Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)
Downwinder Commemoration Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Downwinder Commemoration Act of 2025," directs specific federal secretaries to honor communities in New Mexico. The Downwinder communities suffered health issues like cancer and infertility due to radioactive fallout from the first atomic bomb detonation. To recognize them, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of the Interior must obtain three honorific plaques. These plaques will be placed at specific locations in New Mexico. The goal is to commemorate the communities that suffered these detrimental health effects.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +1
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill acknowledges the generational health effects suffered by local communities in New Mexico.
- Scored +1
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?
The bill honors the Downwinder communities of New Mexico who suffered from radioactive fallout.
- Scored +1
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill provides formal recognition to rural communities in New Mexico affected by atomic testing.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Suffering: The bill recognizes that Downwinder communities in New Mexico suffered generations of detrimental health effects, including cancer and infertility, due to radioactive fallout (Section 2, subsection a).
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Commemoration via Plaques: The Act requires the creation and placement of three honorific plaques to commemorate these communities (Section 2, subsection b).
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Public Accessibility of Honor: Plaques will be placed at publicly accessible locations at the White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands National Park (Section 2, subsection c).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill honors the Downwinder communities of New Mexico who suffered from radioactive fallout. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill acknowledges the generational health effects suffered by local communities in New Mexico. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides formal recognition to rural communities in New Mexico affected by atomic testing.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill involves the placement of commemorative plaques within public lands like White Sands National Park.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill directs federal agencies to officially recognize the historical impact of radioactive fallout on specific communities.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill honors communities affected by military testing and fallout through commemorative plaques at military installations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides symbolic recognition for communities that have suffered long-term health and economic consequences from radioactive fallout.
- 4/21/2026
- Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 3/18/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/11/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico