Press Releases 2013

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 89-8 on a measure to avert the fiscal cliff:

"I remain disillusioned with the short-term nature of the deal that came through the Senate last night, but ultimately felt we had to pass it. We managed to make progress on middle-class tax cuts, wind energy tax incentives and unemployment insurance, but squandered an opportunity to implement a long-term vision to deal with the debt and deficit.

"Instead, the bill we passed kicked the can down a very short road to delay deep federal budget cuts that are slated to begin today. That road ends in a couple months at another sequestration showdown just as the debt limit is reached and the budget resolution expires.

"My strong preference remains a more comprehensive agreement that protects federal jobs and vulnerable families in New Mexico immediately. The next agreement needs to do just that."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) today introduced a resolution to enact meaningful Senate rules reforms that would end filibuster abuse and restore debate to the chamber.

In accordance with Article 1, section 5 of the Constitution, a majority of senators have the power to adopt or amend the operating rules of the chamber at the beginning of a new Congress, a procedure known as the Constitutional Option. Earlier today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the Senate will remain in the first legislative day of the 113th Congress after the Senate reconvenes on Jan. 22 to allow debate on the rules reforms.

The unprecedented abuse of the filibuster and other procedural rules has resulted in endless gridlock on legislation and the consideration of nominations, which made the 112th Congress one of the most unproductive of all time. The trio's proposed reforms would protect the rights of the minority while expediting the consideration of legislation and nominations.

For a fact sheet and to read the resolution submitted by the senators, click here and here.

"We have the power to change the Senate from being a graveyard for good ideas, to an institution that can respond effectively to the challenges facing our nation," said Udall. "Our proposal is simple, limited and fair. We make reasonable changes to nominations and conference committees and do away with the status quo of stealth and silent filibusters that prevents the Senate from getting its work done."

"These last two years have created an unprecedented sense among the American people that Congress isn't measuring up to the needs of our time," Merkley said. "The filibuster, once used only on issues of personal principle, is now used regularly as an instrument of partisan politics. It hurts our ability to take on the big challenges we face as Americans. And we need to fix it. We must put an end to the secret, silent filibuster that is haunting the Senate."

"The abuse of the filibuster in recent years has fundamentally changed the character of the Senate and our entire system of government," said Harkin. "While I believe that a majority of the people's representatives should be able to act, at the very least, if the right to filibuster is going to be maintained, Senators should have to actually make arguments, debate, and deliberate. Senators should have to obstruct in public, and be held accountable for that obstructionism."

A key component of the senators' proposal is the "talking filibuster."

Today, a senator can filibuster legislation or a nominee with a simple phone call. This raises the threshold for the Senate to debate a bill, or confirm a nominee, from a simple majority to three-fifths of the Senate, and the senator is not required to publicly state his or her objection. The proposed reforms will require a senator to speak on the floor in order to filibuster, greatly increasing public accountability and requiring time and energy if the minority wants to use this tool to obstruct the Senate.

To illustrate why the rules must be reformed, the senators point to the skyrocketing use of the filibuster in recent decades as a tool of the minority party to block votes on legislation, judicial vacancies and presidential appointees. Since its inception, use of the cloture vote has evolved from a rarity, perhaps seven or eight times during a congressional session, to what is now the standard of business in the Senate. Since 2006, the filibuster has been used almost 400 times.

The rules reform package includes four provisions that would do the following:

1. Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Proceed: Clears a path to debate by making motions to proceed not subject to a filibuster, but providing two hours of debate.
2. Require a Talking Filibuster: Forces Senators who filibuster to actually speak on the floor, greatly increasing public accountability and requiring time and energy if the minority wants to use this tool to obstruct the Senate.
3. Expedite Nominations: Reduces post-cloture debate on nominations from 30 hours to 2 hours, except for Supreme Court Justices (for whom the current 30 hours would remain intact).
4. Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Establish a Conference Committee: Reduces the steps to establish a conference committee from three motions to one, and limits debate the consolidated motion to 2 hours.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) announced that today President Obama signed their bill to establish a registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan into law.

"Today we celebrate the conclusion of our bipartisan effort to improve the health and well-being of our veterans," Udall said, "This is a victory for our men and women in uniform across the globe, and I am proud to say it was made possible by the strong advocacy of Master Sergeant Jessey and Maria Baca of New Mexico," Udall said. "Just as our veterans have answered the call of duty for our country, we have answered their call for better information and today brings us closer to insuring this special population receives the care and treatment they deserve."

Udall and Corker's Burn Pits Registry Act was included as part of a larger veterans package, S. 3202, the "Dignified Burial and Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012," which passed the Senate and House in late December 2012.

The bill will create a registry similar to the Agent Orange and Gulf War registries to help patients, doctors and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determine to what extent air pollution caused by open air burn pits has led to medical diseases among service members.

In 2011, Udall and Corker introduced S, 1798, the Burn Pits Registry Act, with cosponsors Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.).

All five members of New Mexico's congressional delegation also supported the measure in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Udall began work on this legislation after meeting MSgt Jessey Baca and his wife Maria of Albuquerque, who detailed Jessey's battle with cancer, chronic bronchiolitis, chemical induced asthma, brain lesions, TBI, PTSD and numerous other ailments believed to have been caused by exposure to burn pits in Iraq.

Earlier this year, Udall testified before a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on the legislation and mentioned the work of the Bacas, who had traveled from New Mexico to attend the hearing. Video of the Senator Udall testifying before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee is available here and a photo of Udall with the Bacas here.

As early as 2002, U.S. military installations in Afghanistan and Iraq began to rely on open-air burn pits to dispose of waste materials. The U.S. Department of Defense and numerous contractors made frequent use of burn pits at a number of bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force and the American Lung Association have confirmed the dangers posed by burn pits, and veterans and their families have reached out to Congress for action.

Creating a burn pits registry was supported by numerous groups, including Burn Pits 360, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Association of the U.S. Navy, Retired Enlisted Association, the Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees and the National Military Family Association.

Summary of the Open Burn Pits Registry:

• Establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for those individuals who may have been exposed during their military service;
• Include information in this registry that the Secretary of the VA determines applicable to possible health effects of this exposure;
• Develop a public information campaign to inform individuals about the registry; and
• Periodically notify members of the registry of significant developments associated with burn pit exposure.

Timeline of the Open Burn Pits Registry:

• November 3, 2011: Udall, Corker & six co-sponsors introduce S. 1798, the Open Burn Pits Registry Act.
• June 13, 2012: Udall testifies before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in support of the Act.
• September 12, 2012: The Act is included in a larger veterans package, S. 3340, the Mental Health Access to Continued Care and Enhancement of Support Services bill, which the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee passes unanimously.
• December 19, 2012: The Act is included in an alternative veterans package, S. 3202, the "Dignified Burial and Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012, which passes the full Senate unanimously.
• December 30, 2012: The U.S. House of Representatives passes S. 3202 unanimously.
• January 10, 2013: President Obama signs S. 3202, which includes the Open Burn Pits Registry Act language.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall reported that today President Barack Obama signed the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012 into law. Katie's Law will expand DNA collection efforts from serious criminal offenders in order to save lives, solve crimes and prevent future tragedies from occurring at the hands of repeat offenders.

The bill was named for a New Mexico State University graduate student who was brutally raped and murdered in 2003. Because New Mexico did not collect DNA from felony arrestees at the time, her killer was not identified when he was arrested in 2003 for unrelated crimes. It wasn't until three years later, after his conviction for other crimes, that his DNA was taken that identified him as Katie's killer.

Udall introduced legislation with then-U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman in March 2011 to create incentives for states to implement programs to collect DNA from individuals arrested or charged with serious crimes.

"Katie's parents have dedicated their lives to making sure their daughter's murder resulted in meaningful action," said Udall. "Today's bill signing is a credit to their work and determination and means that other states can set up DNA collection programs like New Mexico's to help catch dangerous criminals and prevent heartbreaking tragedies like Katie's from happening in the future."

The goal of the legislation, which was first introduced in 2010 by then-U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, is to encourage states that don't have arrestee DNA collection processes to implement them. To that end, the legislation would authorize the Department of Justice to award grants to cover up to 100 percent of a state's first year cost of implementing a collection program.

This would allow more states to implement DNA arrestee collection programs, which allow law enforcement to compare DNA collected from adults who are arrested or charged with certain serious crimes against the FBI DNA database, known as CODIS. Those crimes include homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary and aggravated assault.

Arrestees that have DNA collected for the federal database may have their records expunged if they are acquitted, their conviction is overturned or if the charges against them are dismissed. As a condition of receiving a grant, states must notify individuals who submit DNA samples of the relevant expungement procedures and post the information on a public website.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - In partnership with the office of Senator Tom Udall and The Oasis Veterans History Project in New Mexico, New Mexico PBS has been asked to submit the unedited footage of interviews conducted for the television program BATAAN: A 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION, for inclusion into the permanent collection at the Library of Congress.

As a companion to the documentary TRAGEDY OF BATAAN, New Mexico PBS produced the program BATAAN: A 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION, with survivors of the surrender of Bataan.

New Mexico PBS recorded 1 1/2 hours of interviews with Pedro "Pete" Gonzalez, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and Bill Overmier, survivor of both the battles of Bataan and Corregidor. Edward D. Baca, Lieutenant General, USA (Retired), former head of the New Mexico National Guard and the National Guard Bureau in the Pentagon and long time spokesman for the Survivors of Bataan, also participated in the interviews.

"The people of the United States are forever indebted to the service and sacrifice of those who suffered at Bataan," said Udall. "The events at Bataan have great historical significance, but the number of survivors who can share what happened there is rapidly dwindling. The addition of these interviews into the Library of Congress will help to ensure that their heroic stories are not forgotten."

"New Mexico PBS is proud to partner with Senator Udall and The Oasis Veterans History Project, and are honored that the Library of Congress has chosen to add these interviews into its collection," said Polly Anderson, CEO and General Manager, New Mexico PBS. "The first-hand accounts and stories of these survivors of Bataan are living history, something which New Mexico PBS was honored to preserve for future generations. Now these stories can be shared not just with New Mexicans, but with the nation and the world."

BATAAN: A 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION was distributed to PBS stations across the country to be aired around Memorial Day 2012. So far, the program has aired 115 times on 73 PBS stations.

The Oasis Veterans History Project had to receive special permission to include the BATAAN: A 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION interviews, as they included more than one veteran; however, due to the special subject matter, the Library of Congress granted a waiver to include this very special discussion.

The U.S. Congress created the Veterans History Project (VHP) in 2000, as part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The VHP honors our nation's war veterans by preserving, archiving and sharing their oral history stories for generations to come. Priority is given to World War II veterans, but accounts are collected from veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, the Afghanistan/Iraq conflicts as well as non-combat veterans. All oral testimonies must be first person - from the veteran themselves - and the veterans must have served in the US Armed Forces.

Albuquerque OASIS is the local partner for the VHP. Some twenty-four volunteers are drawn from the local community of senior adults with participation of many who are veterans themselves or family members of veterans. These volunteers assist the veteran in telling their stories and process all of the recordings and paperwork to be sent to the Library of Congress. To date, Oasis Albuquerque has interviewed 498 veterans. With the addition of these two testimonies, the number will reach an even 500. A digital copy of the oral interview is sent to the veteran, the Library of Congress, and the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque. Michael Nutkiewicz, Ph.D., Executive Director for Oasis Albuquerque oversees the VHP in New Mexico.

As a member of the House of Representatives, Udall first introduced legislation to honor Bataan veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal in 2008. It is the nation's highest and most distinguished civilian award.

About New Mexico PBS
Celebrating over 50 years of service, New Mexico PBS serving northern and central New Mexico, broadcasts a wide array of national nature, history, current affairs, health, performance, children's, educational and entertainment programs. New Mexico PBS produces the weekly public affairs series NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, the monthly programs PUBLIC SQUARE and CONNECT, and a variety of specials highlighting issues and topics of concern and interest to New Mexicans. New Mexico PBS operates 4 digital broadcast channels: NMPBS 5.1 (core PBS and New Mexico PBS programs), NMPBS 5.2 (Vme: 24 hour Spanish-language PBS programs), NMPBS 9.1 (alternate PBS programs and World) and NMPBS 9.2 (Create Channel - Travel, Cooking & How-To's). New Mexico PBS is co-licensed to the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued this statement today following Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's announcement that he will return to Colorado in March:

"I want to extend my thanks and best wishes to Ken Salazar for his years in public office and dedicated service as Secretary of the Interior.

"Over the last four years Ken has worked tirelessly to expand our nation's domestic energy resources and worked with tribal leaders to build stronger, healthier Native American communities. He has been a steward of our public lands, creating spaces like the Valle del Oro and Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico, and with initiatives like America's Great Outdoors, he has encouraged a renewed commitment to conservation for the 21st century that will benefit generations to come.

"Jill and I wish him and his family well as he returns to Colorado."

This weekend, Americans across the country are participating in a National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, as we celebrate his birthday, we will also observe the second inaugural of our first African American President.

But before President Obama is sworn in for his second term, I want to let you know about two bills -- inspired by brave New Mexico families -- that he signed into law at the end of his first.

Earlier this month, President Obama signed the Burn Pits Registry and the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection acts into law.

Katie's Law, as we know it at home, is now a national piece of legislation that will encourage every state to expand DNA collection efforts from serious criminal offenders to help solve post crimes and prevent future ones.

The bill was named in memory of Katie Sepich, a New Mexico State University graduate student who was murdered in 2003 by an offender who perpetrated heinous crimes against women. Since that time, Katie's mom and dad have dedicated their lives to making sure their daughter's tragic death resulted in meaningful action

Jeff Bingaman and I worked with the Sepich family to get this bill enacted, and our success is a credit to their work and determination.

Click here to learn more about how Katie's Law will help prevent future tragedies from occuring on a national level.

The president also signed into law the Burn Pits Registry Act, a bill I authored to help service members who developed serious illnesses following exposure to open-air burn pits, which were used to dispose of waste and trash, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

National Guardsman MSgt Jessey Baca and his wife Maria of Albuquerque were the driving force behind this effort. Jessey has battled cancer, bronchiolitis, PTSD and numerous other ailments believed to be connected to his contact with toxic burn pit fumes while deployed in Iraq.

Because of the strong advocacy of the Bacas and other military families, medical professionals and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials will begin to understand to what extent air pollution caused by burn pits has led to serious illnesses, like MSgt Baca's.

Most importantly, veterans around the world will now be able to receive better care and the answers they deserve after serving our country so bravely.  

Which brings us back to this weekend; MSgt Jessey and Maria Baca are in town as my special guests for the President's swearing-in ceremony, and to join fellow military families at the Commander In-Chief Ball on Monday.

As we begin a new Congress, I look forward to working on legislation that makes a difference for families in New Mexico, like Katie's and the Bacas. 

On this historic MLK Jr. weekend, I'll be thinking of their efforts and service to our nation.

Today, The New York Times once again supported U.S. Sen. Tom Udall's efforts to end Senate gridlock and filibuster abuse in its editorial, "A Chance to Fix the Senate."

Read the full editorial here.

"For six years, Democrats in the Senate have chafed at an unprecedented abuse of the filibuster by Republicans, who have used the practice to hold up nominees high and low and require a supermajority for virtually every bill. But now that they finally have an opportunity to end much of this delay and abuse, Democrats are instead considering only a few half-measures...

"That would squander a moment for change. Supermajorities were never intended to be a routine legislative barrier; they should be reserved for the most momentous bills, and the best way to make that happen is to require that objectors work hard for their filibuster, assembling a like-minded coalition and being forthright about their concerns rather than hiding in the shadows or holding up a bill with an e-mailed note...

"A faster-moving Senate would be useful, but that should not be the only goal. The best way to end the Senate's sorry history of inaction is to end the silent filibuster, forcing lawmakers to explain themselves if they want to block legislation supported by the majority."

Read previous editorials by The New York Times on filibuster reform here, here and here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on the Senate rules agreement reached by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

"For more than three years, I've been committed to changing the Senate rules so that Congress can effectively respond to the needs of the country. The Constitution has been the catalyst for reforming the current filibuster and that marks a breakthrough.

"The agreement that's been struck is a combination of rules and behavioral changes, and not as strong what many of us have been advocating. However, it alters the way we deal with nominations, conference committees and motions to proceed -- all things I've been working toward. The leaders have also agreed to make filibusters more transparent and bring objectors to the chamber for actual debate. I am supporting their efforts to get a bipartisan agreement today, and moving forward will continue to fight for the stronger filibuster reforms my colleagues and I believe will make the Senate a more accountable institution.

"We've come a long way toward reforming the Senate and the filibuster in the last three years. We've made progress, but I'm not done fighting to change the way we do business. It's true what my Uncle Mo used to say: 'Reform is not for the short-winded.'"

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today after a bipartisan group of senators released an outline for comprehensive immigration reform legislation:

"I am very encouraged by the bipartisan framework that has been unveiled in the Senate to modernize our broken immigration system. Reform is long overdue.

"The proposal contains the elements necessary to overhaul the system, including securing our borders, a roadmap to earned citizenship and employment verification to hold employers accountable. I'm also pleased that it would provide further certainty for DREAMers and recognizes the importance of workforce stability within the agriculture industry. As a border state, this is good news for New Mexico.

