Democratic Representative Gabe Vasquez, from New Mexico, was recognized this August 17 as one of the members of the United States Congress with the greatest willingness to work in a bipartisan manner, according to the organization Bridge Grades.
Vasquez obtained an A grade, the second consecutive one he has received from this organization, and registered a level of collaboration higher than that of more than 90% of the members of Congress. Additionally, he was considered the most bipartisan member of the New Mexico delegation.
“I am proud to receive one of the highest bipartisanship scores in Congress because from day one I have worked for everyone in my district, not any party or special interest,” Vasquez said in a statement.
The lawmaker added: “I am willing to work with anyone on the other side of the aisle who is serious about reducing costs, making health care and housing affordable, reducing crime and protecting our public lands.”
Bridge Grades is a project of the nonpartisan Mediators Foundation that evaluates legislators based on their ability to build agreements and work with members of other parties.
According to the Bridge Grades methodology, its index combines data on the legislative behavior and public communication of congressmen. Among other elements, it considers the presentation and sponsorship of bipartisan initiatives, coalition building, public discourse and the willingness to seek agreements.
The recognition of Vasquez adds to other indicators of his legislative activity. In March 2025, the Center for Effective Lawmaking listed him among first-term Democratic lawmakers who exceeded expectations during the 118th Congress.
Agreements on fires and rural communities
Some of Vasquez's bipartisan activity focused on issues related to New Mexico and other states in the western United States.
One of its main results was the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, an initiative presented together with Republicans Dan Newhouse and Jake Ellzey, as well as Democrat Salud Carbajal. The legislation sought to strengthen the air fleet used to fight wildfires by leveraging surplus Department of Defense aircraft and parts.
The initiative was approved by Congress and sent to the White House in June 2025.
Another of his projects was the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which restored approximately $9 million annually in federal support to rural counties in New Mexico. The resources are allocated to services such as schools, roads and other infrastructure needs.
The measure had the support of legislators from both parties. Vasquez also appeared among the congressmen who asked the leadership of both chambers to promote the renewal of the program.
The legislator also promoted the creation of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, with the goal of protecting public lands, expanding recreational opportunities and preventing their sale.
Recent initiatives also include the Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act, on the use of drones and anti-drone technology by authorities, as well as proposals related to forest fire prevention, teacher education in tribal communities and combating organized theft in businesses.
In 2025, Vasquez's office reported that seven of his bipartisan projects were incorporated into laws signed by President Donald Trump, including measures on aerial firefighting and rural schools.
