Oil worker health care fund is sought by New Mexico congressman in swing district

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A first term U.S. congressman from New Mexico has introduced a bill that would create a health care fund for oil field workers nationwide. It would compensate oil workers and their immediate relatives for uninsured medical costs related to air pollution and heat-related illness. Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez said Wednesday that his bill would require energy companies to pay into the trust. The bill marks a shift in focus from an unfettered support of the oil industry under Vasquez’s Republican predecessor. However, it’s unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House.