"I look forward to reviewing the details of this legislation as it takes form and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to give this issue the attention it deserves."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on his vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to confirm Sen. John Kerry as Secretary of State:

"I am confident John Kerry will serve our country well as Secretary of State. He is a decorated war hero who returned from battle to serve in a variety of ways, including as an outspoken activist, prosecutor and United States senator.

"Throughout his distinguished career, John has earned a reputation as a serious and thoughtful foreign policy leader, as well as a strong advocate for action on global climate change. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee on efforts important to New Mexico and the country. His ability to work with members on both sides of the aisle and his deep knowledge of the issues make him well qualified to serve as America's top diplomat."

The full Senate is expected to vote on Kerry's nomination later today.

Washington, DC - Today, Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act. The SAFE Lending Act would crack down on the worst practices of the online payday lending industry and give states more power to protect consumers from predatory loans.

"We threw the payday lenders, who prey on families when they're at their most vulnerable, out of Oregon back in 2007," said Merkley. "Technology has taken a lot of these scams online, and it's time to crack down. Families deserve a fair shake when they're looking to borrow money, not predatory loans that trap them in a vortex of debt."

"Too often, families who turn to payday lending fall victim to deceitful practices that make it harder for them to make ends meet. With payday lending moving online, the opportunities for abuse are growing," said Udall. "We owe it to those who earn an honest paycheck to ensure they are protected online just as they are in many of our states, like New Mexico."

"Even as our economy begins to show signs of recovery, many hardworking families are still struggling to make ends meet," said Durbin. "Unfortunately, many of these families are the targets of lenders offering payday loans with outrageous, often hidden interest rates that can have crippling effects on those who can afford it least. This bill will protect consumers and law-abiding lenders and I hope we can move it quickly on the floor."

"The abusive and arbitrary practices of online payday lenders need to be stopped," said Blumenthal. "Too often these lenders saddle vulnerable families with debt - creating a vicious cycle that makes them more vulnerable. This bill will protect consumers from this predatory industry."

Many of these short-term payday loans involve exploding interest rates, eventually accruing interest of 500 percent or higher. Over twenty states have passed legislation to stop abusive lending, but these efforts have been challenged by the growing online presence of payday lenders.

The SAFE Lending Act has four main provisions:

Ensures That Consumers have Control of their own Bank Accounts

• Ensures that a third party doesn't gain control of a consumer's account through remotely created checks (RCCs), which are checks from a consumer's bank account created by third parties. To prevent unauthorized RCCs, consumers will be able to preauthorize exactly who can create an RCC on his/her behalf (such as when traveling).
• Allows consumers to cancel a debit (just like they can cancel a check) in connection with a small-dollar (payday) loan. This would prevent an Internet payday lender from stripping a checking account without a consumer being able to stop it.

Closes Loopholes and Creates a Level Playing Field In State Usury Law Enforcement

• Requires all lenders, including banks, to abide by state rules for the small-dollar, payday-like loans they may offer customers in a state. Only states, not the federal government, have laws to prevent 400% APR loans.

Bans Lead Generators and Anonymous Payday Lending

• Some websites describe themselves as payday lenders but are actually "lead generators" that collect applications and auction them to payday lenders and others. This practice is rife with abuse and has even led to fraudulent debt collection.
• The SAFE Lending Act bans lead generators and anonymously registered websites in payday lending.

Stops Offshore and Other Illegal Online Payday Lending in Violation of State Law

• Gives the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau authority on its own behalf and upon petition by state Attorneys General or other local regulators to shut down payment processing for lenders that are violating State and other consumer lending laws through the Internet.
• Carefully constructed not to negatively impact the Internet.

The legislation is endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Responsible Lending, and the Consumer Federation of America.

WASHINGTON - In his first bill of the 113th Congress, U.S. Senator Tom Udall is seeking to expand opportunities for small businesses to secure federal contracts, and make the reporting requirements for those awarded more transparent.

The Assuring Contracting Equity (ACE) Act of 2013, would raise the Small Business Administration's (SBA) government-wide small business contracting level from 23 to 25 percent. It would also increase the contracting goal from 5 to 10 percent for businesses owned by veterans, women and economically disadvantaged individuals.

"Small businesses are the drivers of our economy, and winning a federal government contract can often provide them with more opportunities for growth," said Udall. "The ACE Act will give small businesses -- especially those owned by women and veterans -- a better shot at tapping into federal awards, and I'm proud that it's the first bill I'm introducing this congress.

Udall's bill would prohibit reporting practices that artificially inflate the appearance of contracting to minority-owned businesses. It would also require the SBA to disclose the percentage of contracts that are awarded to small business from all federal contracting dollars, and to consider past subcontracting compliance in award decisions.

"I would like to personally thank Senator Udall for his tireless efforts to help small businesses," said Kirk McWethy, President of SDV Construction, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business based in Albuquerque.

"The ACE Act would provide greater opportunities for small businesses, like mine, to continue to grow and create high wage jobs in our local workforce. It would also grow a broader, more diverse pool of small businesses by providing greater transparency in the federal procurement process, which would translate into expanded opportunities in this difficult economy," McWethy added.

The ACE Act is supported by the National Association of Women Business Owners and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.

WASHINGTON - New Mexico's Congressional Delegation today sent a letter encouraging the U.S. Department of Education to give serious consideration to the New Mexico Public Education Department's (NMPED) waiver request to avoid a reduction in the state's special education funding.

"Educating students with special needs is a serious shared responsibility between the state and the federal government," the delegation wrote to Secretary Duncan. "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding plays a very important role in maintaining the federal standard for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities. New Mexico has almost 46,000 special-education children enrolled in public schools who depend on these crucial services."

Due to the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) special education requirement in IDEA, states must maintain their share of special education spending to ensure that they use federal funding to enhance their services rather than supplement state funds.

The Department of Education is concerned that NMPED may have cut their special education spending in fiscal years 2010 and 2011, resulting in a potential penalty that would reduce the state's share of IDEA federal funding.

In August and September 2012, NMPED submitted waiver requests to avoid the potential loss of federal funding. The Department of Education recently extended the deadline for the state to submit any final financial documents that support its request.

"We appreciate your department's willingness to continue to grant waiver deadline extensions to ensure the State of New Mexico has the opportunity to provide additional data to support the waiver application," the delegation continued. "We have urged NMPED and the New Mexico Legislature to work cooperatively with your department to meet the new Feb. 15 deadline and we respectfully request you give New Mexico's waiver request your full consideration."

To view the full letter from the delegation, click here.

WASHINGTON - Ahead of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, welcomed the NFL's endorsement of their forthcoming legislation aimed at protecting youth athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries. 

The Youth Sports Concussion Act will ensure that safety standards for sports equipment are up to date and informed by the latest science. The bill will also increase potential penalties for using false injury prevention claims to sell youth sports equipment.

"The NFL's endorsement is welcome news in our campaign to improve sports and concussion safety," said Udall. "It's important that we encourage our kids to be more physically active while ensuring their parents have all the facts and best gear to help them avoid being injured. I'd like to thank Commissioner Goodell for the NFL's support and efforts to protect young athletes across the nation and we look forward to introducing this bill with strong support soon."

"We can absolutely make it safer for athletes of all ages to enjoy the sports they love to play," said Rockefeller. "The science of sports-related concussions and their effects on children should be the motivation behind any equipment standards and for government action against manufacturers that make misleading claims about their sports equipment. Manipulating the good intentions of parents trying to protect their young athletes is unacceptable and our bill will end that practice. I'm glad the NFL is supporting our efforts to protect young athletes on the field."

At Rockefeller and Udall's urging, this past October the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies announced the formation of a committee to assess how best to protect young athletes from sports-related concussion.

The Senate Commerce Committee also held a hearing in October 2011 which uncovered that sports equipment manufacturers have repeatedly made claims that their equipment "prevents concussions" or "reduce the risk of concussions" without scientific evidence to prove them.

Sports are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury for people who are 15 to 24 years old, behind only motor vehicle crashes. Every year American athletes suffer up to an estimated 3.8 million sports-related concussions.

The Youth Sports Concussion Act will:

• Instruct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to review the findings of a forthcoming National Academies of Science (NAS) report on sports-related concussions in youth;
• Authorize the CPSC to make recommendations to manufacturers and, if necessary, promulgate new consumer rules for protective equipment based on the findings of the NAS report; and
• Allow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose civil penalties for using false claims to sell protective gear for sports. State attorneys general could also enforce such violations.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative to work with consumers, ranchers and meatpackers to make sure that American families know where their meat comes from.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently required the USDA to adjust its rules requiring American retailers to clearly label where meat was raised and processed. The WTO said that while the U.S. can require meat labeling, current U.S. Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) rules do not meet WTO standards.

The New Mexico senators joined Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) in a letter urging USDA to develop updated rules that will still ensure consumers know the origin of their food, giving them the option to buy American meat if they choose.

"Congress intended that COOL provide as much information as possible about the origin of all meat cuts to consumers," the senators wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. "Some flexibility is needed, but such flexibility cannot come at the expense of providing reliable information to families about the national origin of meat products."

The bipartisan coalition also said that the USDA should host a public comment period to allow agriculture producers and consumers to weigh in on any new proposals. The Senators' letter is backed by the National Farmers Union and the Consumers Union.

"Consumers have a right to know where their food comes from and U.S. farmers and ranchers want to be able to tell them," said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. "USDA and USTR should take even stronger regulatory actions to make sure that COOL provides meaningful information about the origins of meat and other products."

"We thank the Senators for their leadership on this issue, and hope that a regulatory fix can be achieved," said Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives with Consumers Union, policy division of Consumer Reports. "Country-of-origin labeling provides consumers with vital information that allows them to make informed choices about the food they eat."

The bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is available online HERE. It is signed by 31 Senators, including John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), David Vitter (R-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

WASHINGTON - Today, Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, with Reps. Steve Pearce and Ben Ray Luján, introduced legislation in the Senate and House to help state and tribal governments complete high-priority uranium mine cleanup projects.

The Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund was created as part of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) and requires fees to be paid on local coal production to fund state and tribal mine reclamation. Current law limits state and tribal use of certain allocations from the fund to coal-related cleanup. The legislation introduced today would allow them to dedicate all AML allocations to be used for both coal or non-coal mine reclamation, including for hundreds of abandoned uranium mines throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

"In return for the natural resources New Mexico has contributed to fuel the nation and strengthen our national security we have been left with a toxic legacy," said Udall, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. "We are joining together to direct funding to clean up decades of uranium mining projects in the state that have the greatest impact on the health and safety of our communities."

"Families in New Mexico are still living with the dire consequences of our last era of uranium mining," Heinrich said. "These mining sites continue to be environmental and public health risks, especially for our tribal communities. I'm pleased with the progress we made during the last Congress to direct much-needed resources to the cleanup effort, and I'm eager for the day this legislation becomes law. The health and well-being of New Mexico families depend on it."

"I'm pleased to work across party lines with my colleagues from New Mexico on this key legislation for the state," said Pearce. "Mines in Western states like New Mexico are desperately in need of cleanup-for the safety, health, and prosperity of the community. Today's bill provides the clarification needed to ensure that the Abandoned Mine Land program serves all Americans, as originally intended."

"New Mexico has a long history of contributing to our country's national security," Luján said. "During World War II and the Cold War, the mining and processing of uranium was conducted in many areas across the state. Today, the legacy of abandoned uranium mines has negatively impacted public health, public safety, and environmental health for generations of New Mexicans, especially those in minority and tribal communities. This important bill will provide New Mexico with a vital opportunity to tap into critical funding to clean up abandoned uranium mines. Last Congress, we made progress on this legislation, getting it through the Senate and House Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support. I am hopeful this Congress, we can finally get it to the President's desk for his signature."

The legislation would also allow all AML funds to be used to seal tunnels and entryways of coal and non-coal mines, as well as for acid mine drainage abatement and treatment.

Abandoned mines can contaminate surface and groundwater supplies, among other health, safety and environmental impacts.

Throughout the past several years, the New Mexico State Legislature and several local county and community organizations have advocated for the change in federal law to better reflect the necessities of higher-priority cleanup projects.

Similar legislation unanimously passed the Senate in 2011 and was reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee in 2012 but did not reach the full House for a vote.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 4, 2013) - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall sent a letter to President Obama today requesting that the administration include federal funding in the Department of Energy's Defense Environmental Cleanup 2014 budget for at least $255 million for cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratory and $222 million to operate and maintain the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall sent a letter to President Obama today requesting that the administration include federal funding in the Department of Energy's Defense Environmental Cleanup 2014 budget for at least $255 million for cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratory and $222 million to operate and maintain the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The president is in the final stages of finalizing his FY 2014 budget, which he will send to Congress in the coming weeks.

"The completion of the cleanup of defense legacy at Los Alamos is an important commitment that Congress and DOE have made to the community and the State of New Mexico, and we believe it should remain a top funding priority for DOE. To make the most efficient use of available resources, the New Mexico Environment Department and DOE agreed to focus environmental priorities on areas that pose the greatest risk, including the removal of the 3,706 cubic meters of above-ground TRU waste from the Area G by June 39, 2014. Environmental protection also remains a high priority, including protection of water resources and monitoring of area groundwater and storm-water runoff flows to the Buckman Direct Drinking Water Diversion on the Rio Grande," the Senators wrote to the President.

Senators Heinrich and Udall also requested funding for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). As the only active facility in the United States that disposes defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste, WIPP has received and safely disposed of over 80,000 cubic meters of defense TRU waste.

"To continue to meet DOE's cleanup requirements, preserve a high level of safety and compliance, and to maintain vital plant equipment and infrastructure, we believe WIPP will need at least $222, million for fiscal year 2014," continued the Senators in the letter.

Read Senators Heinrich and Udall's letter to President Obama (February 4, 2013)

Washington, D.C. - As the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence prepares to consider White House national security official John Brennan's nomination to be the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Al Franken (D- Minn.) have sent a letter to President Obama seeking the legal opinions outlining the President's authority to authorize the killing of American citizens during the course of counterterrorism operations.

These legal opinions issued by the Department of Justice have remained hidden from the general public and have been withheld from members of Congress, inhibiting Congress' ability to conduct necessary oversight. Several requests for these opinions have been either ignored or denied in the past, most recently a request by Senator Wyden made directly to Mr. Brennan several weeks ago.

"It is vitally important, however, for Congress and the American public to have a full understanding of how the executive branch interprets the limits and boundaries of this authority," the Senators said in the letter, "so that Congress and the public can decide whether this authority has been properly defined, and whether the President's power to deliberately kill American citizens is subject to appropriate limitations and safeguards."

In the letter, the Senators expressed their understanding that the authority to use lethal force against Americans exists in certain circumstances, but added that the limits and boundaries of that authority should be understood by the public and at the very least by members of Congress. They noted that the President has made statements in the past expressing the need for just this kind of transparency and about the value of well-informed oversight by Congress and the judicial system.

The Senators stated that transparency on this issue will be important as the Senate considers national security nominees.

Click here to read the letter.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after President Obama nominated Sally Jewell to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior:

"Sally Jewell is a unique and exciting pick to head up the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, she would bring to the position an array of skills from her business background in energy development and as the CEO of a wildly successful outdoor outfitter.

"I look forward to meeting with her as she works through the nomination process and learning more about her personal commitment to conservation, environmental stewardship and responsible energy production. I am also interested in her perspectives on issues that are important to New Mexico, like Interior's roles in water management, wildfire protection and tribal sovereignty."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall, Martin Heinrich and Representative Ben Ray Luján, have reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House to protect the Río Grande del Norte in Northern New Mexico, an area comprised of more than 240,000 acres of BLM-managed lands in Taos and Rio Arriba Counties.

Since 2009, the three lawmakers and former Sen. Jeff Bingaman have worked -- with the support of the local communities -- to pass legislation to designate the culturally and recreationally significant lands as a National Conservation Area.

"Some of Northern New Mexico's most historically and culturally rich treasures can be found in these areas," said Udall. "The residents of Taos and Rio Arriba counties have joined us in an effort to protect their incredible landscapes and ensure the lands remain accessible for the benefit of locals and visitors. I was proud to take up this initiative with Jeff Bingaman and we will work to see that the preservation of the Río Grande del Norte is part of his lasting legacy."

"The Río Grande del Norte is home to a great deal of New Mexico's history and culture," said Heinrich. "There are many important traditional, cultural, and religious sites in the Río Grande del Norte that are still in use today. These lands are also important to residents and visitors who come for the recreation opportunities, like hunting and fishing, and who bring a lot of resources into New Mexico's economy, especially rural communities. I am proud to work with my colleagues on this initiative, especially with former Senator Jeff Bingaman, who championed this cause. We will continue his efforts to preserve these lands for future generations."

"Living in New Mexico we have a special connection with the majestic land we are blessed to live on, and the Río Grande del Norte is one of the crowning jewels in our state," Congressman Ben Ray Luján said. "Whether it is for recreation or farming, sustaining a way of life or finding inspiration, the Río Grande del Norte impacts all those who visit and all those who live off the sustenance it provides. Protecting this land should be a top priority, and Secretary Salazar's visit to Taos in December of last year reinforced that there is overwhelming support by the local community to do so."

The House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee both held hearings on the legislation last congress.

