U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District answered questions from constituents this week during a telephone town hall that drew more than 12,000 participants from across western and southern Colorado.
The Republican lawmaker, who recently completed his first year in office, highlighted legislation he has sponsored and emphasized what he described as bipartisan cooperation and constituent services.
“We passed four bills out of the House of Representatives. One of those has been signed into law,” Hurd said during the call. “At the end of the day, no one here in Washington, D.C., voted for me. The only votes I got were from the people of the Third Congressional District.”
Constituents asked about a wide range of federal issues, including voting laws, energy costs, immigration enforcement, tariffs and water policy.
Hurd said he supports federal legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, arguing it would strengthen confidence in election integrity.
“I think voting in federal elections is a right of citizenship,” he said, adding that the intent is not to make it harder for eligible voters but to ensure only citizens participate in federal races.
Energy policy was another major topic. Hurd said rising electricity demand — driven in part by artificial intelligence and data centers — will require expanding multiple forms of energy generation.
“I support an all-of-the-above energy approach,” Hurd said, naming coal, natural gas, wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear as part of a balanced strategy. He said keeping energy affordable is critical for rural families and businesses.
Several callers raised concerns about immigration enforcement and its impact on local labor markets, particularly in agriculture and tourism. Hurd said individuals who are in the country legally should receive due process protections, while emphasizing border security and enforcement against criminal activity.
“We are a nation of laws,” he said, adding that legal immigration programs such as H-2A agricultural visas should be reformed to meet workforce needs.
Water management along the Colorado River also drew questions. Hurd said protecting Colorado’s interests under the 1922 Colorado River Compact remains a priority, particularly as negotiations continue between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states.
“We need to protect that compact,” Hurd said. “It ensures equal sharing of water between upper basin states and lower basin states.”
Hurd also addressed tariffs and congressional authority, saying unpredictable trade policy can harm farmers, manufacturers and small businesses.
“Businesses can’t do business when policy changes every few months,” he said.
The tele-town hall lasted roughly an hour. Hurd said he plans to continue hosting similar forums to gather feedback from constituents throughout the district.
