Udall Statement on Confirmation of Loretta Lynch as U.S. Attorney General

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after joining the Senate in voting 56-43 to confirm Loretta Lynch as U.S. Attorney General:

"With a wealth of experience and her lifetime commitment to justice, Loretta Lynch is extremely well-qualified to be attorney general, and I was honored to vote to confirm her. New Mexicans understand that diversity makes us stronger, and I'm proud she's making history as the first African-American woman to serve as our nation's top law enforcement officer. Republicans and Democrats alike have praised her qualifications for the job, which is why I'm disappointed by the unprecedented delay in her confirmation. I've championed filibuster reform to ensure that senators can work together to confirm nominees and enable them to do their important work for the American people, but the majority still insisted on partisan delay. Now that she can finally assume leadership of the Department of Justice, I look forward to working with Loretta Lynch to ensure DOJ upholds fairness and continues its important work in New Mexico and across the country."