In an October 2012 letter, Bingaman and Udall asked President Obama to consider designating the area for national monument status. In a separate letter, Luján and Heinrich also asked the administration to make the area a monument.

In December, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hosted a public meeting in Taos to explore possible protection of the area. Residents showed their overwhelming support for protecting the Río Grande Del Norte and the group unanimously spoke out in favor of a monument designation.

The Taos County Commission, Village of Questa, Taos Chamber of Commerce and Mora Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with over 160 local businesses, support permanent protection of the Río Grande del Norte.

WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tom Udall today urged the Senate to pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with tribal provisions to protect Native American women from domestic abuse.

Since VAWA's passage, domestic violence has decreased by over 50 percent. Yet, 1 in 3 Native women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, and Native women are victims of domestic violence at a disproportionately higher rate. The VAWA provisions would help tribal courts prosecute domestic violence and provide resources to address violence on tribal lands.

Below are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. President,

I rise today to express my support for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. It's important that we're doing this early in the 113th Congress. And unfortunate that we have to have this debate again. The Senate passed a nearly identical bill last April. A bill with strong bipartisan support. But the House failed to bring it up for a vote, allowing the law to expire at the end of last year.

Many House Republicans opposed the Senate bill because it expanded VAWA's protections to three groups - gays and lesbians, Native Americans, and undocumented immigrants. I support all three of these expansions, and today I want to again stress how crucial this measure is for Native American women.

For the past 19 years, the Violence Against Women Act helped protect women. From domestic violence. From sexual assault. And from stalking. This historic legislation has strengthened the prosecution of these crimes, and it has provided critical support to the victims.

VAWA has long been bipartisan with broad support. Democrats, Republicans, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, health professionals, all have supported this legislation. Why? Because it worked.

Since VAWA's passage in 1994, domestic violence has decreased by over 50 percent. And the victims of these crimes have been more willing to come forward. Knowing that they are not alone. Knowing that they will get the support they need. Knowing that crimes against women will not be tolerated.

Mr. President, unfortunately, not all women have received the full benefits of the Violence Against Women Act. That is why the tribal provisions now are so important. Native American women are two and a half times more likely than other U.S. women to be victims of rape. One in three will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. And it is estimated that three out of every five Native women will experience domestic violence.

Those numbers are tragic. Those numbers tell a story of great human suffering. Of women in desperate situations. Desperate for support. And too often we have failed to provide that support.

The frequency of violence against Native women is only part of the tragedy. Too often, these crimes go unprosecuted and unpunished. Not only is violence inflicted, but justice is denied.

Here's the problem. Tribal governments are unable to prosecute non-Indians for domestic violence crimes. They have no authority over these crimes against Native American spouses or partners within their own tribal lands. Instead, under existing law, these crimes fall exclusively under federal jurisdiction. But federal prosecutors have limited resources. They may be located hours away from tribal communities. Non-Indian perpetrators often go unpunished. And yet over 50 percent of Native women are married to non-Indians. 76 percent of the overall population living on tribal lands are non-Indians.

The result is an escalating cycle of violence. On some tribal lands, the homicide rate for Native women is up to 10 times the national average. Ten times the national average. But this starts with small crimes. Small acts of violence that may not rise to the attention of a federal prosecutor. In 2006 and 2007, U.S. Attorneys prosecuted only 45 misdemeanor crimes on tribal lands. For perspective, the Salt River Reservation in Arizona - which is relatively small - reported more than 450 domestic violence cases in 2006 alone.

Those numbers are appalling.

Mr. President, native women should not be abandoned to a jurisdictional loophole. In effect, these women are living in a prosecution-free zone. The tribal provisions in VAWA will provide a remedy. The bill allows tribal courts to prosecute non-Indians in a narrow set of cases that meet the following specific conditions:

There are many-far too many-stories of violence against Native women and of the failure to protect them. Stories that should outrage us all and that could end through local intervention. Local authority that will only be made possible through an act of Congress. We have the opportunity to support such an act in the tribal provisions of VAWA. With this bill we can close a dark and desperate loophole in criminal jurisdiction.

Native women have waited too long already for justice. They should not have to wait any longer.

The crime must have occurred in Indian country;
The crime must be either a domestic violence or dating violence offense, or a violation of a protection order; and
The non-Indian defendant must reside in Indian country, be employed in Indian country, or be the spouse or intimate partner of a member of the prosecuting tribe.
This bill does not extend tribal jurisdiction to general crimes of violence by non-Indians. It does not apply to crimes between two non-Indians, or crimes between persons with no ties to the tribe. If they don't have any ties to the tribe it doesn't apply. Nothing in this provision diminishes or alters the jurisdiction of any federal or state court.

I know some of my colleagues question if a tribal court can provide the same protections to defendants that are guaranteed in a federal or state court. The bill addresses this concern. It provides comprehensive protections to all criminal defendants who are prosecuted in tribal courts, whether or not the defendant is a Native American. Defendants would essentially have the same rights in tribal court as in state court.

These include, among many others, the rights to counsel, to a speedy trial, and to due process. The rights against unreasonable search and seizures, double jeopardy, and self-incrimination. A tribe that does not provide these protections cannot prosecute non-Indians under this provision.

Mr. President, some have also questioned whether Congress has the authority to expand tribal criminal jurisdiction to cover non-Indians. This issue was carefully considered in drafting the tribal jurisdiction provision. The Indian Affairs and Judiciary Committees worked closely with the Department of Justice to ensure that the legislation is constitutional.

As a former federal prosecutor and Attorney General of a state with a large Native American population, I know how difficult the legal maze can be for Tribal Communities. And one result of this maze is unchecked crime. In situations where personnel and funding run thin, and distances are long, violence often goes unpunished.

This legislation will create a local solution for a local problem. Tribes have proven their effectiveness in combating domestic violence committed by Native Americans. But let me reiterate this very important point - without an act of Congress, tribes cannot prosecute a non-Indian -- even if he lives on the reservation, even if he is married to a tribal member -- ithout this act of Congress, tribes will continue to lack authority.

This bill will also promote other important efforts to protect Native women from an epidemic of domestic violence. With increasing grants for tribal programs to address violence, with support for research on violence against Native women, and also by allowing federal prosecutors to seek tougher sentences for perpetrators who strangle or suffocate their spouses or partners.

All of these provisions are about justice. Right now, Native women don't get the justice they deserve. But these are strong women. They, rightly, demand to be heard. They have identified a desperate need and logical solutions. That is why Native women and tribal leaders across the nation support the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and the proposed tribal provisions.

WASHINGTON - Members of the NM Congressional Delegation, Tom Udall, Martin Heinrich, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham, are asking President Obama to nominate a candidate to lead the Nuclear National Security Administration (NNSA) who will work with Congress to reform the agency and maintain the highest scientific and technical capabilities at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.

In a letter to President Obama, the federal lawmakers who represent the two labs say, "The NNSA has recently suffered from a series of ongoing management, security and budgetary problems and effective new leadership is needed now to restore the confidence of the public and of their representatives in Congress."

"We believe there is an opportunity now to make substantial improvement in NNSA's management and oversight responsibilities and we urge you to nominate someone with the leadership ability to help guide the transformation."

In their request, they emphasize the need to maintain adequate budgets for LANL and SNL in light of current federal budget constraints to support and grow the missions of the labs, maintain a strong employee workforce and complete environmental cleanup.

"In particular, we expect the new administrator will share our commitment to maintaining the National Security Laboratories' lead role in our nation's weapons and national security programs," they wrote. "In the face of growing fiscal constraints we believe it will be essential that the labs continue to diversify their efforts, especially in the area of advanced energy and environmental technologies. Finally, the new administrator must share our commitment to assuring resources are available to meet all obligations and deadlines for environmental cleanup."

In December 2012, Udall and former Sen. John Kyl (R-Ariz.) gained passage of an amendment to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to establish an advisory panel that will make recommendations to Congress on how best to reform the NNSA's organization and examine its relationship to the Department of Energy and other federal agencies.

In the House, Luján successfully offered an amendment to the NDAA that called for a study of a new governance structure that would broaden the ownership of the NNSA national laboratories across multiple federal agencies and expand the scope of their national security mission.

A new NNSA administrator must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Acting Administrator Neile L. Miller took over the position following Thomas P. D'Agostino's retirement in January.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are accepting applications for the position of United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.

On January 4, 2013, President Obama nominated current U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gonzales to a federal court judgeship. Upon Gonzales' confirmation by the Senate, the position of U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico will become vacant.

In accordance with their constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with respect to federal appointments, Udall and Heinrich will recommend a short list of qualified candidates for the position to the president.

Individuals who are interested in the position must complete and return an application to the senators offices no later than March 4, 2013.

The application can be found at: http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/NMUSAttorney.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today issued the following statement after a meeting with Secretary of Defense nominee, Sen. Chuck Hagel:

"My meeting today with Senator Chuck Hagel was very useful. We had the opportunity to touch on a variety of issues facing our country and how New Mexico contributes to the strength of our national security.

"Senator Hagel conveyed that if confirmed, he will be committed to keeping safe, reliable and secure nuclear deterrent. We also discussed the need to modernize the national laboratories and diversify the work being done there.

"During our conversation about New Mexico's military bases, I was interested to learn that he was stationed at both White Sands and Fort Bliss before serving in Vietnam. He is well aware of the important contributions our bases make in our national security efforts, and spoke highly of the communities and geography -- which are second to none for training.

"Finally, I emphasized my desire to see a successful and accelerated drawdown of U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan. I believe he is committed winding down the war in the most responsible way possible and understands the logistical challenges to making this a reality."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich reintroduced legislation today to transfer the management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service (NPS).

Udall and retired Sen. Jeff Bingaman first introduced this legislation in 2010 in light of inconsistent funding, the need for infrastructure improvements and concerns that the Preserve would not achieve financial self-sustainability by 2015, as directed by the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000.

"Millions of years in the making, the Valles Caldera is a natural wonder, rich in geology, ecology and culture," said Udall. "With its vast grass-filled valleys, forested hillsides and numerous volcanic peaks, the caldera means a great deal to the surrounding communities and tribes. Incorporating this landscape into theNational Park Service will preserve its resources and allow for public enjoyment by future generations. Additionally, I want to applaud the years of work that the Board of Trustees and Preserve employees have invested in caring for this unmatched natural resource."

"As someone who's spent time hunting and fishing in the Valles Caldera, I know well how incredible this area is. Families in New Mexico take their children to the vast swath just west of Los Alamos, they create memories, and learn about the rich culture this land brings to our state. But admission to this oasis has been limited," said Heinrich. "The Valles Caldera National Preserve Management Act would help protect the abundant natural resources of the Preserve while increasing recreational access for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing for all New Mexicans. Making the Valles Caldera more accessible would improve the quality of life for all who visit, for all who benefit from the tourism dollars it brings, and for all who pass on New Mexico's outdoor traditions to their children in such a spectacular setting. This bill also ensures that traditional uses of the resources in the Caldera continue and that nearby pueblos' sacred sites remain protected."

A study requested by Udall and Bingaman in 2009 determined that the Valles Caldera met the high criteria for inclusion in the NPS, noting its significant national value and unique, unaltered geology.

The bill directs the NPS to take over management in a way that protects the Preserve's natural and cultural resources. Hunting, fishing and cattle grazing would continue to be permitted under the legislation. Additionally, the measure strengthens protections for tribal cultural and religious sites and ensures local tribes access to the area.

The first calls to bring the Valles Caldera into the NPS were in 1899. In four separate studies throughout the next century the Park Service found that the area was suitable for protective status under its management.

It wasn't until 2000 that Bingaman, retired Sen. Pete Domenici and then-Rep. Udall were successful in passing legislation to acquire the property for $100 million. The law established an experimental management framework where a Board of Trustees would manage the Preserve as a working ranch with public access, with the goal of becoming financially self-sustaining by 2015.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued this statement following the Senate's passage of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization by a vote of 78-22:

"For 19 years, the Violence Against Women Act has helped protect women across the country from abuse. Today, the Senate voted to modernize the law and make sure more women - including those in Indian Country - can benefit from its protections.

"Native women are 2 1/2 times more likely than others in the United States to be victims of sexual assault. But that is only part of the tragedy. Too often, these crimes go unprosecuted and unpunished because of jurisdictional loopholes. Not only is violence inflicted, but justice is denied.

"I'm proud that the Senate voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize and update VAWA and make it easier to prosecute more perpetrators. The United States must set an example for the world that abuse and violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Now it's up to the House of Representatives to act and put women and families ahead of politics."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement on President Obama's State of the Union address:

"The vitality of our economy is rooted in the middle-class. Tonight, President Obama presented a clear vision for growing the economy from the middle-class out through job creation in homegrown clean energy development, manufacturing and by rebuilding bridges and roads across the country.

"We have a big task ahead to find common ground and pass a budget that reduces the deficit and advances our values. But we won't achieve this goal by gutting the programs seniors depend on or cutting investments in education and training for our kids. Strengthening our economy must be our top priority and we need to work in a bipartisan fashion to provide the certainty and confidence our businesses need to keep hiring."

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 13, 2013) - New Mexico U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today introduced U.S. District Court nominee Kenneth J. Gonzales at his confirmation hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Gonzales, the current U.S. attorney for New Mexico, was nominated by President Obama to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.

"Ken Gonzales is an exceptionally well-qualified nominee," said Udall. "He has shown a reverence for-and dedication to-the law throughout his career. In both civilian and military positions, he has exhibited great expertise, commitment and depth of judgment and I urge his confirmation."

"Mr. Gonzales has a long and distinguished record of public service, including service to our military," said Heinrich. "In addition to his qualifications as a licensed attorney for more than 20 years, Ken is a long-time New Mexican. He was born and raised there. All of his accomplishments make me believe he is more than qualified to serve on the federal bench in New Mexico. But it is his career-long determination and dedication to serving the people of New Mexico that makes me believe he will make an outstanding addition to the federal bench. I strongly support his nomination and I urge this panel to act quickly to move his nomination to the full Senate for a vote."

VIDEO from the hearing: http://bit.ly/12hy3GN
PHOTOS from the hearing: http://bit.ly/12hxXPw

Gonzales is a graduate of Pojoaque High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of New Mexico. He began his career as federal prosecutor in the Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico and later transferred to the Albuquerque branch. Prior to that, he served as a judicial law clerk to former chief justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, Joseph Baca, and later as a legislative assistant to former Senator Jeff Bingaman on criminal justice, Indian affairs and other issues. He has also been a judge advocate in the U.S. Army.

WASHINGTON - New Mexico small business leader Janice Lucero of Albuquerque was the guest of U.S. Senator Tom Udall at a Capitol Hill discussion on best practices creating jobs and strengthening America's economy.

Lucero is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of MVD Express, a public-private partnership with the State of New Mexico that provides high-quality, efficient motor vehicle services throughout 11 locations in the state.

Representatives from the technology, IT, manufacturing, food industry and more from a dozen states attended the meeting hosted by Udall and the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, with MVD Express providing an example of its successful public-private partnership.

Click here to view a photo of Mrs. Lucero in Senator Udall's Washington D.C. office.
Click here and here to view a photo of Mrs. Lucero & Senator Udall at the Steering Committee meeting.

"Washington can learn a lot from the success of New Mexico companies like MVD Express," said Udall. "Janice has done a terrific job building a company that creates jobs while providing important services to New Mexico. I was proud to showcase her proven results on growing the economy from the middle-class out."

"MVD Express was proud to attend today's Senate Steering and Outreach Committee meeting to share how entrepreneurs are working hard to expand our economy," said Lucero. "During a slow economic downtime in 2010, we invested in the development of our real capital - our people. As a result, we grew from 63 to 100 employees just three years later. MVD Express is committed to growing the economy even more while providing the quick and efficient services New Mexico residents have come to expect."

According to the most recent data available from the Small Business Administration, New Mexico is home to more than 150,000 small businesses - representing almost 96 percent of all employers.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall invites New Mexico college students interested in gaining legislative or press relations experience to apply for internships in his Washington, D.C., Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Carlsbad offices. To apply online, please click here, or visit Udall’s website at www.tomudall.senate.gov.  

Washington internships have two summer sessions: May 28 – June 28 and July 1 – August 2.  The deadline to apply for the 2013 DC summer sessions is Sunday, March 17. 

Placements in New Mexico offices are available throughout the year. The deadlines to apply for state positions are flexible, but students interested in summer internships are encouraged to submit their applications by April 14.

“As interns, students will play an important role in my office’s daily operations while gaining insight into the workings of the ‘world’s greatest deliberative body,’” said Udall. “Internships are an invaluable experience for anyone interested in government or a career in public service, and I encourage students to apply.”

All internships may count toward college credit. Students should check with their respective college or university for requirements. College students who are from New Mexico or attend New Mexico schools are given first preference, and students of all majors are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries may be emailed to internship_program@tomudall.senate.gov.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) joined Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Thune (R-SD) and Mark Udall (D-CO) today to introduce legislation that would reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), which provides vital drought information to farmers, ranchers, and other industries affected by weather conditions. The NIDIS program is a function of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Since the NIDIS Act was signed into law, government agencies have worked to develop a long-term plan for drought prevention, research, and education. The Drought Information Act would extend this program for five years and support an interactive "early warning system" of timely and accurate drought information, as well an integrated weather monitoring and forecasting system. By increasing coordination with the USDA and private sector, this bill would also enhance the agriculture industry's involvement in the program.

