Rep. Jeff Hurd

I represent Colorado’s Third District, and I will always put our communities first. When I took office, I swore an oath to the Constitution and to the people I serve. Every vote I cast is guided by what is best for this district and the long-term strength of our country. Leadership requires independent judgment and the willingness to stand on principle. My focus remains on delivering results for rural Colorado: • Strengthening American energy production • Supporting our farmers and ranchers • Restoring fiscal discipline • Protecting our water resources • Backing our veterans and law enforcement That’s the job I was elected to do — and I’ll keep doing it with conviction, optimism, and a deep gratitude for the people I serve.

Communities across Southern and Western Colorado continue to face serious flooding, with 12 counties included in the state's disaster emergency declaration. My team and I are continuing to work closely with local, state, and federal officials to support impacted communities and ensure Coloradans have access to the resources they need. If you live in an affected area, please follow instructions from local emergency management officials, monitor evacuation notices, and avoid flooded roads. For emergency updates, road closures, and disaster assistance, visit: Emergency Assistance: 211colorado.org/disaster-res… Road Closures: cotrip.org/ Weather and Flood Alerts: weather.gov/ State Emergency Resources: dhsem.colorado.gov/ Please stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and know that my office remains available to help as our communities respond and recover.

Flooding is again threatening communities across Southern Colorado. Please follow instructions from your local emergency officials. Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office—Evacuation Information: sheriff.archuletacounty.gov/… Town of Pagosa Springs—Flood and Evacuation Updates: pagosasprings.co.gov/349/Oct… Conejos County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/people/Conejos-… Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/rgcounty/?ref=e…

Tonight’s division of responsibilities: The pilot controls the airspace. The knight handles ground security. The angel is in charge of good behavior. The older kids are noncombatants. Mom has final authority. I have been informed I have no jurisdiction over the candy. Happy Halloween from the Hurds. 🎃

Nearly $27 million in FEMA-eligible public infrastructure damage has already been identified in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties, and assessments are still underway. The state says that figure is a preliminary baseline, not a final accounting of the damage. Governor Polis has asked President Trump to approve an expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the October 22–25 flooding and debris flows. I support that request, along with Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. Approval would help communities repair damaged roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, clear debris, cover emergency response costs, and reduce the risk from future flooding. The damage is significant, and the full extent is still being assessed. I’m urging President Trump to approve the request quickly so recovery work can move forward. This should not be a partisan issue. Southwest Colorado needs help, and I’ll keep working with state, local, and federal partners to get it. #CO03

Tribal sovereignty means respecting the right of Tribal nations to make decisions for their own communities, lands, and resources. For generations, Tribal nations have cared for the land and wildlife that are central to their cultures and traditions. Washington should respect that expertise and support Tribal self-determination, not impose unnecessary barriers. I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that puts Tribal nations in the driver’s seat on buffalo conservation, strengthens their authority to manage these important resources, and creates new economic opportunities across Indian Country. As Chairman of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, I believe the federal government’s responsibility is to honor its trust and treaty obligations while respecting Tribal sovereignty. I’ll continue working across party lines to ensure Tribal nations have the authority, resources, and flexibility to make decisions that serve their people and preserve their traditions for generations to come. #CO03

Good news for Southwest Colorado and communities affected by last week’s flooding. The Federal Highway Administration has approved $10.5 million in emergency relief funding to repair Colorado highways, U.S. Forest Service roads, and restore access in these #CO03 counties: Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Ouray, Rio Grande, San Juan, and San Miguel. In rural Colorado, a damaged road can mean a much longer trip to work, school, medical care, or even being cut off from a neighboring community. Getting these routes repaired matters. Thank you to the road crews, first responders, and local, state, and federal officials working on the recovery. This funding is an important step. There is still more work ahead, and with upcoming storm forecasts, know that I'll do everything I can for Southwest Colorado. #CO03

