Archive: Senator Tom Udall

04/01/2021

Representing New Mexico in Congress has been the honor of my life. Thank you so much for following me here during my time in the Senate—it’s been a privilege to represent and fight on behalf of, and alongside, New Mexicans.

03/01/2021

We can achieve our democratic ideals now by passing the For the People Act

It's long past time that we took action to reform our democracy: making it easier to vote, ending the dominance of big money, and rooting out corruption.

We can achieve our founding ideals -- and get back to working .

https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/531439-we-can-achieve-our-democratic-ideals-now-by-passing-the-for-the

My name was not on the ballot in 2020, but I am continuing to campaign for democracy this year and long into the future. Our work is not done — let’s continue to fight for our democracy together.

29/12/2020

Today I had the chance to talk with my good friend & the next Interior Sec. Deb Haaland. We discussed many topics important to the department, including:

➡️ implementing the Great American Outdoors Act
➡️ wildlife corridors
➡️
➡️ improving life for Native Americans

I encourage all my fellow senators to talk with Deb and get to know her— and to confirm her appointment ASAP in the new Congress.

27/12/2020

Millions of Americans are losing unemployment assistance and eviction protection—and the government may shut down during a pandemic—all because President Trump refuses to sign the bill his own White House negotiated. His tantrums mean real suffering for American families.

25/12/2020

Jill and I want to wish a Merry Christmas to all those celebrating in New Mexico and around the country! Our celebrations may look and feel different this year—but we wish you a holiday season filled with love, hope, gratitude, and good health.

22/12/2020

Udall Applauds Passage of Tribal Funding for COVID-19 Response, Tribal Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension, and Indian Country Priorities in End-of-Year Spending Bill | U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico

Working alongside Tribes has been one of the highest honors of my life, and I was proud to fight with Tribal leaders to include some of their most urgent priorities in this long-awaited federal relief.

Native Americans across the country continue to demonstrate incredible strength & resilience in the face of a pandemic disproportionately hurting their communities. I am encouraged that this funding will make a difference for Native communities in the fight against . https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-applauds-passage-of-tribal-funding-for-covid-19-response-tribal-coronavirus-relief-fund-extension-and-indian-country-priorities-in-end-of-year-spending-bill

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, applauded the investments in Tribal public health and funding for Indian Country priorities that he helped secure in the end-of-year spending and coronavirus relief package that passed Congr...

22/12/2020

Udall’s Final Bipartisan Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Headed to Senate Floor | U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been proud to work across the aisle to pass Interior funding bills that invest in our public lands and environmental protection. This year's bill is a win for the outdoors, for the environment, and for our communities.

As we look toward the future, the science is clear: we must do more to protect our lands and waters if humanity is to survive and prosper, and conservation is critical to our economic growth and recovery.

https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udalls-final-bipartisan-interior-and-environment-appropriations-bill-headed-to-senate-floor

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, hailed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2021 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill as part of a larger package of gove...

22/12/2020

Udall Provisions to Prevent Harmful Methane Climate Pollution Included in Pipeline Safety Bill in End-of-Year Funding Package | U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico

I am so glad to see my provisions to improve pipeline safety included in the year end spending bill. This will create common sense rules to prevent future methane leaks, and combat the Trump administration’s repeated attempts to weaken safeguards on methane pollution.
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-provisions-to-prevent-harmful-methane-climate-pollution-included-in-pipeline-safety-bill-in-end-of-year-funding-package

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, announced that the final omnibus spending bill that passed today in the Senate includes improvements he secured to the pipeline safety legislation to...

22/12/2020

Today’s hard-fought relief compromise is long-overdue and short of what’s needed—but I’m glad that Congress will finally act to deliver urgent resources to New Mexicans and Tribes to help defeat this virus and rebuild our economy.

This bipartisan agreement takes important steps toward delivering aid to those who need it — but Congress must work with President-elect Joe Biden to do much more in the months to come to ensure our families can overcome this crisis and our communities can recover and prosper.