"With New Mexico in the midst of a historic drought, our farmers and ranchers need the best up-to-date information about current and future conditions in the state," said Senator Tom Udall. "USDA drought assistance is an economic backstop for our rural communities, and that assistance is triggered by the drought declarations under this important system. What we need most is rain and snowpack, but this information is crucial to the success of all agricultural producers regardless of the weather."

"Farmers and ranchers need timely information about droughts so they can take the necessary precautions to protect their crops and livestock," Senator Pryor said. "That's why I was proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill that will provide Arkansas agricultural producers with the tools and resources they need to prevent economic losses."

"The United States continues to be in the throes of the worst drought in nearly 70 years, and timely drought information is a vital resource," Senator Moran said. "All drought response and disaster declarations are based on the drought monitor, which is part of the NIDIS. Preserving these programs gives farmers and ranchers the best chance as they face the biggest asset and challenge in agriculture - Mother Nature."

"Droughts create tremendous uncertainty and financial losses for farmers and ranchers and they need tools like NIDIS," said Senator Thune. "NIDIS is critically important as it provides agricultural producers with timely drought forecast and monitoring information which can help them better prepare for a drought. As a member of the Agriculture Committee and the Ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee that has jurisdiction over this program, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this important legislation through Congress."

"The effects of climate change and the severe ongoing drought are readily apparent in Colorado, where we have experienced lower crop yields, increased fire hazards and the lack of snowpack in the high country. Improving our ability to forecast droughts will help farmers, ranchers and everyone who relies on water to better prepare for droughts' devastating effects. That is why I support the bipartisan effort to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System," Senator Mark Udall said. "The National Integrated Drought Information System also is currently based in Boulder, taking advantage of Colorado's highly skilled workforce and supporting job creation in the area."

In 2012, the U.S. was hit by one of the worst droughts in half a century. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 65% of the contiguous U.S. suffered from moderate drought.

WASHINGTON - Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today introduced legislation to improve access to emergency services in rural and medically underserved areas.

The Strengthening Rural Access to Emergency Services Act (S. 328) would amend the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to allow eligible hospitals in rural and medically underserved areas to use interactive telehealth programs to satisfy the federal emergency room staffing requirement for an "on call" physician when an associate provider, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, is already on site at the rural emergency room. This bill is cosponsored by Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and is supported by the National Rural Health Association, the American Telemedicine Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

"Access to fast, reliable emergency medicine in rural hospitals is critically important," said Thune. "My legislation updates federal law to reflect advancements in telehealth technology that are already in use across the country. Emergency telehealth technology improves the quality of care provided in rural emergency rooms while also leveraging the technology to address problems in recruiting physicians to rural areas. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this legislation through Congress. "

"Small rural hospitals are lifelines for local communities, and telehealth technologies can enhance the emergency room services they provide," said Udall. "New Mexico is a large state and many residents live far from urban areas, so telehealth offers us the best avenue to meet their healthcare needs. I am very pleased to join Senator Thune to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will help save time and save lives."

Currently, small rural hospitals across the country are facing physician recruiting challenges, partly due to federal requirements that do not reflect advancements in emergency telehealth technology that can be employed to create a practice environment that is more attractive to young physicians. EMTALA requires a physician to be on call and able to arrive to the emergency department within 30 minutes, even if an associate provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, is already covering the emergency department. For physicians in small hospitals who see patients all day and then must be on call at night, this creates a "24/7" work environment that can be unattractive to many young physicians and unnecessarily drives up the costs of health care.

Thune and Udall's bill would allow for a physician available by an interactive emergency telehealth system to satisfy EMTALA requirements at eligible rural hospitals when an associate provider is on site, and would keep patients at their local hospital and avoid unnecessary, expensive transfers to larger hospitals.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) led a group of western Senators, including Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Dean Heller (R-NV), in introducing a bill to reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA).

FLTFA allows the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service in the western United States to use the proceeds from sales of certain federally designated areas to protect lands of exceptional conservation value.

"FLTFA is an excellent model of public land management that achieves conservation and responsible access goals while spurring economic development," said Heinrich. "In New Mexico, we've seen how well FLTFA works. These funds have been used to protect land at Aztec Ruins National Monument, the Elk Springs, and La Cienega BLM Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. Because of FLTFA, these areas will be protected for future generation of New Mexicans."

"This is a very successful program that allows federal land management agencies to make National Forests, National Parks and other wild areas more complete without additional taxpayer funds," said Udall. "With resources generated by the sale of federal lands, agencies can purchase new areas from willing sellers to increase conservation and boost the local economies through tourism."

"I'm pleased to partner with Senators Heinrich and Udall in support of a program that provides a fiscally responsible way to protect sensitive lands and make additional lands available for our communities to grow. This is an important tool for Nevada and the West and I am pleased to be part of this bipartisan effort," said Heller.

Since 2000, FLTFA has allowed the preservation of important sites across the western United States without the use of taxpayer money. The program has also assisted in better land management practices by disposing of isolated or difficult to manage parcels identified by the public land management agencies themselves.

"FLTFA is commonsense legislation that helps out people who like to hunt, fish and camp on public land," said Ray Trejo, president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. "The original FLTFA was sponsored by our former senators, Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman. New Mexico sportsmen are glad to see our newest senator, Martin Heinrich, working to reauthorize this important law."

Additional cosponsors of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act are Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Max Baucus (D-MT), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

WASHINGTON - At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing today, New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall pressed top Obama Administration officials about the potentially dangerous impacts of federal budget cuts on the national laboratories and military bases in his state.

The rare full committee hearing, Udall's first since being appointed to the panel, examined "The Impacts of Sequestration" and outlined the negative impacts of scheduled across-the-board federal budget cuts in detail.

For video of the hearing visit: http://bit.ly/ZdPpDB and for photos click: http://bit.ly/Yuj6dG.

"Sequestration threatens damaging cuts for New Mexico's national labs, military facilities and border security," Udall said. "If implemented, those cuts will be very damaging, I believe, to our national security."

He continued, "Sequestration will also be very damaging to some of New Mexico's most vulnerable: Children in need of a quality education, rural communities struggling with housing, and homeless veterans seeking emergency shelter."

The hearing included testimony from the Controller of the White House Office of Management and Budget Danny Werfel, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan.

Below is a transcript of Udall's line of questioning on New Mexico's labs and military facilities:

UDALL:

Mr. Werfer and Mr. Carter, my -- my first question goes to you. New Mexico's national security laboratories, Los Alamos and Sandia work to support our stock pile stewardship mission. I believe the sequester's across the board cuts, including 9.4 percent cut facing the national [nuclear] security administration weapons account, will hamper the important stock pile stewardship work across the country.

Needless to say, there is absolutely zero tolerance for mistakes when dealing with nuclear weapons. Are you concerned that sequestration cuts pose unacceptable risks to the NNSA? And is DOD concerned about the impacts on its strategic missions as a result?

Mr. Werfel, why don't you go first on that and...

WERFEL:
I -- I will start.

Yeah, because as you mentioned, I think NNSA does fall within the defense category in the sequester, therefore, it faces roughly an 8 percent cut which will be applied, as I understand it, evenly across all NNSA labs and plants.

You mentioned Sandia. It's my understanding that critical milestones will be delayed for that lab as a result of the sequester. For Los Alamos, we are looking at $46 million cut to procurement, hiring freezes, and furlough days for certain employees. So absolutely, there is -- there is significant concern -- there's concern across government. Your question about NNSA, I think is -- it's not safe from -- from the impacts of sequester.

CARTER:
We're the customer for NNSA. We're the ones who depend upon them making a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear arsenal that we can put aboard our delivery system. So I am concerned about it. Mr. Werfel says at a minimum stretches out all the stock pile life extension programs, which is not good, because makes them, first of all, more expensive, and second of all, we don't have time in many of those cases. So I am -- I am concerned about it. Very much concerned about it.

UDALL:
Thank you for those answers.

I'm going to do everything I can if we go into this sequester to make sure that we protect these national laboratories that are real jewels.

Mr. Carter, New Mexico's military's installations, Cannon Air Force Base, Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and part of Fort Bliss are -- are unique to our nation's national security objectives due to New Mexico's large unencumbered air space, unique geography, and intellectual capital.

The sequester will impact long-term readiness, as well as future defense research, in favor of a reckless plan to reduce the budget. And I think you've talked a little bit about that. Are you concerned with the impacts of sequester on these installations? What are the near and short-term consequences of reduced training at Air Force bases, and the reduction of research and development at White Sands, and the Air Force research lab and similar test ranges?

CARTER:
In the near term you will see, in the final months of this year, a sharp curtailment of range activity and other training activities. We don't have any choice about that. We're simply going to run out of money in those operations and maintenance accounts.

In the long run, if the reductions in budgetary authority forecast, which in our case is around $500 billion over 10 years, not all of these facilities can survive. We asked last year for BRAC authority even to make the adjustments -- the huge adjustment we are already making. The $478 billion that we absorbed last year, that $487 billion, those cuts extend over 10 years.

And you can't -- you can't keep the tooth if you're not able to cut the tail. Some inevitably, these -- at some of these installations are going to have to be reduced. Both in the near term and far term it will have an effect on those installations. We just don't have any choice.

UDALL:
Mr. Carter, you -- you mentioned in your testimony -- I'm wrapping up, Madam Chair -- you mentioned in your testimony about small business being hurt by this. I think that could be a real impact in New Mexico and across the country.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Witness testimony and other supporting material from the hearing are available here.

WASHINGTON - Twenty-four senators, led by Tom Udall of New Mexico, are challenging the postmaster general's authority to discontinue Saturday mail delivery later this year without congressional approval.

In a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, the senators acknowledge the financial challenges the Postal Service is facing and urge him to work with Congress to address these problems through bipartisan reform, such as the Senate legislation passed last year.

They also point out that a shift to five-day service could lead to further declines in mail volume and revenues, worsening the U.S. Postal Service's overall condition.

Senators Tom Udall, Tom Harkin, Al Franken, Jeff Merkley, Carl Levin, Debbie Stabenow, Mark Begich, Ron Wyden, Martin Heinrich, Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown, Max Baucus, Bernie Sanders, Jeanne Shaheen, Mazie Hirono, Joe Manchin, Jack Reed, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Sheldon Whitehouse, Michael Bennet, Mark Udall, Brian Schatz and Heidi Heitkamp sent the letter to the postmaster today.

They note that recently the Postal Service itself has recognized it lacks the power to terminate six-day service.

"[A]s recently as last year, the Postal Service did not believe it had the authority to end six-day delivery without legislative action by Congress. For example, in the USPS's ‘Plan for Profitability,' released on February 6, 2012, savings for five-day delivery were categorized under the heading of ‘legislative initiatives'," they wrote.

"Furthermore, you personally delivered testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on September 6, 2011 where you noted that ‘Congress must act ... [to] allow the Postal Service the authority to determine delivery frequency.'"

They also point out the move is a violation of existing law under the Continuing Appropriations Resolution of 2012.

"[W]e believe your proposal does not comply with the existing statutory requirement to continue six-day delivery and rural delivery mail services at no less than the 1983 levels. "

Such a move would impact 70,000 jobs and negatively affect the rural communities they represent.

"With the national unemployment rate at 7.8 percent, moving to five-day delivery will hurt middle class families," they said.

The text of the letter is below:

February 15, 2013

Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General & Chief Executive Officer
United States Postal Service (USPS)
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, D.C. 200260

Dear Postmaster General:

We write to express our concerns regarding the recent announcement that the Postal Service intends to end Saturday mail delivery service later this year. We understand the Postal Service faces serious financial challenges, and we remain committed to working with you to find a solution to the Postal Service's long-term financial viability as we did last year to pass bipartisan postal reform legislation through the Senate. However, we believe a piecemeal strategy that focuses on cutting services and forgoes a critical competitive advantage is not the solution. Instead, we need a comprehensive postal reform bill that allows the Postal Service to modernize while protecting its crucial obligations and services.

First, we believe your proposal does not comply with the existing statutory requirement to continue six-day delivery and rural delivery mail services at no less than the 1983 levels. As such it is in violation of P.L. 112-175, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, which extends the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, P.L. 112-74. Section 101(a) of P.L. 112-175 specifically extends the funding levels of the FY12 appropriations law, "under the authority and conditions provided" in the previous funding resolution, except as otherwise stated in the CR. The CR does not contain language abrogating the FY12 provision, which requires the USPS to maintain six-day delivery.

It appears that as recently as last year, the Postal Service did not believe it had the authority to end six-day delivery without legislative action by Congress. For example, in the USPS's "Plan for Profitability," released on February 6, 2012, savings for five-day delivery were categorized under the heading of "legislative initiatives." Furthermore, you personally delivered testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on September 6, 2011 where you noted that "Congress must act ... [to] allow the Postal Service the authority to determine delivery frequency."Accordingly, we request that you provide a detailed legal justification for this proposed change.

It is our understanding that this change is driven by an effort to reduce costs. However, it is unclear that the shift to five-day service will benefit USPS in the long-term. In fact, a 2012 USPS-commissioned survey found that service cuts resulting in a 7.7 percent reduction in volume will lead to a $5.2 billion loss in revenue the first year alone. Similarly, an earlier 2011 GAO report found that moving to five-day service would put mail volumes and revenues at risk. In other words, it could help push the USPS further down the spiral. Specifically, GAO noted that USPS may have overestimated savings by as much as $500 million and that USPS may have underestimated the reduction in volume likely under five-day service. Businesses that currently utilize USPS services have raised concerns that reducing services will decrease the value of mail, especially periodicals who stated that they "will most likely accelerate shifting their hard copy mail to electronic communications or otherwise stop using USPS if it is unable to provide reliable service as a result of these changes."

Importantly, moving to five-day service will result in the loss of approximately 70,000 jobs. Of these, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association projects that a minimum of 20,000 would affect rural communities. With the national unemployment rate at 7.8 percent, moving to five-day delivery will hurt middle class families.

The change to five-day service is not simply a move to deliver mail on the next day; it will require an overhaul of mail collection and processing times that may affect estimated savings and hurt USPS in the long-term. The Postal Service has made several other unilateral decisions, such as terminating overnight mail delivery in the Midwest and Mountain West and accelerating consolidations that run the risk of making the Service irrelevant in large portions of the country. With members of Congress making progress on a comprehensive bill, further changes would set the precedent for a piecemeal approach and potentially further delay much needed legislation. We urge you to reconsider your decision and not take this action unless authorized by Congress.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today reintroduced legislation to expand job training and educational opportunities for youth, while helping repair and restore the country's public lands.

The Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013 improves on the existing Public Lands Corps by expanding the scope of projects to reflect new challenges. It would also add incentives to attract new participants, including Native Americans and veterans, that suffer from disproportionately high rates of unemployment.

"As many of our public land managers retire, we have the opportunity to create a new generation of conservation leaders to protect the lands and natural environment that make New Mexico so spectacular," said Udall. "Passing this legislation would also help combat the unacceptably high unemployment young people face by providing them with job training, education and skills they can utilize long into their careers."

"Strengthening the Public Lands Corps program will continue to provide rewarding opportunities for young adults who want to work to preserve our water and public lands, such as our rivers and lakes, national parks and forests, and tribal lands. This bill is also particularly significant for tribal families in New Mexico because it establishes the Indian Youth Service Corps where young adults can work to preserve their tribal lands and strengthen their communities. As a former AmeriCorps volunteer myself, I spent the better part of a year doing construction, education, and fieldwork for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and I know first-hand that these programs are essential to improve the lives of those around us," said Heinrich.

Currently, several agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service work with national nonprofit organizations and more than 100 service corps to hire and train young people to build trails, perform maintenance, and assist with conservation projects.

An array of local, regional and national organizations support expanding the Public Lands Corps Act, including the National Parks Conservation Association, the Sierra Club, the National Education Association and the Public Lands Service Coalition, which includes the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in New Mexico.

"Senators Udall and Heinrich understand the positive impacts that come from linking community service with environmental stewardship," said Carl Colonius, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in Taos, New Mexico. "I thank them for introducing the Public Lands Service Corps Act and inspiring young people in New Mexico and across the country to revitalize communities, preserve and restore the environment, prepare for responsible, productive lives and build civic spirit through service."

Specifically the senators' bill would do the following:
Amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to raise the priority of service corps in the Interior and Agriculture Departments (including such agencies as the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service);

Establish an Indian Youth Service Corps so that Indian Tribes can start corps programs to carry out priority projects on Tribal lands, which Udall has worked to include in legislation since 2009;

Authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the Department of Commerce to participate in the program, which would allow Corps members to work on restoring coastal and marine ecosystems;

Provides for establishing residential conservation centers to house and train corps participants;

Expand the scope of eligible projects to include working with agency professionals on activities including historical, scientific and cultural research, visitor services, and interpretation;

Allow agencies to provide noncompetitive hiring status for Corps participants for two years after completing service. Current law allows such status for only 120 days; and

Expand the age range for the program is to youth aged 15 to 25, and participants may serve either in crews or as individuals.

The legislation was also introduced by Sen. Udall and retired Sen. Jeff Bingaman during the 112th Congress and it cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The new Senate legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Tom Udall welcomed the Sepich family to his Washington office today to present them with signed copies of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012, the federal legislation President Obama recently signed into law.

