GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Two months into his tenure as the representative for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, Congressman Jeff Hurd is already feeling the weight of the job. Speaking at the ‘Lincoln Day Dinner’ in Mesa County on March 22, Hurd acknowledged the workload, calling the experience both rewarding and intense.
“It’s been a little more than two months, but it feels like two years,” he admitted. The newly elected congressman, who took office following the November 2024 election, has wasted no time diving into key issues affecting his constituents.
Priorities on the Agenda
Hurd made it clear that his primary focus is on securing the border, achieving energy independence, and easing financial burdens on families. He emphasized his commitment to making a tangible difference for the people in his district.
“Doing everything I can to make life better for families, to protect rural healthcare, to lower the cost of living for families, to help our energy economy grow and thrive, and also protect the West and the beautiful outdoor scenery that we have here in western and southern Colorado,” Hurd stated.
His comments highlight a balancing act—pushing economic growth while preserving the region’s natural beauty. The congressman believes both can be achieved with the right approach.
Cost of Living: A Pressing Concern
Inflation remains a key issue for many households, and Hurd acknowledged the financial strain families face, particularly when it comes to necessities like food and fuel.
- He pointed to the rising cost of groceries, gasoline, and energy as critical challenges.
- He expressed confidence that Congress, with a Republican-led agenda, can drive down costs.
- He reassured constituents that economic relief remains a top priority.
“We are working hard in Congress to lower those costs, particularly when it comes to the cost of groceries, the cost of gasoline, the cost of energy, all those things with a Republican agenda,” Hurd said. “I’m confident we’re going to advance priorities that will lower those costs, and it will make it easier for families to make ends meet.”
Government Efficiency: Where to Cut and Where to Invest
Hurd also addressed concerns about government efficiency, stating that while he supports making government operations leaner, the right cuts need to be made.
“There’s a heck of a lot more that we can do to deliver services more cost-effectively and more efficiently,” Hurd remarked. He underscored the importance of targeting inefficiencies in Washington, rather than cutting resources from frontline workers who directly serve communities.
A major question, he noted, is deciding where to make reductions without compromising essential services. He specifically called out bureaucratic inefficiencies in the federal government, suggesting that those working in D.C. should face scrutiny before cuts impact people managing public lands or other key services.
| Government Spending Focus | Hurd’s Perspective |
|---|---|
| Federal Land Management | Keep local workers in place |
| Bureaucratic Operations | Target inefficiencies in Washington |
| Essential Services | Maintain critical programs |
Looking Ahead: A Long Road with More to Do
While Hurd expressed satisfaction with his early progress, he also made it clear that his work is far from over. He reiterated his commitment to addressing key challenges and delivering results for his district.
“There is still a lot of work to do,” he said.
With pressing issues like the economy, border security, and government efficiency on his plate, Hurd’s first term is shaping up to be both demanding and impactful. Whether his policies will translate into tangible improvements for his constituents remains to be seen, but for now, he remains steadfast in his approach.
