Sen. Ben Ray Luján Expressed Frustration, Dedication to Federal Permitting Reform
Despite partisan challenges, Luján said moving past them was necessary for the U.S. to become a world leader.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2026 – Permitting reform is a bipartisan issue and should no longer be stalled or slowed, said Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., because doing so is vital for expanding artificial intelligence and technology in the United States.
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Speaking at the INCOMPAS Policy Summit here on Wednesday, Luján expressed frustration over the lack of bipartisanship, in the past several months, on proposed permitting reforms.
As an example, he cited former Sen. Joe Manchin, D- W.V., who had drafted a bipartisan permitting reform bill including broadband infrastructure provisions. His bill collapsed after Republican lawmakers withdrew their support in retaliation for Manchin’s votes for other Democratic priorities.
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