Udall met with Jayann and Dave Sepich and their two children to give them copies of the legislation and praise their efforts to expand "Katie's Law" nationwide.

Click here to view photos of the Sepich family in Senator Udall's Washington D.C. office.

"For almost ten years, and through Katie's memory, Jayann and Dave have dedicated their energy to preventing violent crimes and saving lives," said Udall. "It is because of their work we were able to pass 'Katie's Law' on the federal level I want to thank them for their tireless efforts."

"We're so incredibly grateful of the support we've had from Senator Udall and our Congressional delegation, and we just want to say thank you," said Jayann Sepich. "When the United States Congress says this is something we'd like to see move forward and provides grants to see that this happens, it makes a difference."

Udall fought to pass the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act to create incentives for states to implement programs, like New Mexico's, to collect DNA from individuals arrested for serious crimes.

Earlier in the day, the Sepich family attended oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of Maryland v. King. The court is hearing the case to decide the constitutionality of police authority to collect DNA samples from individuals arrested for crimes, a main component of "Katie's Law."

According to DNA Saves, the organization formed by the Sepiches to educate policy makers and the public about the value of forensic DNA, 26 states have similar versions of "Katie's Law." New Mexico passed the law in 2006.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing more than $7.2 million to New Mexico for the state's recent fire suppression efforts in the 2011 Track and Donaldson fires.

"As New Mexico faces this ongoing drought, we are preparing for another potentially dangerous fire season," said Udall. "These federal grants are critical in ensuring that our state has the resources it needs to combat the wildfires that threaten our homes and ways of life."

The Forestry Division of the New Mexico Energy Mineral, and Natural Resource Department will receive two FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) reimbursements in the amounts of $4,050,328 and $3,173,028 for the Track and Donaldson fires, respectively.

In June 2011, the Track Fire burned almost 28,000 acres near Raton, N.M. and the Donaldson Fire burned over 101,500 acres south of Hondo, N.M.

Fire Management Assistance is available to states, local and tribal governments for the mitigation, management and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, which threaten such destruction that would constitute a major disaster.

FMAG provides 75 percent of the federal cost share and the state pays the remaining 25 percent for documented costs incurred in firefighting, including personnel, equipment and fire suppression contracts.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement today on his vote to confirm Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense:

"Chuck Hagel has served our country with distinction and honor from his beginnings as an Army Sergeant, to representing the people of Nebraska in the Senate. After meeting with Sen. Hagel and examining his extensive record, I am confident he is well prepared to lead the Department of Defense and protect the security of our nation. He will assume this new office during a time of unprecedented challenges, and I will continue to work with him to ensure that New Mexico's military bases and the critical work done at Los Alamos and Sandia labs remain priorities."

For photos of Udall's meeting with Hagel, click here.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) reintroduced legislation to improve the quality of health and physical education (PE) programs and make them more accessible to kids across the country.

The Promoting Health for Youth Skills in Classrooms and Life (PHYSICAL) Act would classify health and PE as "core" subjects, like art and geography, under federal law. As such, they would be eligible for federal education funding and support.

"With increased childhood obesity rates and diabetes, the need for this bill is greater than ever," Udall said. "Physically active students who eat nutritiously live healthier lives, have better attendance, study harder and show higher achievement rates. The PHYSICAL Act would support health and wellness programs that fit the needs of local communities and give educators the tools to promote better practices so that students can reach their full potential."

As public school officials work to meet standards in core subjects to maintain federal funding and states struggle with budget cutbacks, subjects like health and PE face the risk of being scaled back or eliminated. Udall's bill would allow these subjects to be eligible for Title I and II funding, using federal dollars to expand health and PE throughout school districts. This could include dedicating weekly physical activities, enhancing classroom instruction or developing creative health programming.

The senator recently visited the Future Foundations Family Center and Mesa View Elementary School in Grants to hear how the community is utilizing resources to promote wellness education. There he met students who participated in the national "Walk and Roll to School" day and led a groundbreaking ceremony for new playground equipment. Photos from the event can be found here.

Udall first introduced the PHYSICAL Act last Congress and the bill now has the backing of more than 75 health organizations, including the New Mexico Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and the Society for Public Health Education.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Tom Udall issued the following statement after House passage of an improved Violence Against Women Act reauthorization today:

"By getting this bill across the finish line we are sending a very strong message that violence against women of any color or creed will not be tolerated. I'm especially pleased that when President Obama signs this historic legislation into law, the tribal provisions to protect Native women that I helped craft in the Indian Affairs Committee, and fought to maintain during Senate consideration, will become the law of the land. These important additions close jurisdictional loopholes to ensure justice is done in Indian Country by allowing tribes to combat domestic violence in their own communities and through their courts."

Native American women are two-and-a-half times more likely than other U.S. women to be victims of rape, and 1-in-3 will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. Click here for video of Udall advocating for the stronger protections for Native American women prior to Senate passage earlier this month.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Tom Udall released the following statement today after voting in favor of the American Family Economic Protection Act of 2013 to avert the sequester:

"The Senate missed an opportunity this afternoon to avert the sequester with a balanced approach that included spending restraint and a fairer tax system with fewer loopholes.

"When the sequester kicks in tomorrow our economy will not fall off a cliff, but we will begin tumbling down a hill with damaging consequences for middle-class families and small businesses. It has already had a chilling effect on New Mexico's economy where the federal government employs people at our labs, on public lands, at military bases and more. I remain committed to finding common ground to stop these arbitrary across-the-board cuts from going into full effect and further hurting our state."

WASHINGTON - Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima joined U.S. Sen. Tom Udall on Capitol Hill yesterday for a discussion on strengthening local economic development efforts in communities across the state and nation.

"Las Cruces is working to build a diverse and vibrant economy. I was proud to host Mayor Miyagishima to discuss how we can continue supporting smart infrastructure and workforce investments in communities like Las Cruces," Udall said. "Our meeting was an important forum to ensure that federal programs support the efforts of local leaders like Ken who are on the front lines of building a strong economy from the middle-class out."

"Las Cruces is a community with great educational and technological resources, and I was pleased to attend the meeting with Sen. Udall to share the ways we are meeting budgetary challenges with innovation and modernization," said Mayor Miyagishima. "We must work with federal leaders to create healthy tax and workforce environments and invest in local infrastructure projects that will rebuild schools, fix roads and highways, and put people back to work."

Mayor Miyagishima was in Washington as part of a bipartisan group of mayors from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and attended the meeting organized by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after President Obama nominated Dr. Ernest Moniz and Gina McCarthy to lead Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), respectively:

"I look forward to meeting with the two candidates President Obama has put forth to lead the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. These critical agencies ensure that America benefits from our diverse energy resources in a manner that is economically beneficial and environmentally responsible. The Senate should conduct a thorough and efficient confirmation process for each without obstruction or needless delay.

"Dr. Ernest Moniz has analyzed a broad array of energy technologies and policies, including renewable energy, fossil fuels and nuclear power in the context of energy security and global climate change. I am interested in learning more about his history with New Mexico and our national labs through his earlier roles at DOE, and his outlook for the future. Innovation, science and technology should remain at the heart of the department's mission with greater emphasis on tech-transfer, and it is imperative that the next secretary focus on resolving the ongoing difficulties at the National Nuclear Security Administration in order to restore confidence to our stockpile stewardship and national security missions.

"Gina McCarthy has served under both Gov. Mitt Romney and President Obama, so she is very familiar with the challenges of environmental policy-making. On the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have already worked with Assistant Administrator McCarthy on important issues like the recent Clean Air Act agreement between EPA and New Mexico on the future of the San Juan power plant. During the confirmation process, I look forward to learning her perspective on other key issues such as water quality and the proper regulation of toxic chemicals."

WASHINGTON - New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representative Ben Ray Luján confirmed today that President Obama has signed a disaster declaration making the Navajo Nation eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds.

In December and January, a cold spell resulted in damage to more than 3,300 water lines, leaving thousands of members of the Navajo Nation without access to water as subfreezing temperatures caused pipes to freeze and break. The damage also included gushing water once the pipes thawed.

As a result of the declaration, the Navajo Nation is eligible for FEMA assistance that includes funding to offset some of the costs of emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, as well as assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

"This declaration is vital to helping the Navajo Nation restore water to homes, schools and businesses and I am glad the President responded quickly to our request for support," said Senator Udall. "Following our successful effort to change federal law last year, tribes now have the authority to seek these designations directly from the president, meaning less red tape for them and the ability to receive more timely assistance when disasters strike."

"I'm pleased that the people of the Navajo Nation will receive this much-needed assistance to help the community recover from and rebuild after the widespread damage caused by prolonged subfreezing temperatures last year," Senator Heinrich said.

"This important disaster declaration will make critical funds available in support of the Navajo Nation's efforts during what has been a difficult time for the thousands of people who were left without water for many weeks," Representative Luján said.

In a letter to President Obama, the members of the delegation supported the Navajo Nation's request for a disaster declaration allowing FEMA to assist in the recovery effort.

Last year, Udall, Heinrich and Luján sponsored legislation to give tribal governments the authority to request disaster declarations directly from the president's administration. Their legislation was adopted into law in January as part of the supplement appropriations bill following Hurricane Sandy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize and improve key elements of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Program. Since 2002, the successful program has funded the rehabilitation of abandoned and polluted properties to increase safety and attract new businesses to communities. All four Senators are members of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, which oversees the Brownfields Program.

"The Brownfields Program has a proven track record of helping communities replace abandoned, polluted properties with new businesses, parks and residential areas. As we move forward, I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for this legislation to protect and strengthen the Brownfields Program," said Lautenberg. "The continued revitalization and clean-up of abandoned properties will create communities where businesses prosper, jobs are created, and families are protected from dangerous chemicals. In New Jersey we have much to gain from turning old brownfields into new vibrant hubs to grow businesses and enhance communities, and I'll keep working to pass this important redevelopment initiative."

"The Brownfields program has been a tremendous help to Oklahoma, and I am proud to author the program's reauthorization with Senator Lautenberg," said Inhofe. "The program has helped communities throughout Oklahoma clean up buildings contaminated by lead paint, asbestos, and mold so that they can be successfully redeveloped. This reauthorization, among other things, will amend the program to allow small communities access to technical assistance and to streamline projects so that they can be completed more efficiently."

"Smart development and revitalization of our urban areas require the transformation of sites that are contaminated by pollution and hazardous chemicals - often referred to as brownfields," said Udall. "In New Mexico, we have a great history of turning brownfields around, like the Santa Fe Railyard and sites along Route 66. The BUILD Act will further expand our ability to turn these cherished areas into economically productive destinations and neighborhoods that will attract commerce and reduce unnecessary urban sprawl."

"There are currently 224 brownfield eligible sites in Idaho from virtually every part of the state," said Crapo. "This legislation would increase access to the brownfields grant programs for rural communities, a key change in the law pushed for by states with smaller populations."

Brownfields sites are properties affected by the presence of environmental contamination such as hazardous waste or other pollution. These properties are often former industrial sites where contamination presents a health hazard. Even when Brownfields do not pose a threat to human health, the mere perception of contamination can discourage redevelopment. The Brownfields Program provides funding to clean up any contamination and prepare the site for redevelopment.

Since the inception of the Brownfields Program, EPA has provided approximately $1.5 billion in grants, which have leveraged $19.2 billion in additional investment. As a result, the Brownfields Program has assessed more than 20,000 properties and created more than 86,000 jobs nationwide. Despite these successes, the EPA estimates there are 450,000 brownfields sites across the United States. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) estimates there are 10,000 brownfields sites in the state.

The "Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development (BUILD) Act of 2013" would improve the existing grant process by increasing the limit for cleanup grants and expanding grant eligibility for certain publicly owned sites and non-profit organizations. The bill would authorize EPA to make multi-purpose grants, which provide greater certainty for long-term project financing. In addition, the legislation identifies opportunities for waterfront properties and brownfield sites appropriate for clean energy development, allows grant recipients to collect administrative costs, and provides technical assistance to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. States would also be eligible for additional targeted funding. Finally, the bill would reauthorize the program at current levels through FY 2016.

The legislation is supported by the National Brownfields Coalition, which includes the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on his vote to confirm John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency:

"I voted to confirm John Brennan to head the CIA today because he is a well-qualified nominee and this position is too important to our national security to remain vacant. While I'm supporting his nomination, I want to make clear that I am not satisfied by the administration's limited disclosure of documents outlining the legal justification for extraordinary authority to target and kill American citizens in the course of counterterrorism operations.

"Since September 2011, I have called on the administration to provide Congress with its full legal justifications for exercising such authority. While the Justice Department recently provided many of these documents to members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I believe all of us in the Senate should have the opportunity to review them.

"I will continue to seek access to these legal opinions so that we can fulfill our responsibility to conduct rigorous congressional oversight. When there is no oversight, abuses can occur. And I believe that every administration must be held accountable, regardless of which party is in the White House."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing more than $1 million to reimburse Lincoln County for cleanup costs resulting from flooding following the Little Bear Fire in the White Mountain Wilderness Area near Ruidoso.

Lincoln County incurred more than $1 million in costs last year removing and hauling debris resulting from post-fire flooding to improve public safety, restore access to roadways and protect property.

"As fire season approaches again in New Mexico, we are still dealing with the devastation from the Little Bear Fire," Udall said. "I spent time with the Little Bear incident commander and regional team and was very impressed with their coordination. These federal dollars are going to Lincoln County for the tremendous work the community has done to restore the area."

In June 2012, the Little Bear Fire burned almost 45,000 acres, destroyed over 250 homes and structures, and damaged six local watersheds, becoming one of the most destructive fires in state history. In July 2012, the communities also experienced heavy post-fire flooding as a result of runoff from the fire burn scar.

Udall and retired Sen. Jeff Bingaman sent a letter to President Obama in August 2012 requesting disaster declarations from the federal government to offset the cost to the state and affected communities. That letter is available here.

In an op-ed published in High Country News, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (NM) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) called for reform of the 1872 mining law that allows hardrock minerals to be mined on public lands with no royalty.

"As our nation works to address the deficit in the months ahead, we can no longer allow federal giveaways of our natural resources to continue without any compensation to the taxpayers who own those resources."

"But the only way mining reform will happen is if the public becomes aware of its importance. Nothing in Congress happens in a vacuum. That's why we're highlighting this issue now, before budget negotiations get too intense."

Read the full op-ed here:

"This is one of the biggest budget loopholes of the modern economy, and it needs to change -- especially now -- as Congress tries to address the deficit and balance budgets."

"With prices for gold, silver and other minerals at near-record highs, requiring companies to pay a royalty for public resources is simply good policy."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich reported today that their legislation to help New Mexico complete high priority uranium mine cleanup projects has cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Their bill, S. 222, would amend federal law to give states and tribes the ability to apply existing funds for coal-related cleanup efforts to non-coal mine reclamation, including hundreds of abandoned uranium mines throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

"This is a commonsense, bipartisan measure to assist states like New Mexico, which has more abandoned uranium mine sites to cleanup than coal-related reclamation," said Udall. "I'm pleased the committee recognizes the need to give states and tribes more flexibility to apply their cleanup dollars and I hope this measure advances quickly to the floor."

"Throughout history, New Mexico has made major contributions to our country's national security and energy needs, including communities across the state that were central to the mining and processing of uranium. But we've neglected our duty to these communities to clean up the mess that was left behind," said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "This legislation would provide much needed resources for tribes and states to clean up abandoned uranium mines and would be a significant step forward in keeping New Mexico's families healthy and safe. I'm pleased with the progress we made today in committee and am eager to get this bill signed into law."

The Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund was created as part of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) and requires fees to be paid on local coal production for state and tribal mine reclamation. Current law limits state and tribal use of certain allocations from the fund to coal-related cleanup. Udall and Heinrich's legislation would allow states to dedicate all AML allocations for both coal and non-coal mine reclamation.

The legislation would also allow all AML funds to be used to seal tunnels and entryways of coal and non-coal mines, as well as for acid mine drainage abatement and treatment. Abandoned mines can contaminate surface and groundwater supplies, among other health, safety and environmental impacts.

For several years, the New Mexico State Legislature and several local county and community organizations have advocated for the change in federal law to better reflect the necessities of higher-priority cleanup projects.

Udall and Heinrich introduced the bill in the Senate last month. U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Steve Pearce introduced a companion measure in the House.

The bill passed by a committee vote of 14-4 and can now be considered by the full Senate. Legislative text can be accessed below:

S. 222 - Legislative Text by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall's office is now accepting applications for nominations to U.S. military service academies.

In a YouTube video for prospective nominees across New Mexico, Udall provided information about the process of applying to an academy. To watch the video and learn more, click here.

"One of my duties as United States Senator is nominating outstanding young people from New Mexico to our nation's military service academies," said Udall in the video. "More than anything, I cherish this opportunity to meet with some of our state's best and brightest - motivated high school students or recent graduates who want to dedicate their talents and leadership in service to our country."

U.S. military service academies provide those who enroll with an excellent education and opportunities for leadership in both military and civilian life. If accepted, applicants would begin attending in the summer of 2014.

Four of the five service academies - the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - require a Congressional, Vice-Presidential or service-connected nomination. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.

In order to apply for a nomination, candidates must complete an application on Udall's website, as well as all application requirements for the academies to which they are applying.