Veterans know better than anyone where the system is working and where it isn’t. In Grand Junction yesterday, I joined veterans, state and local officials, and Colorado’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for a roundtable on the challenges veterans face across the Western Slope, including access to care, transportation, benefits, and support. We're making progress. That includes an additional $3 million earlier this month for improvements at the VA Medical Center in Mesa County and $450,000 I secured earlier this year for veteran transportation services at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center in Huerfano County. Those investments help bring care and services closer to veterans who should not have to travel hours to get them. We finished the morning at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, where I had the chance to thank Angela Ingalls and her team for the work they do serving veterans and their families. There is much more to do, and I’ll keep working to improve care and services for veterans across #CO03. 🇺🇸

Good news for Western and Southern Colorado! The SBA has approved additional disaster assistance for communities recovering from the Elk, Willow, and Gold Mountain Fires. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest economic injury loans, even without physical property damage. In Ouray County, homeowners, renters, and businesses may also qualify for assistance with property damaged by the Gold Mountain Fire and subsequent flooding and mudslides. Thank you to Governor Polis, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, my colleagues in Colorado’s congressional delegation, and local officials for coming together across party lines to support our communities. These are loans, not grants, but they are another important step toward recovery. I’ll keep working to ensure our communities have the resources they need to rebuild. Apply by December 22 for physical damage loans in Ouray County or July 23, 2027, for economic injury loans. Learn more: sba.gov/disaster #CO03

An update on the flooding and recovery efforts across Southwest Colorado: The Colorado National Guard and local first responders have been working to assist affected communities, rescuing 33 people and more than 15 pets as of October 27. Crews are also making progress reopening major highways, while state and federal officials continue assessing damage across the 12 counties included in Colorado’s disaster declaration. I’m grateful to the National Guard members, first responders, local officials, and volunteers who have been working around the clock to keep Coloradans safe. My office remains in close contact with local and federal partners as recovery efforts continue. With additional rainfall expected this weekend, I encourage everyone in affected areas to monitor local conditions, follow emergency guidance, and use the resources available to them. For assistance with temporary lodging, cleanup, and other recovery needs, call 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org/disaster-res…. For current road conditions and closures, visit cotrip.org. Stay safe, Southwest Colorado. #CO03

One of the most important parts of serving in Congress happens outside the spotlight: helping constituents cut through federal bureaucracy. Whether it’s resolving veterans’ benefits, Social Security issues, IRS cases, passports, or other problems with federal agencies, my office is here to help. So far, we’ve helped return more than $17 million to constituents across Colorado’s Third District, including more than $276,000 this week alone. If you or someone you know in #CO03 needs help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Learn more or request assistance at hurd.house.gov/services/help…

Congratulations to the 26 FFA members from Colorado's Third District who earned the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization! Fewer than 1% of FFA members earn this recognition. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding achievement in agriculture, complete substantial hands-on experience through agricultural work or research, contribute at least 50 hours of community service, and demonstrate leadership in their schools and communities. Agriculture is an important part of life across Western and Southern Colorado, and it's encouraging to see the next generation putting in the work to carry that tradition forward. Congratulations to all 26 recipients on this well-earned achievement! #CO03 #FFA @ColoradoFFA

As severe flooding continues across Southwest Colorado, our National Guard and local first responders are stepping up to protect our communities. The rescue of two people and their five pets from rising floodwaters is just one example of their courage and dedication. I’m grateful to the men and women working around the clock to keep our neighbors safe, often in dangerous conditions. Please continue to follow local emergency guidance and stay safe. #CO03

Today is the deadline for the Congressional App Challenge! Middle and high school students across Colorado's Third District have an opportunity to turn their ideas into something that can make a difference in their communities. Whether it's solving a local problem or finding a new way to help others, the Congressional App Challenge gives students a chance to put their creativity, coding, and problem-solving skills to work. If you've been working on an app, make sure to submit it before today's deadline, October 26. Learn more and submit your app at congressionalappchallenge.us. I'm looking forward to seeing what students across Western and Southern Colorado create! #CO03

