation. However, New Mexico is one of the states with the highest SNAP fraud rates.
In an October 8 press release, Vasquez attempted to distance himself from the consequences of his own vote by urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to “get Republicans back to Washington to vote to pay our servicemen and women.” He warned that “nearly three million military families will miss their next paycheck,” calling the situation “unacceptable.”
Yet, Vasquez conveniently omitted his role in voting to shut down the government — the very action that halted military pay and threatened benefits for service members and their families. “Our troops selflessly serve and defend our country every single day, and they deserve to be paid on time for their work,” Vasquez said. But critics note that his party’s refusal to fund the government is the reason paychecks stopped in the first place.
NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson blasted Vasquez’s mixed messaging, saying, “Gabe Vasquez jeopardized critical food assistance for millions of New Mexicans so he could score political points with his radical base. Hardworking families know they can’t rely on Vasquez to fight for them in Washington.”
The contradiction goes further. In his press release, Vasquez boasted of “fighting for working-class Americans’ access to health care” and “supporting our troops.” But those very services have been disrupted under the month-long shutdown Democrats continue to defend.
Meanwhile, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a $30 million state food-assistance package to temporarily “fill the gap” left by the frozen federal funds. However, the plan would amount to just $65.21 per SNAP recipient — hardly enough to offset the economic pain caused by Washington’s dysfunction.
The NRCC argues that Vasquez’s push for letters, press releases, and symbolic legislation like the Pay Our Troops Act cannot hide the fact that his own vote forced troops to work without pay and put families at risk of hunger.
Even the nation’s labor unions — organizations that have always leaned left — are begging Democrats to reopen the government for the sake of workers.
As the shutdown hits day 30, frustration is mounting across New Mexico — especially among military families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. For them, Vasquez’s rhetoric rings hollow. He can issue as many press releases as he wants, but until Democrats end the blockade and vote to reopen the government, both troops and struggling families will continue paying the price for his party’s political games.
It’s truly amazing what a lier and a coward he is
Unfortunately that’s the kind of government we have in NM
There was a vote to pay the military and the democrats voted “NO” once again. Their leverage is totally against the electorate that put President Trump back in office. Mainly because they are totally afraid of the evil corruption being exposed.
Vasquez is a cowardly chameleon who cleverly hides the truth of where he stands.
the democrats lie more than they tell the truth. sadly their voters buy into the lies because they dont know anything. Gabe is provided talking points by the dem party. all dems are because they all say the same thing. if you believe them you should question yourself. tuesday election day and people still voting in traitor democrats. talk about a stupid public
Thank you, “Pinon Post,” for exposing Vasquez’ lies.
Basquez earlier called for defunding the police.
Vasquez earlier called for defunding the police.
With local elections coming very soon, isn’t it amazing how MLG is going to step in and rob Peter to pay Paul and keep their loyal herd of sheep in check? So what if it’s illegal, who’s going to do anything about it?
It is unfortunate that the only qualification most voters in this state look for is a “D” by the name. The state has historically voted democrat and the results tell the tale. I’m afraid things will never change here. I doubt we could even get another republican governor given the electorate’s disinterest in educating themselves about the issues and facts. Even if we could get one, all they could do is veto the dumb stuff that comes out of Santa Fe.
Vasquez is a moron. He is just like the Democrats who are doing their level best to keep the government shut down, possibly so they can get paid for doing nothing. The best thing we could do, is cut their pay, all those who are voting to keep the government closed, stop their paychecks until they vote to open it. It will be opened as soon as physically possible if we did that. After all, they are being paid for doing nothing, so they should stop getting paid for doing nothing. PERIOD!
And it isn’t because of them that the Military is being paid. Trump is doing that. Not the democrats, so stop taking credit when you don’t deserve it Vasquez!!!!!
He is a blatant liar and fraud! He does not care about the citizens of the United States! He cares about selling his vote!!!
The sheeple believe the lies and will still vote for the slaughter on election day.
Lying POS.
Vasquez’ true constituents are illegal aliens.
You can’t have it both ways, Gabe; you can’t be for paying the military AND support the Democrat shutdown.
Vasquez is not protecting our soldier’s pay. He is a lying sot.
Ok Republicans if this doesn’t get everyone out to bring these DamnRats to account for those their seats here in New Mexico, then the Republican Party is of no use. Get out there and bring these liberal people to understand that our state needs leaders that will work for the citizens.