To be eligible for a nomination, applicants must be at least 17-years-old, but no older than 23 on July 1, 2014. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and reside within the legal boundaries of the State of New Mexico.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance. The deadline for a nomination from Udall is October 11, 2013.

Applications can be submitted online at http://tomudall.senate.gov/academy. For questions, please visit Udall's website or contact his Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is reminding New Mexico taxpayers that April 15, 2013 is the last day to claim tax refunds for 2009. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that 7,100 New Mexicans are owed a total of $6.45 million, with a median refund of $567. Unless claimed, the money will become property of the U.S. Treasury.

"There's more than $6 million in the Treasury that belongs in the pockets of hardworking New Mexico taxpayers," said Udall. "That money could be better used in our state's economy making ends meet on groceries, bills and gasoline."

New Mexicans who did not file in 2009 and may be eligible for a refund can visit the Forms and Publications page of IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM.

Individuals have three years to file an old return and claim refunds. There is no penalty for filing a late return that qualifies for a refund.

Many refunds go unclaimed because filers are unaware they are eligible for a return. Some individuals and families may have earned too little to require filing a tax return even though taxes were withheld from their wages or they made quarterly estimated payments towards their taxes. Additionally, some low and middle-class families who did not file may also be missing out on the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, which is worth as much as $5,657.

Keep in mind that taxpayers seeking a 2009 refund may have their checks withheld if they have not filed tax returns for 2010 and 2011. In addition, refunds could be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or their state tax agency, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

For more information, click here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement on his meeting this afternoon with Gina McCarthy, President Barack Obama's nominee to be administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Click here for photos of the meeting.

"Gina McCarthy and I committed to working together on issues that will be win-wins for New Mexico's environment and economy. The recent agreement between the state, the Environmental Protection Agency and PNM to transition the San Juan Generating Station is an example of the kinds of partnerships that can result in productive solutions.

"We also discussed how best to make progress addressing dangerous chemicals and high priority cleanup sites as part of my new responsibilities chairing the Subcommittee on Toxics, Superfund and Environmental Health.

"I hope Gina's nomination receives fair and full consideration in the Senate and look forward to working with her to uphold the clean air and water standards the American people cherish."

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after his meeting this afternoon with Sally Jewell, President Barack Obama's nominee to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. For photos of the meeting, click HERE.

"Sally Jewell will bring a unique business perspective and appreciation for the outdoors to the Department of the Interior, and I am proud to support her nomination. During our meeting today, I conveyed my hope that as secretary, Sally will prioritize issues important to New Mexico, like a national monument designation for the Río Grande del Norte and reform of the 1872 Mining Law.

"For Western states like ours, Interior issues directly impact jobs, local economies and our way of life. I look forward to working with Sally to ensure that our natural resources and lands are protected and utilized to the maximum benefit for current and future generations."

WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority Executive Director and National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) Board Member Floyd Tortalita joined U.S. Senator Tom Udall on Capitol Hill today for a discussion on education, housing and economic development on tribal lands.

At an event hosted by Udall and the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, more than a dozen representatives from Native American tribes and organizations highlighted a variety of issues that affect Indian Country, including sequestration's harmful effects on tribal budgets and the new provisions in the Violence Against Women Act to protect women on tribal lands.

"Today's forum was an important opportunity to hear from Native American leaders on the issues most important to their communities and to hear perspectives on how the tribes and federal government can work together to support economic growth," said Udall. "We have a trust responsibility to tribes, and we need to do what we can to help combat high levels of unemployment and poverty, build much needed infrastructure, and improve education while preserving Native American culture."

"One central thread runs through the issues we discussed today -- every one of the topics are survival topics," said Shelly. "Improving education, providing housing and infrastructure, and developing a sustainable economy do not exist in a vacuum. They all fit together and are essential for the continued survival and independence of all tribal nations. As we discussed our points today we remembered the great needs at stake."

"Our elderly and low income families rely on housing assistance from the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act," said Tortalita. "Today I was honored represent all of Indian country on behalf of NAIHC to talk about the importance of reauthorizing this bill so we can continue to help those most vulnerable."

Shelly and Tortalita also discussed their concerns that the sequester will be a setback for the tribes because it cuts vital programs and presents problems for future budget planning.

Click here for photos of Udall with Shelly and Tortalita at the meeting on Capitol Hill.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) spoke the at the Federal Communications Commission today to highlight efforts to improve engagement with tribes and tackle the digital divide in Indian Country. Udall has worked closely with the FCC to expand their outreach and address the lack of basic telecommunications services for Native American communities.

The meeting coincided with the release of the Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) 2012 report, which details the Commission's engagement with more than 400 Tribal Nations and travel to 42 federal Indian Reservations since the Office's inception in the summer of 2010.

Click here for photos from the event.

"Today's report exemplifies how the FCC is making strides to expand communications services for Native Americans to harness new technologies and improve economic development, education and access to health care," said Udall, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. "I want to thank Chairman Genachowski, the Commission and Geoff Blackwell for their commitment to ensuring the first Americans receive the services their communities desperately need and I look forward to working together to continue building on these important efforts."

"Tribal Nations have not always had a seat at the table. But thanks to our efforts, the full involvement of Tribal Nations is now recognized as key to unlocking the digital divide on their lands," said Chairman Genachowski. "Senator Udall is one of the reasons ONAP exists, and I am honored that he was here today to celebrate all the work the Commission has been able to do since ONAP's founding. The work is not done, and I look forward to working in concert both with Tribal Nations and the industry to create greater opportunities and incentives for Native communities."

At the agency's regular open meeting, Geoffrey C. Blackwell, Chief of ONAP, outlined several Commission accomplishments with respect to Tribal Nations in a presentation to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and the other Commissioners. Blackwell spoke of the important exercise of the government-to-government relationship that the Commission shares with Tribal Nations through agency consultation and coordination on the ground with Tribal leaders in Indian Country. His presentation summarized highlights from ONAP's 2012 Annual Report, as well as several case studies of Tribal Nations with whom the Commission is working. The ONAP 2012 Report is available at http://www.fcc.gov/topic/native-nations.

The ONAP report discusses the progress that the Commission has made in closing the digital divide in Indian Country, and spells out how that progress will continue in the years to come, through the consultation efforts of the entire agency and the involvement and contributions of staff and managers of the Bureaus and Offices across the Commission.

In October 2009, Udall sent a letter to Chairman Genachowski urging him to address lack of basic telecommunications services on Indian lands. ONAP was created by unanimous Commission vote in July 2010 in response a recommendation in the FCC's National Broadband Plan, which recognized that the lack of basic and advanced communications services on Tribal lands leaves Tribal members with less access to telecommunications services than any other segment of the population.

ONAP's work with Tribes is focused on bringing modern communications infrastructure and the resulting benefits to Tribal Nations and Native communities throughout the United States. ONAP is responsible for developing and driving a Commission-wide Tribal agenda and ensuring Tribal voices are taken into account in Commission proceedings.

WASHINGTON - Members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation today applauded the decision by President Barack Obama to create a national monument to protect the Río Grande del Norte in Northern New Mexico. The president will hold a National Monument Proclamations Signing Ceremony at the White House on Monday.

The Bureau of Land Management, under the direction of the Department of the Interior, currently manages the 240,000 acres of land in Northern New Mexico. The Río Grande del Norte monument proclamation will be modeled after the delegation's legislative efforts to protect the area with input from Taos and Rio Arriba County residents. The proclamation has strong local support.

In 2007, now-retired Senator Jeff Bingaman's office began working with residents of Taos and Rio Arriba Counties to identify how to best protect the land. Since then, Bingaman, Sens. Tom Udall, Martin Heinrich, and Rep. Ben Ray Luján have worked to advance legislation through Congress to protect the area and asked the White House to consider a monument designation.

"I want to thank President Obama and Secretary Salazar for creating this National Monument in Northern New Mexico," said Bingaman, former chairman of the Senate and Natural Resources Committee. "Protecting the Río Grande del Norte means we are not only preserving this beautiful space, but ensuring that it will continue to be used by anglers, ranchers, and land grant heirs. It is my hope that this decision has a very positive impact on the economy of the region."

"Permanent protection of the Río Grande del Norte would not have been possible without the leadership and advocacy of Jeff Bingaman," said Udall. "This is a victory for the people of Taos and Rio Arriba Counties and will be a lasting part of Jeff's legacy. I am proud to have been a part of such a successful effort to protect some of Northern New Mexico's most historically and culturally rich land for the benefit of locals and visitors."

"For more than a century, the Antiquities Act has given American presidents the authority to protect our nation's most treasured landscapes, and the Río Grande del Norte is indeed a treasure," said Heinrich. "My deepest thanks go out to Senator Bingaman and the local community for championing this effort, and to President Obama for recognizing just how special the Río Grande del Norte is."

"With the stroke of a pen, President Obama will provide the Río Grande del Norte with the protection needed to ensure that this majestic land remains one of New Mexico's crowing jewels for generations to come," said Luján. "This monument designation is the result of years of hard work by so many in the community, and would not have been possible without the tireless effort of Jeff Bingaman. By working together with small businesses, local governments, Taos Pueblo and those who appreciate this pristine land for recreation, traditional and cultural uses, or finding inspiration-we have finally ensured that the history and future of the Río Grande del Norte will be protected and preserved."

In Feb. 2013, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall, Martin Heinrich and Congressman Ben Ray Luján reintroduced the legislation to protect the Río Grande del Norte and met with community stakeholders in Taos to discuss their efforts to ensure permanent protection of this area.

In an Oct. 2012 letter, Bingaman and Udall asked President Obama to consider designating the area for national monument status. In a separate letter, Luján and Heinrich also asked the administration to make the area a monument.

Secretary Salazar visited the area on Dec. 15, 2012 in response to Bingaman and Udall's request that local communities are consulted as National Monument declaration is explored.

Taos, N.M. - While President Barack Obama signs the Río Grande del Norte National Monument proclamation in the Oval Office on Monday, March 25, U.S. Senator Tom Udall will celebrate the historic designation with the local community at a gathering in Taos.

"The National Monument proclamation for the Río Grande del Norte was achieved through strong community support and the tireless efforts of many," said Udall. "Our celebration will reach from the Oval Office to Northern New Mexico, where communities will see the economic benefits of the monument and the beautiful land will now be enjoyed by generations to come."

What: Río Grande del Norte Monument Proclamation Celebration

Who: U.S. Senator Tom Udall, members of the Río Grande del Norte Coalition, local elected officials, Taos Pueblo, local business leaders, members of the community and others who have been instrumental in advocating for permanent protection of the area

When: Noon - 1 p.m., Monday, March 25th

Where: Taos County Commission Chambers
105 Albright St.

In 2007, now-retired Senator Jeff Bingaman's office began working with residents of Taos and Rio Arriba Counties to identify how to best protect the land. Since then, Bingaman, Sens. Tom Udall, Martin Heinrich, and Rep. Ben Ray Luján have worked to advance legislation through Congress to protect the area and asked the White House to consider a monument designation.

The Bureau of Land Management, under the direction of the Department of the Interior, currently manages the 240,000 acres of land in Northern New Mexico. The Río Grande del Norte monument proclamation will be modeled after the delegation's legislative efforts to protect the area with input from Taos and Rio Arriba County residents. The proclamation has strong local support.

WASHINGTON - Before the Senate adjourned around 5 a.m. Saturday morning, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) voted for a budget with a balanced approach to address the debt and deficit while investing in middle-class families and taking steps to create jobs and rebuild the economy. The Fiscal Year 2014 Senate budget cleared the chamber by a vote of 50-49. 

"Enacting this budget would replace the devastating cuts in the sequester with support for small businesses and middle-class families working to make ends meet," said Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "It provides a sensible and fair approach that would save thousands of jobs in our state and I look forward to improving upon it further as we move into the Appropriations process."

During the consideration of the Senate budget resolution, Udall won passage of an amendment to lay the groundwork for Congressional reform of the 1872 Mining Law and establish a royalty for hardrock minerals for the first time on federal lands. The unanimous voice vote was the first major Senate floor action on hardrock mining reform in years. Udall's amendment was supported by the bipartisan leadership of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee-Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Lisa Murksowski (R-Alaska)-along with fellow New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, and provides momentum to subsequent reform legislation.

"This was a very important first step to closing this long standing loophole," Udall said in response to the unanimous voice vote. "At a time of such strict fiscal constraints, we cannot afford free access for large companies to extract minerals like gold, silver, copper, and uranium from public lands with no compensation to the taxpayers. We have abandoned mines that need cleanup throughout the West and mining royalties and fees should cover those costs and help reduce our deficits."

In addition, Udall also secured unanimous consent to include a bipartisan amendment with Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to encourage the expansion of access to health care for rural veterans through telehealth and other programs. His amendment seeks to reduce the burdens of travel for veterans to reach VA medical facilities. The provision was added to the underlying veterans section of the Senate budget resolution, which also calls for improved processing of benefits claims.

Udall also teamed with Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) to include an amendment to add resolving VA leases for major medical facilities to the budget, an issue blocking a VA clinical research and pharmacy coordinating center in Albuquerque, along with 11 other planned leased facilities around the country.

"Expanding access to health care is critical for the growing number of veterans who live in large, rural states like New Mexico," said Udall. "Telehealth utilizes new technologies to give care centers the ability to treat more patients who would otherwise need to travel extensively to see a specialist. Getting the Albuquerque clinic up and running would serve numerous New Mexico veterans and this lease accounting dispute should not continue to stand between them and the health care they have earned."

Udall authored three other amendments that ultimately did not receive consideration during the busy budget debate. These initiatives sought to reinforce reform of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), aid tribal colleges and provide full funding for the Department of Education's Impact Aid program, which assists school districts with large areas of federal lands. Sen. Heinrich cosponsored the efforts.

Udall's amendment to enable further reform of the National Nuclear Security Administration would have complimented the advisory panel he successfully established in the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act in light of recent cost overruns, management issues and security breaches.

"By offering this amendment to the budget I am sending a message to DOE that our national labs need proper oversight to ensure our nuclear stockpile is safe, secure and reliable," said Udall. "The recent mistakes of the NNSA pose a risk to our national security, as well as to the health and safety of the scientists, engineers and other workers at the labs. My efforts on this front will continue."

Udall's first of two amendments on education would have enabled full funding of Impact Aid, which supports school districts that lose local revenue by teaching students who live on federal lands, such as military bases and Indian reservations. The second helped tribal colleges by adjusting the federal funding cycles in advance of the academic year, allowing them to make faculty decisions, repair school buildings and offer scholarships to students before the new school year begins.

Click here to watch Udall's remarks on the Senate floor in support of his amendments to the budget resolution.

Following the passage of a budget resolution, the Senate will begin crafting Appropriations legislation to fund the federal government for FY2014.

"The budget blueprint provides the framework for how we will face our fiscal and economic challenges, and outlines our priorities as a nation," said Udall. "By working on these amendments, I wanted to be sure the Senate budget reflected New Mexico's priorities. I welcome this return to regular order on the budget and will continue to defend the interests of our state through the appropriations process."

WASHINGTON - From the Oval Office to Taos, New Mexicans and members of the Congressional Delegation today celebrated the Río Grande del Norte National Monument Proclamation that was signed by President Barack Obama.

The national monument designation is widely welcome by Taos and Rio Arriba county residents. A recent study shows the national monument will support hundreds of jobs and bring millions of tourism dollars to the area.

Retired U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Martin Heinrich, Questa Mayor Esther Garcia and Taos Pueblo War Chief Samuel Gomez joined the president for the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.

"This is a great day for New Mexico," said Bingaman. "I'm glad that President Obama found Northern New Mexico's landscape so compelling that he was willing to make the Río Grande del Norte his largest monument designation to date. There is no doubt in my mind that the community, which has strongly supported this effort, will benefit from the conservation and cultural protections that come with this designation."

"Today is an historic day for New Mexico and our nation. President Obama has ensured that the Río Grande del Norte, a symbol of what makes our state truly enchanting, will be preserved as a national monument for generations to come," said Heinrich. "From the tops of Cerro de la Olla and Ute Mountain, to the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Río Grande del Norte is one of the most spectacular places on earth. Our state's newest national monument will improve the quality of life for all who hunt, fish and float there, for all who benefit from the tourism dollars it brings, and for all who pass on New Mexico's many outdoor traditions--both old and new--to their children in such a magnificent setting. This historic monument designation would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our local community, businesses, sportsmen, tribes, elected officials, and many others who have dedicated years of hard work to protect this area. Let us revel in this moment and continue to heed the call of building a brighter future together for all New Mexicans."

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall was joined by about 150 area residents to celebrate the new national monument at the Taos County Commission Chambers.

"The Río Grande del Norte has long-supported our cultural traditions in Northern New Mexico, such as hunting, irrigation and grazing. As a permanently protected national monument, it will drive even more economic progress and job growth through tourism in communities that desperately need it," said Udall. "This monument designation is a credit to Jeff Bingaman -- who led our effort for permanent protection -- and the local residents, businesses, environmentalists and leaders who so effectively championed the cause."

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján also marked the designation saying, "Today is an exciting day for all those who appreciate the majestic beauty of the Río Grande del Norte and who have such strong connections to the land. Whether it's for recreation or ranching, sustaining a way of life or finding inspiration, the Río Grande del Norte leaves a lasting impression on all those who visit and all those who live off the sustenance it provides. Thanks to the hard work of so many in the community and the support of President Obama, this treasure of northern New Mexico will be protected and preserved for future generations."