I grew up in Grand Junction playing Grand Mesa Little League baseball, so it was great to come back and celebrate another generation of Grand Mesa players. Baseball is one of the few sports where sacrifice is literally written into the scorebook. Sometimes your job is to give something up so somebody else can move forward. That’s a pretty good lesson for life. Congratulations to the boys on repeating as Colorado State Champions and to the Senior Softball girls on their first state championship since 2006. I’m especially proud that both teams also earned sportsmanship awards at regionals. They didn’t just represent Western Colorado well on the scoreboard, they represented us well in how they played the game. A special thank you to Grand Mesa Baseball & Softball President Chris Riley and Vice President Dave Mantlo for their leadership, and to all the coaches, parents, and volunteers who made the season possible. #CO03

Flooding across Southwest Colorado and the San Luis Valley has forced evacuations, damaged roads and bridges, and left some residents stranded.  Thank you to the Colorado National Guard, local law enforcement, firefighters, emergency crews, and everyone working to keep people safe.  Please continue to take this flooding seriously and follow instructions from local officials. #CO03  More information on the National Guard response: co.ng.mil/News/Archives/Arti…

Aging natural gas pipes can put essential services at risk and leave small communities facing costly repairs. In Trinidad and Walsenburg, federal funding is helping replace that infrastructure—keeping homes warm, businesses running, and essential services reliable. I sat down with local leaders to see the work firsthand and discuss what additional investment could mean for communities across Southern Colorado. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I've supported extending the federal grant program that helps small communities make these improvements. Seeing this work firsthand reinforces why these investments matter: keeping essential services safe and reliable while helping small communities manage the cost of maintaining aging infrastructure. #CO03

Severe rainfall and flooding have caused extensive damage across Archuleta County. I’ve spoken with Sheriff LeRoux and county commissioners about what they’re seeing on the ground and what these communities need as they begin assessing the damage. My office is also in contact with state and federal agencies so we’re ready to help as local officials determine what assistance is needed. I’ll stay closely engaged with Archuleta County as the situation develops and the recovery begins. #CO03

Congratulations to the Durango Demons on a 50–0 win last night. I recently spoke with the team as part of their leadership series and asked these young men: What habits are you building in this football program that you want to take with you when football is over? The most important ones—the ability to work when you don’t feel like it, take responsibility, get back up when you’re knocked down, tell the truth, and sacrifice for your teammates—can stay with you for the rest of your life. Thanks to Coach Herron for the invite, and congratulations again to the Demons on a big win. Heart. Grit. Demons. #CO03

From a rainy morning in Bayfield to a sunny afternoon in Towaoc, our Coffee with Your Congressman series continued yesterday across Southwest Colorado. Over the past several months, we’ve held these events in Mesa, Garfield, Pueblo, La Plata, and Montezuma counties. They’re announced publicly, open to anyone from #CO03, and no RSVP is required. The point is simple: give constituents a chance to ask me questions directly, raise concerns, offer criticism, and tell me what they’re seeing in their communities. Thanks to everyone who joined us in Bayfield and Towaoc, and to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for hosting us. We’ll keep bringing these conversations across the district. Watch local news, my social media, and sign up for the Hurd Huddle for upcoming events.

Thank you to everyone from La Plata and Archuleta Counties who joined me in Bayfield this morning for Coffee with Your Congressman! We had a good conversation about the issues facing our communities, and I appreciated the thoughtful questions, honest feedback, and even some constructive criticism. You don’t have to agree with me to have a seat at the table. Listening to the people I represent is one of the most important parts of my job. Next stop: Towaoc! If you’re in Montezuma County, join me today at 3:00 PM at the Ute Mountain Casino (Buffalo Room). No RSVP required, and everyone is welcome. I look forward to seeing you there and continuing these conversations across #CO03.