18/12/2020

30 by 30: A Bold Vision to Save the Natural World - Patagonia

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that needs to be an essential part of a broad, bold approach to solving the climate and nature crises, and achieving environmental justice. https://www.patagonia.com/stories/30-by-30-a-bold-vision-to-save-the-natural-world/story-89667.html

“One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, ‘What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?’” —Rachel Carson. We have

17/12/2020

In Farewell Speech, Udall Says Senate Has Become ‘Graveyard for Progress’

It’s no secret: the Senate is broken. The fight to get relief to the people, who have been waiting & waiting while Senate Republicans delay, highlights the dysfunction.

The Senate must be accountable to the people it's meant to serve. Let’s reform it. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/tom-udall-farewell-speech-senate.html

Senator Tom Udall, a retiring New Mexico Democrat, used his parting speech as a call to kill the legislative filibuster, arguing that it had caused paralysis and prevented action on big issues.

17/12/2020

President-Elect Biden has chosen an outstanding leader for Interior in my dear friend Rep. Deb Haaland. I am confident that she will be both a historic Interior Secretary and an excellent one. This is a watershed moment for Native communities, and for our nation.

I know it will be meaningful for Native Americans, especially Native women, to see Secretary Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, leading the department that is tasked with meeting many of our responsibilities to Tribes and managing inherently Indigenous land.

Together, we can take on the climate & nature crises, reinvigorate conservation, and achieve environmental justice. I will do everything I can to support Sec. Haaland and the Biden-Harris administration ensure delivers progress for Tribes, the West, and the nation.

16/12/2020

Udall Applauds House Passage of Bills Improving Services for Native American Veterans | U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico

Great news! The House passed bills I championed to ensure Native veterans get the services they are owed. Soon these bills will be signed into law.

Native Americans serve in the armed forces at 5 times the national average. Let's honor their service with action.

https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-applauds-house-passage-of-bills-improving-services-for-native-american-veterans

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, applauded the unanimous House vote to pass two bills he cosponsored to uphold federal treaty obligations to Native veterans, the Native American Veteran Parity in Access to Care Today (PAC...

16/12/2020

It’s simple: the Senate should not go home until we have passed COVID-19 relief. Struggling Americans have waited far too long for the help they desperately need.

15/12/2020

More than 300,000 Americans have died from .

In the midst of the holiday season, families across the nation are mourning and trying to figure out how to pay rent or put food on the table.

It’s time for the Senate to act. We MUST pass bipartisan relief NOW.

15/12/2020

beWellnm |New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange | Official Site

Today is the LAST DAY of ! If you or your family need health insurance, make sure to sign up today. During , it’s more important than ever that everyone be able to get the care they need. https://www.bewellnm.com/

beWellnm is New Mexico’s official health insurance exchange where individuals, families and small businesses can compare plans and get ready to enroll.

14/12/2020

Invest more in conserving public lands

Investing more in our public lands is good for the economy and good for the planet. If we work together, we can protect 30% of our land and water by 2030. : https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/invest-more-in-conserving-public-lands/article_c572e182-3a6e-11eb-b905-832ff6b0866e.html

As tough as 2020 has been so far, the unprecedented circumstances also have given many of us in New Mexico time to reflect on what’s truly important.

14/12/2020

The Senate needs to do its job and get relief to the people immediately. Getting this done is urgent— 300,000 have died and families are struggling to survive. We have no business going home for the holidays without delivering for the American people.

14/12/2020

On the 8th anniversary of Sandy Hook, Jill and I send strength and healing to all the families who lost loved ones that day. We are keeping the six school staff members and 20 children who died in our hearts.

We must take action to end gun violence.

11/12/2020

Taos Pueblo celebrates 50th anniversary of the return of Blue Lake

December 15 marks the 50th anniversary of the return of Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo after its decades-long fight to reclaim its ancestral lands. The Pueblo’s perseverance and determination also led to a monumental shift toward Tribal self-determination in federal Indian policy.

Let us share in celebration of Blue Lake’s return as it continues to sustain and renew the Pueblo’s sacred ancestral traditions in the midst of culturally vital wildlife and a beautiful landscape. https://www.taosnews.com/coronavirus/updates/taos-pueblo-nixon-dc-washington-congress-blue-lake/article_2dc60ef2-d992-5bf8-bd3c-714417d56b9b.html

"Now we don't have to hide when we go up into the mountains," Gilbert Suazo said in a recent interview. "Now, we can freely go where we want to go

11/12/2020

Sen. Udall on the Peaceful Transition of Power

Our nation is built on the peaceful transition of power. President Trump’s refusal to accept that he lost could have serious repercussions on our democracy.