Bingaman, Udall, Heinrich and Luján applauded the decision by President Obama and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to create the national monument on Friday.

The Río Grande del Norte monument proclamation is modeled after the lawmakers' legislative efforts to protect the 240,000-acre swath of land. The Bureau of Land Management, under the Department of the Interior, will continue to manage the monument.

In 2007, Bingaman's office began working with residents of Taos and Rio Arriba Counties to identify how to best protect the land. Since then, Bingaman, Udall, Heinrich, and Luján had worked to advance legislation through Congress to protect the area and asked the White House to consider a monument designation.

In an Oct. 2012 letter, Bingaman and Udall asked President Obama to consider designating the area for national monument status. In a separate letter, Luján and Heinrich also asked the administration to make the area a monument.

Secretary Salazar visited the area on Dec. 15, 2012 in response to Bingaman and Udall's request that local communities were consulted as a National Monument declaration was explored.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich released the following statements after introducing a resolution honoring the accomplishments and legacy of civil rights leader César Estrada Chávez, and recognizing March 31 as "César Chávez Day.

"In the long march of human rights, César Chávez is a towering figure," said Udall. "On the anniversary of his birthday, we honor his compassion, sacrifice and dedication to the rights of workers and the dignity of every human being. With remarkable courage, and humility, César Chávez gave a voice to those who were so often unheard. This great American continues to inspire us, and we truly honor him when we remember that his cause endures and the promise of America moves forward."

"It is an honor to pay tribute to César Chávez, a true American hero and a remarkable public servant," said Heinrich. "César Chávez is revered by people throughout the world as a humble activist who led a monumental fight to achieve fair wages, worker protections, human rights, and human dignity for the most underrepresented in our society. Let us continue to meet each challenge the way César Chávez did, with hope, determination, and service to others. And to always remember his great rallying cry, ¡Sí, se puede!"

New Mexico is one of 10 states to honor the life and legacy of César Chávez on March 31 of each year. In New Mexico, César Chávez Day brings communities together to celebrate and contribute to service and learning projects across the state.

The Senate Resolution is backed by the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, which Senators Udall and Heinrich serve on.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are spearheading an effort with 16 of their colleagues to expand comprehensive school-based mental health services for children.

The Mental Health in Schools Act would authorize funding for grants to schools and other mental health centers to partner with community-based organizations to expand access to services for students.

"Removing the stigma around mental illness and making treatment available at early ages is critical to raising a stable and productive society," said Udall. "Young people -especially in rural areas - can have a difficult time getting access to treatment and our bill would help identify issues early and ensure that students can overcome them."

"Too many young people who suffer from mental illness never receive the support and services they need," said Heinrich. "This bill would change that. By expanding comprehensive school-based mental health services, students will be more likely to seek help and get the care they deserve to live healthier lives."

The Mental Health in Schools Act would establish a grant program that would:

• Expand access to mental health services in schools;

• Support schools that work with community-based organizations to expand access to mental health services for students;

• Provide assistance through grants to schools to train staff, volunteers, families, and other members of the community to recognize the signs of behavioral health problems in students and refer them for appropriate services; and

• Authorize $200 million in grant funding per year over five years, and eligible schools may apply for up to $1 million per grant year, based on the size of their student population.

In 2010, New Mexico had the fifth-highest rate of youth suicide in the country.

The Mental Health in Schools Act is supported by numerous organizations, including the National Alliance for Mentally Ill-New Mexico, the New Mexico Psychological Association and the New Mexico Association of Elementary School Principals.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Sen. Tom Udall welcomed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to delay air traffic control tower closures, including those in New Mexico. He also announced support of a bipartisan bill to halt the closures for the next two years.

Last month, the FAA announced it would end funding for 149 air traffic control towers as a result of sequestration. The closures, which were scheduled to begin on Sunday, April 7, included Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Control towers in Lea County and Roswell were originally considered for closure but were left off the agency's final list which focused closures on towers with contract, as opposed to FAA employees.

Today the FAA announced it would delay the closures of all 149 control towers until June 15, 2013.

Udall also announced that he will sponsor a bipartisan effort with Sens. Jerry Moran (Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) to block the FAA from implementing any closures for the next two years.

"I welcome the FAA's response to our concerns and decision to stop local tower closures," Udall said. "Air traffic controllers play a critical role in ensuring our pilots and passengers can fly safely in and out of airports in New Mexico and across the country. Closing any towers would have a detrimental effect on the health of local economies and the safety of those who rely on these skilled employees -- especially in rural communities."

Udall will be a cosponsor of legislation that will prohibit the Federal Aviation Administration from suspending or terminating the operation of any air traffic control tower during fiscal year 2013 or 2014, regardless of whether the tower is operated by FAA employees or federal contractors. The bill also requires the agency to resume operations for any tower closed before the bill is enacted.

Funding for the Double Eagle Tower in Albuquerque was originally scheduled to end on April 21, 2013 and the Santa Fe Tower at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport on May 5, 2013.

On March 15, Udall led a delegation letter to the FAA Administrator questioning the rationale for the closures and encouraging the agency to work on alternatives that did not negatively impact local economies. While sequestration is forcing a 5 percent reduction in the FAA's overall fiscal year 2013 budget, the Contract Tower Program was slated for a 75 percent reduction.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), the leader in Congress on reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), today reintroduced his "Safe Chemicals Act" to protect Americans from dangerous toxic chemicals that are found in everyday consumer products. Senator Lautenberg has been working since 2005 to reform TSCA and provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to protect Americans from harmful chemicals.

"American families deserve to know that the chemicals found in everyday products are safe. But because of our broken laws, toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other serious diseases make their way into our homes on a daily basis," said Senator Lautenberg. "The Safe Chemicals Act will ensure that all chemicals are screened for safety and that unsafe uses of chemicals are banned. It's time to break away from the chemical industry lobbyists and listen to concerned parents, pediatricians, and nurses who are demanding change. Just like Big Tobacco, the chemical lobby and their allies are working to pad their profits at the expense of the health and well-being of Americans. Now the tide is turning for greater transparency, improved testing and better health protections and we're determined to pass our bill in this Congress."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is joining Senator Lautenberg to lead the push for reform in the 113th Congress. The bill already has the support of more than one-quarter of the U.S. Senate with 27 additional Senators listed as original co-sponsors.

"I was shocked to learn that in most instances, the federal government is unable to require safety testing of the chemicals used in the products my kids use every day," said Senator Gillibrand, a mother of two young boys. "It's outrageous that everything from car seats to my son's dishware could be leaching hormone disrupting or cancer causing chemicals, but the EPA is virtually powerless to regulate them. We need to do better. This legislation will give the EPA the authority to collect the data and study the chemicals in our everyday products and empower consumers with the knowledge they need to keep our families safe."

In addition to Senators Lautenberg and Gillibrand, the cosponsors of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2013 are Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Max Baucus (D-MT), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Richard "Mo" Cowan (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Angus King (I-ME).

"Generations of Americans have been asked to tolerate exposure to potentially toxic chemicals in everything from their furniture to their clothing," said Senator Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader. "But powerful industry groups have waged a deceptive marketing campaign that has created a false impression that these chemicals are safe. We need to do more than take the chemical industry at its word. The Safe Chemicals Act will insure all chemicals are tested for safety. Our families deserve to be protected by science, not industry double-talk."

"This legislation is critical to reforming and improving our nation's law to protect people, including pregnant women, infants, and children, from dangerous chemicals," said Senator Boxer, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). "TSCA needs to be modernized to ensure that chemicals used in everyday products are safe for our children and families."

"Almost 40 years have passed since we updated the law that keeps consumers safe from toxic chemicals in household products," said Senator Udall, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health. "Families in this country should be able to have faith that our system will protect their children from coming in contact with dangerous toys and products. Frank Lautenberg has been the champion for new and necessary oversight and I am proud to join him in this effort."

Testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found more than 212 industrial chemicals in Americans' bodies, including at least six known carcinogens and dozens that are linked to cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. Many of these chemicals are found in a wide-range of consumer products including cleaners, detergents, furniture, food packaging, electronics, vinyl products, non-stick cookware, and even children's products. Research has shown that children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemical exposures.

The "Safe Chemicals Act of 2013" would modernize TSCA to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the tools it needs to collect health and safety information, screen chemicals for safety, and require risk management when chemicals cannot be proven safe. Under current law, the EPA can call for safety testing only after evidence surfaces demonstrating a chemical is dangerous. As a result, EPA has only been able to require testing for roughly 200 of the more than 84,000 chemicals currently registered in the United States, and has been able to ban only five dangerous substances since TSCA was first enacted in 1976. These shortfalls led the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify TSCA as a "high risk" area of the law in 2009.

The bill introduced today is identical to Lautenberg's legislation that was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee last year. That legislation included a number of significant changes from previous versions of the bill and reflected input from members of the Committee, the chemical industry, and public health officials. The legislation was also informed by a number of Congressional hearings, stakeholder meetings, and principles for reform issued by the EPA, the American Chemistry Council, and the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition.

The Safe Chemicals Act would:

• Allow EPA to secure health and safety information for new and existing chemicals, while avoiding duplicative or unnecessary testing.
• Screen chemicals for safety by prioritizing chemicals based on risk, so that EPA can focus resources on evaluating those most likely to cause harm while working through the backlog of untested existing chemicals.
• Require risk management of chemicals that cannot be proven safe. This can include labeling, disposal requirements, restricted uses, or even full chemical bans. 
• Establish a public database to catalog the health and safety information submitted by chemical manufacturers and the EPA's safety determinations, while also protecting trade secrets.
• Promote innovation and development of safe chemical alternatives.

The text of the bill can be found here and a full summary of the bill can be found here.

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2013 is supported by the the National Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the United Steelworkers, the Blue Green Alliance, the Breast Cancer Fund, and the 450 member Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall commended the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) announcement that it will not go through with plans to eliminate Saturday delivery. USPS' decision comes in response to congressional protest and legislative action by Udall and others to ban a reduction in services.

"The continuation of Saturday delivery is a win for the countless Americans who rely on mail services," said Udall. "The Postal Service is facing serious financial problems, but they will not be solved by cutting the essential services that the business community, the elderly and rural residents depend on."

On February 15, Udall led a group of 24 other senators in challenging the postmaster general's authority to discontinue Saturday mail delivery later this year without congressional approval. In the letter, the senators acknowledged the financial challenges the Postal Service is facing and urged him to work with Congress to address these problems through bipartisan reform, such as the Senate legislation passed last year.

They also pointed out that a shift to five-day service could lead to further declines in mail volume and revenues, worsening the U.S. Postal Service's overall condition.

In 2012, Udall introduced an amendment to the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 that would protect the Postal Service's six-day service.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall commended the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) announcement that it will not go through with plans to eliminate Saturday delivery. USPS' decision comes in response to congressional protest and legislative action by Udall and others to ban a reduction in services.

"The continuation of Saturday delivery is a win for the countless Americans who rely on mail services," said Udall. "The Postal Service is facing serious financial problems, but they will not be solved by cutting the essential services that the business community, the elderly and rural residents depend on."

On February 15, Udall led a group of 24 other senators in challenging the postmaster general's authority to discontinue Saturday mail delivery later this year without congressional approval. In the letter, the senators acknowledged the financial challenges the Postal Service is facing and urged him to work with Congress to address these problems through bipartisan reform, such as the Senate legislation passed last year.

They also pointed out that a shift to five-day service could lead to further declines in mail volume and revenues, worsening the U.S. Postal Service's overall condition.

In 2012, Udall introduced an amendment to the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 that would protect the Postal Service's six-day service.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement on his meeting this afternoon with Dr. Ernest Moniz, President Barack Obama's nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Click here for photos from the meeting.

"Dr. Moniz and I had a lively discussion about the Department of Energy and its importance to New Mexico. We discussed long-standing issues before our national labs, such as the stockpile stewardship program, non-proliferation and nuclear waste clean-up. We also discussed the future of energy in New Mexico and the opportunities our labs can have working with our communities on clean energy and public-private partnerships to advance jobs and manufacturing.

"New Mexico and the country face serious challenges in our energy future and I believe Dr. Moniz is a good candidate to take on these issues."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - American consumers have paid higher automated teller machine (ATM) fees over the past five years according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation released today by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The lawmakers requested the report to assess increased ATM use by Americans in recent years. GAO estimates that there are 420,000 ATMs in the United States. 

According to the report, consumers face two different types of fees when using an ATM. First, consumers can face a surcharge fee assessed by the operator of the ATM. GAO estimates that the prevalence and amount of ATM surcharge fees charged by financial institutions have increased since 2007 and that the estimated average fee increased from $1.75 in 2007 to $2.10 in 2012. The report also found that large banks were more likely to charge higher surcharge fees than community banks or credit unions. GAO's analysis of a sample of 100 ATMs run by independent operators found that the average surcharge fee was $2.24 and noted that consumers can have a difficult time avoiding surcharges at these ATMs.

In addition, consumers can also face foreign fees for using an ATM not owned by their financial institution, even though their financial institution is compensated for the cost of the transaction through interchange fees. Like surcharges, the report found that average foreign fees have increased from $1.36 in 2007 to $1.42 in 2012. In addition, GAO found that large financial institutions were more likely to charge foreign fees and charge significantly higher foreign fees than their smaller competitors.

"This report makes clear that consumers are facing ever increasing fees to access their own money. A consumer could pay as much as $5.00 to $10.00 dollars each time they use an ATM, and these fees could be particularly difficult to avoid in rural and underserved areas. These fees are outrageous, are anti-consumer, and they need to be reined in," said Senator Harkin.

"It is time for the largest banks in this country to stop ripping off the American people by charging outrageous ATM fees. The greed and recklessness on Wall Street caused the greatest recession since the 1930s. These sky-high ATM fees are only adding insult to injury for millions of consumers," said Senator Sanders.

"It is getting harder and harder for consumers to access physical branches, so they're forced to rely on ATMs. I'm disappointed that banks are adding insult to injury by charging - and often double-charging - consumers just for accessing their hard-earned money," said Senator Schumer. "Banks need to stop nickel-and-diming consumers, and relieve this growing burden on middle-class families."

"The number of ATMs has more than doubled in the last 15 years, and as more consumers depend on them for their banking needs, the fees must be fair," said Senator Udall. "Fees can stack up - especially in rural areas with limited bank access -- and paying upwards of $5 dollars per transaction to access your own money is beyond reason."

"This report shows that consumers can be gouged with outrageous and often hidden ATM fees," said Senator Whitehouse. "No one should have to pay five or ten dollars in fees just to access their own money, and banks and ATM operators should not be allowed to take advantage of their customers by charging these exorbitant fees."

The GAO report can be accessed here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich reported today that the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Kenneth J. Gonzales to be a U.S. District Judge for New Mexico.

Gonzales, the current U.S. Attorney, cleared the committee by a unanimous voice vote and is now eligible for confirmation by the full Senate.

"Ken has served the people of New Mexico and our country exceptionally well, showing strong judgment and knowledge in his previous civilian and military positions," said Udall. "I have no doubt he will continue doing so as a U.S. District Court Judge, and I hope the full Senate approves his nomination quickly so he can begin work in the new role."

"I'm pleased that Ken Gonzales's nomination to be a judge for the federal district court in New Mexico received unanimous support in the Senate Judiciary Committee today," said Heinrich. "Ken's long and distinguished career as a federal prosecutor and commitment to public service demonstrate his character, intellect, and dedication to the people of New Mexico. He will make a great addition to the federal bench. I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate floor."

Udall and Heinrich introduced Gonzales at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 13, 2013. Video from that hearing is available here and photos are available here.

Gonzales is a graduate of Pojoaque High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of New Mexico. He began his career as federal prosecutor in the Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico and later transferred to Albuquerque. Prior to that, he served as a judicial law clerk to former chief justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, Joseph Baca, and later as a legislative assistant to former Senator Jeff Bingaman on criminal justice, Indian affairs and other issues. He has also served a a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2001.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) met this afternoon with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki to discuss ways to improve veterans care in New Mexico and around the country. Click here for additional photos from the meeting.

"Secretary Shinseki and I had a productive conversation about the need to improve services for veterans in our state. I shared with him my recent visit to Southeastern New Mexico, where I heard once again from rural veterans about their transportation challenges and obstacles in getting the care they deserve.

"We also discussed the VA's plans to address the unacceptable claims backlog, ways to improve disability processing, and the concrete steps needed to implement the burn pits registry -- including more outreach to vets about the health impacts of burn pits.

"During the meeting, I was glad to hear the Secretary shares my commitment to increasing the use of telehealth technologies and providing adequate mental health services to treat PTSD. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, I look forward to working with him to ensure the VA can meet its responsibilities to veterans in New Mexico and across our nation."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on President Barack Obama's Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal:

"The president's budget request is overall positive news for New Mexico. It replaces harmful sequester cuts with a more balanced approach and calls for investments in Pre-K and manufacturing to help bolster the middle class. He is also recommending funding increases for New Mexico's labs, military installations and to reduce the backlog at the Veterans Administration, which I strongly support.