11/12/2020

Earth Is Still Sailing Into Climate Chaos, Report Says, but Its Course Could Shift

We must take bold action to halt the acceleration of . If we lean into a green economy, we can create a better future for our children and grandchildren, full of economic prosperity and a cleaner earth. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/climate/paris-agreement-anniversary-united-nations.html

The biggest polluters are continuing to pollute, raising the risks of global warming. There are, however, new signs of a pivot to a green economy.

10/12/2020

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. Like so many holidays this year, we might not be able to celebrate like we normally do, but Jill and I are wishing everyone joy, warmth, and happiness during the Festival of Lights.

10/12/2020

Sen. Udall Joins Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC

Thanks for having me on today, Andrea Mitchell Reports. I’m glad we could talk about the big reforms we need to make to ensure our government actually represents the people.

10/12/2020

Oversight Hearing on “From Languages to Homelands: Advancing Tribal Self-Governance and Cultural Sovereignty for Future Generations.” | The United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Yesterday marked my final Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing. I can't overstate what an honor it's been to serve as the Vice-Chair of this committee, working with Native Communities to promote Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and meaningful consultation. https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearing/oversight-hearing-languages-homelands-advancing-tribal-self-governance-and-cultural

09/12/2020

Today I spoke with President-Elect Joe Biden’s nominees for Sec. of State, Tony Blinken, and UN Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. They’re both eminently qualified, and ready to restore America’s trust and standing around the world – on global security, climate and conservation diplomacy

08/12/2020

The crises before us demand bravery.

If we are to tackle the urgent challenges before us, we must reform our democracy--make it easier to vote, end the dominance of big money, and root out corruption.

And we do not have any time to waste. We have no choice but to be bold.

The crises before us demand bravery.

08/12/2020

Sen. Udall's Farewell Speech

Today I say farewell to the Senate. Tune into my speech, as I reflect on this shared journey and discuss my vision for taking on the challenges we face together:

08/12/2020

Serving the people of New Mexico in the United States Senate has been the highest honor of my life. Tune in here at 11 a.m. ET/9 a.m. MT to watch my farewell address to the Senate.

07/12/2020

One Answer to America’s Recycling Problems—Make Big Brands Pay

We need to , and that means making sure the big manufacturers generating massive amounts of waste carry the financial burden—not the taxpayers. Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/one-answer-to-americas-recycling-problemsmake-big-brands-pay-11607173203

Trade groups representing companies like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo are easing their long-held opposition to sharing the costs of dealing with packaging waste.

04/12/2020

Tom Udall Delivers Weekly Democratic Address

Tribes and Native communities have weathered the crisis with strength and resilience, but in the midst of the worst stretch of this crisis, Senate Republican leaders need to work with us to give Indian Country the support it needs— now. Our shared trust and treaty obligations demand nothing less.

04/12/2020

www.tomudall.senate.gov

Throughout my time in Congress, we’ve worked together to advance . To restore the public’s faith in our government, we need to act to make sure the people’s voices are heard. tomudall.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Udall_DemocracyReformAccomplishments.pdf

03/12/2020

Protecting Wildlife Corridors to Safeguard Biodiversity and People

Protecting Wildlife Corridors to Safeguard Biodiversity and People

03/12/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Protecting Wildlife Corridors to Safeguard Biodiversity and People. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

It’s almost time to talk about wildlife corridors! Tune in to this event to learn why we need to now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1ZRQu_JaT12hnu8dWur1eA

One million of our planet's estimated eight million species are at risk of extinction. In the United States, habitat fragmentation is a key contributing threat to wildlife, especially in the form of roads: American driver traverse trillions of miles daily, resulting in more than one million collisio...

03/12/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Protecting Wildlife Corridors to Safeguard Biodiversity and People. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Today, I’m talking about why we need to in order to save our planet and keep habitats safe. Join us at 3PM MT/5PM ET: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1ZRQu_JaT12hnu8dWur1eA

One million of our planet's estimated eight million species are at risk of extinction. In the United States, habitat fragmentation is a key contributing threat to wildlife, especially in the form of roads: American driver traverse trillions of miles daily, resulting in more than one million collisio...