"While his proposal contains good points, there is also room for improvement. Funding for DOE's cleanup activities at LANL and WIPP need urgent improvement to meet DOE's commitment to New Mexico. I am also concerned about proposed changes in Social Security benefits, which seniors paid into and depend on to meet essential living expenses.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee as we negotiate our spending priorities and continue moving through the budget process."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released this statement following the Senate's vote to begin debate and consideration of the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013:

"Congress has an obligation to pass sensible legislation in an effort to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in our nation and prevent tragic mass shootings. We can take logical steps to expand criminal background checks, increase school safety and strengthen laws against gun trafficking and illegal purchases, without infringing on the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens and restricting the traditions of sportsmen in states like New Mexico.

"This week, the Senate has taken important bipartisan steps with the goal of sending a bill to the president. There is more serious work ahead, including the debate and consideration of numerous amendments to S. 649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. As we move forward in that process, I will support the Manchin-Toomey amendment on background checks and continue working on two other important components -- improving mental health services in schools and giving state and federal authorities more resources to investigate and prosecute gun crimes."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued this statement following the Senate's consideration of amendments to S. 649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act, including the Manchin-Toomey amendment to expand background checks on commercial gun sales:

"The bipartisan Manchin-Toomey agreement would have expanded criminal background checks to reduce gun violence while upholding the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens. Fifty-four United States senators voted in agreement with 90 percent of the American people that expanding background checks is a reasonable step to take. Unfortunately, however, you need more than 60 votes in the Senate in order to overcome the filibuster of virtually everything.

"I support our right to bear arms, but I believe Congress can take commonsense steps to reduce the epidemic of gun violence and tragic mass murders. I also supported legislation today to prevent gun trafficking, stop illegal gun sales and limit the availability of high capacity magazines, which have been involved in recent mass shootings including Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora, Oak Creek and Sandy Hook Elementary School. Enacting these measures would help reduce violent gun crimes while upholding the traditions of sportsmen and responsible gun owners in New Mexico and around the nation."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on the "Gang of Eight's" Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013:

"We have an extraordinary opportunity to pass a long-term, comprehensive solution to fix our broken immigration system. I am very encouraged by the 'Gang of Eight's' proposal to secure our borders, bring undocumented individuals from the shadows and enhance our visa and employment verification systems. The law on the books today does not work and a piecemeal approach to reform will not result in the overhaul we need. There is much work ahead, but now is the time to work together to take meaningful action. America loses if we do nothing."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today led a bipartisan group of senators in renewing their efforts to expand restitution for Americans sickened from working in uranium mines or living downwind of atomic weapons tests. April 19, 2013 is the 24th anniversary of the introduction of the original Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in the U.S. Senate.

Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined Tom Udall in reintroducing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Amendments of 2013. Companion legislation was concurrently introduced in the House by Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM-3).

Among other things, the RECA Amendments Act of 2013 would build upon previous RECA legislation by qualifying post 1971 uranium workers for compensation; equalizing compensation for all claimants to $150,000; expanding the downwind exposure area to include seven states downwind of the Nevada and Trinity Test Sites; and funding an epidemiological study of the health impacts on families of uranium workers and residents of uranium development communities.

"We have seen the heartbreaking effects of those who sacrificed their health and lives by working or living near uranium mines and nuclear test sites in the mid-20th century," said Tom Udall. "Many Americans unwittingly paid the price for our national security, and unfortunately, some victims fell through the cracks in the original legislation. Expanding RECA will provide these individuals with recognition so that they can receive the much needed compensation they deserve."

"Throughout history, New Mexico has made major contributions to our country's national security and energy needs, including communities across the state that were central to the mining and processing of uranium," said Heinrich. "But we've neglected our duty to the workers and miners and those living near uranium mines and nuclear test sites whose health have been gravely impacted, and it's critical that they be compensated for their suffering."

"Communities and individuals that have been adversely affected by our nation's nuclear weapons programs must be justly and sufficiently compensated by the federal government," said Crapo. "Passage of this bipartisan legislation is crucial in ensuring Idahoans get the care they need."

"We must never forget the heavy price that thousands of Americans paid during the Cold War-era nuclear arms race," Mark Udall said. "During that time, many Coloradans and other Americans were exposed to radiation in uranium mines and nuclear-weapons facilities, and they have spent decades struggling with an array of health problems, including cancer. This bill will ensure those Coloradans and other Americans get the help they need and deserve."

"This bill once again seeks a fair resolution for those people impacted by the nuclear testing program, just as others in surrounding states have been provided. Idahoans deserve the same care and compensation because of the identical health effects," said Risch.

"During the Cold War, thousands of Coloradans served our country by working to build the nation's nuclear arsenal. We now know that through no fault of their own, they were not properly protected from harmful radiation exposure," Bennet said. "We're working in a bipartisan way on behalf of those workers, their families and others who have suffered over many years. Addressing this wrong is the right and just thing to do."

"Too many people who worked at uranium mining sites during the Cold War have suffered for too long due to exposure to radiation," said Luján. "In addition, their families and their communities have paid the price as the legacy of uranium mining continues to be felt in the southwest. It is long overdue that we recognize the sacrifices and contributions of these individuals and the heavy toll that radiation exposure has taken on their health and well-being."

Specifically, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2013 would:

• Extend compensation to employees of mines and mills employed after Dec. 31, 1971. These are individuals who began working in uranium mines and mills after the U.S. stopped purchasing uranium, but failed to implement and enforce adequate uranium mining safety standards. Many of these workers have the same illnesses as pre-1971 workers who currently qualify for RECA compensation.

• Add core drillers to the list of compensable employees, which currently only includes miners, millers and ore transporters.

• Add renal cancer, or any other chronic renal disease, to the list of compensable diseases for employees of mines and mills. Currently, millers and transporters are covered for kidney disease, but miners are not.

• Allow claimants to combine work histories to meet the requirement of the legislation. For example, individuals who worked for a short time in a mill and for a short time in a mine would be able to add those period of time up to meet the work history eligibility requirements for compensation. Currently, the Department of Justice makes some exceptions for this, but the policy is not codified in law.

• Make all claimants eligible for an equal amount of compensation, specifically $150,000, regardless of whether they are millers, miners, ore transporters, onsite employees, or downwinders.

• Make all claimants eligible for medical benefits. Currently, only miners, millers and ore transporters can claim medical benefits through the medical expense compensation program.

• Recognize radiation exposure from the Trinity Test Site in New Mexico, as well as tests in the Pacific Ocean.

• Expand the downwind areas to include all of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah for the Nevada Test Site; New Mexico for the Trinity Test Site; and Guam for the Pacific tests.

• Allow the use of affidavits to substantiate employment history, presence in affected area, and work at a test site. Current legislation only allows miners to use affidavits.

• Return all attorney fees to a cap of 10 percent of the amount of the RECA claim, as was mandated in the original 1990 RECA legislation.

• Authorize $3 million for five years for epidemiological research on the impacts of uranium development on communities and families of uranium workers. The funds would be allocated to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to award grants to universities and non-profits to carry out the research.

• Allow in the miners, millers, core drillers, and ore transporters to file a Special Exposure Cohort petition within the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Other DOE workers are currently allowed to file such petitions for compensation when claims are denied and there is not enough information for NIOSH to do dose reconstruction to determine the impacts of exposure.

Tom Udall first introduced legislation to update the RECA law as a member of the House of Representatives. His efforts built upon those of his late father, former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, who began working on the original RECA bill more than three decades ago, and assisted in securing positive improvements to RECA in 2000.

After being elected to the Senate, Udall introduced a new RECA amendments bill with retired Sen. Bingaman and a bipartisan group of senators from Idaho and Colorado.

The text of the legislation can be accessed below.

RECA Amendments Act of 2013 by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - A new initiative to reduce the backlog of veterans benefit claims is a good first step, but more work must be done to improve the quality health care for veterans overall, says U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.).

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its plans to expedite compensation decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer to have their claims processed. It will also begin making provisional decisions on veterans' claims, starting with the oldest claims in the inventory. This will allow veterans to begin collecting compensation benefits more quickly, if eligible.

The plan is designed to meet the VA's goal of eliminating the claims backlog for veterans - something Udall has long called for.

"I am pleased the VA is taking further measures to ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve in a more timely manner," Udall said. "Today's announcement is a good first step to solving the unacceptable problem of veterans waiting much too long to have their claims processed."

The VA announcement comes after Udall met with VA Secretary Shinseki last week to register his concerns about the claims backlog and transportation challenges facing New Mexico veterans. Last month, Udall met with veterans in Roswell about these issues. Click here for more information about the meeting with Secretary Shinseki and here for photos of Udall's meeting with veterans in Roswell.

Today's announcement also comes one day after Udall questioned VA officials about ways the department intends to improve medical treatment and access to care for rural veterans. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies, Udall is part of the panel that has oversight of the VA's budget. Video from the hearing with Udall's questions is available here.

In late March, Udall was successful in securing a bipartisan amendment to the Senate budget resolution that encourages the expansion of access to health care for rural veterans through telehealth and other programs. The provision to expand access to health care for rural veterans was included as part of a larger blueprint which included language to expedite the processing of VA claims.

WASHINGTON - In celebration of Earth Day, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today reintroduced legislation to designate the 45,000-acre Columbine-Hondo area in Taos County as wilderness - a proposal with strong support from the local community. A companion bill will be introduced in the House tomorrow by Representative Ben Ray Luján.

Located in the Carson National Forest, the Columbine-Hondo has been managed as a "Wilderness Study Area" since 1980. A map of the proposal can be found here.

"For more than 30 years we have considered the Columbine Hondo's economic, recreational and scenic values for protection," said Udall. "And Taos County locals resoundingly agree that this area is deserving of permanent wilderness status. Designating the Columbine Hondo as wilderness will only increase profitable tourism opportunities and provide for continued traditional land uses, such as hunting and grazing."

"The Columbine-Hondo is treasured by the community of northern New Mexico and many years of hard work have been dedicated to ensuring its protection," said Heinrich. Designating this landscape as wilderness will help guarantee that it remains a treasure and a destination for New Mexicans and visitors to enjoy for generations to come."

"The people of Taos and the surrounding communities have made it clear that protecting the Columbine Hondo is a top priority," Luján said. "Permanent wilderness status will ensure that this precious land will be preserved and continue to attract visitors from far and wide to enjoy all that it has to offer. Ensuring that recreation and existing uses continue will benefit all those whose livelihoods depend on the land while creating additional economic opportunities for local businesses."

The Columbine-Hondo includes lush forests and alpine meadows populated by a variety of Rocky Mountain wildlife, including elk, mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, and bighorn sheep. The area's watershed serves as the headwaters for the Rio Hondo and Red River, which flow into the Rio Grande and to downstream agricultural communities.

The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act will expand the majestic Wheeler Peak Wilderness by approximately 650 acres. Also, the Act would modify a boundary that will create a loop trail accessible by mountain bikes along the Lost Lake trail from Taos Ski Valley to the East Fork trail to Red River.

The legislation is supported by the Taos County Commission, Taos Pueblo, the towns of Taos and Red River, villages of Questa and Taos Ski Valley, Taos County Chamber of Commerce, sportsmen, ranchers, conservation organizations, farmers and irrigation districts (acequias), the Taos Cycling Coalition, International Mountain Bicycling Association, land grant heirs, and hundreds of small businesses.

Click here for a summary the legislation or below for the legislative text.

Text of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today issued the following statement on intelligence assessments indicating the use of chemical weapons in Syria:

"Today, the administration indicated there is some evidence of small scale military use of a chemical weapon-sarin gas-by the Syrian regime. Geneva Protocol prohibits the military use of sarin gas and this is a very troubling development. I remain concerned about the ongoing violence in Syria, and will continue to monitor the situation, the relevant U.S. policy options and the potential international consequences."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are recommending to President Barack Obama that Damon P. Martinez be the next United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. The senators made their recommendation to the president in a letter today.

Martinez has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2001 and currently supervises the Organized Crime and Gang Section in Albuquerque. He is highly experienced in cases concerning national security and anti-terrorism, immigration and narcotics.

"We are pleased to recommend Damon Martinez to be the top enforcer of federal laws in New Mexico," said Udall and Heinrich. "Damon has shown a strong commitment to justice throughout his exemplary legal career. His strong prosecutorial background, education and commitment to upholding the law will make him a great U.S. Attorney."

Martinez began his career as a federal prosecutor in the Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office and transferred to Albuquerque in 2005. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's office, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico, and held the positions of legislative director and legislative assistant for then-Congressman Udall and U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, respectively.

Martinez is an Albuquerque native and graduate of St. Pius X High School. He holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. He was also a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve until 2009, when he transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. He recently returned from a deployment to Sinai, Egypt.

"We expect this extremely important position to be vacant sometime this summer, and by making our recommendation early we hope that it will be filled as soon as possible," the senators added.

U.S. Attorneys serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General. They are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. Each U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the U.S. within his or her particular jurisdiction.

WASHINGTON - As New Mexico continues to battle alarming prescription drug abuse rates, U.S. Senator Tom Udall is encouraging citizens to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 27 and turn in unused or expired medication to locations in their communities. Additional drop-off sites have been added since last year's Take-Back Day, including many in rural areas.

The event, sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will provide free, anonymous drop-off sites throughout the state for safe medication disposal. Residents can search online by county, city or zip code for the collection site nearest them by clicking here.

"Prescription drug abuse is still a major problem in our communities," Udall said. "Addiction to painkillers, particularly among teens, often begins with taking unused medications found at home. Removing expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet can remove the threat of abuse, theft and overdose from your loved ones. That's why I strongly encourage people to participate in Take-Back Day - a free and anonymous opportunity to help protect our communities all across New Mexico."

A 2011 New Mexico Department of Health report showed the overdose rate from prescription drugs increased statewide by nearly 62 percent between 2001 and 2010. Even more troubling is that during the past five years, the overdose rate for prescription drugs such as oxycodone, morphine and methadone has exceeded the death rate from illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine. New Mexico has the sad distinction of having the highest overdose rate from prescription drugs, with 468 fatalities in 2010 alone.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, 3,313 pounds of prescription drugs were collected throughout New Mexico during the last Take-Back Day on September 29, 2012. This was up from 3,159 pounds collected during the April 2012 event. In the five previous events, more than 2 million pounds-1,018 tons-of pills were collected from Take-Back Day partners nationwide.

"Year after year we see increased collection amounts through the successful efforts of Take-Back Day," Udall said. "I am encouraged by the positive response from the public, and also the work of our local law enforcement agencies, health care providers, parents and community leaders who educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and fight to keep illicit drugs off the streets every day."

According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than six million Americans abuse prescription drugs. That same study revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

Research has shown that no community is exempted from the harmful effects of prescription drug abuse:

- Over 70 percent of teens first get prescription medications from friends and family, then become addicted to painkillers before moving on to heroin, which has a cheaper market value.
- Illicit drug use of active duty service members has increased from 5 to 12 percent and is primarily attributed to prescription drug abuse.
- The majority of people who die from prescription overdoses are men and women 44 to 64-years-old.

Udall is also encouraging parents and community leaders to visit the Police and Communities Together 360 website to access guides, training materials and interactive videos available to individuals and organizations at no charge. The website is funded through agrant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and is also available in Spanish.

Udall is a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.

Last summer, I was proud to co-host the 57th Annual New Mexico Water Conference at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

Our conference brought together around 500 participants, including farmers, ranchers, engineers, experts and community members to address the impact of water scarcity and explore possible solutions to help New Mexico adapt to the ongoing drought.

Since the conference, my office has been compiling the strategies and policy proposals we discussed.

Today, I am pleased to release our Water Conference Report - the product of months of hard work following the conference.

This report contains 40 proposed actions developed from the conference and the discussion afterwards.

These proposals fall into seven categories: research, water infrastructure, water transfers and markets, environmental restoration, agricultural practices, water conservation, and water resource planning.

It contains an additional 40 recommendations by audience members from the conference.

Many -- but not all -- of these recommendations look at the federal role. I will be drawing from our report in my work on the Appropriations Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Indian Affairs Committee.

The completion of this report isn't the end of the conversation; it's the continuation of it.

I would like to thank all the individuals, especially our water policy experts, for their contributions to this report.

They took time from their jobs as farmers, professors, irrigators, policy makers, activists, and attorneys to help find cooperative solutions.

I also want to thank Sam Fernald and Cathy Ortega-Klett of the Water Resources Research Institute, and all those who helped organize the conference at NMSU last summer.

As the conference title suggested, Hard Choices will need to be made if we are to avoid divisive conflicts as a result of the devastating drought.

And that requires cooperation and collaboration. That is how we move forward. That's what this conference report is all about.

• Download the full conference report here 

P.S. - If you weren't able to join us at the conference, you can view the entire archived webcast online, thanks to NMSU. Click here to watch from my welcome presentation to the breakout sessions, including our "Straight Talk" panel of retired state engineers. You can also read the full text of my remarks as prepared for delivery, and download the graphs and slides I mention in my presentation.

Federal Fire Assistance Guide

Emergency Preparation
Emergency Preparedness Tips:
FEMA outlines the steps families can take to be informed and prepared for natural disasters.
http://www.ready.gov/

Outdoor Safety Tips:
The Forest Service provides tips for campfire safety, debris control, and outdoor equipment safety.
http://www.smokeybear.com/be-smart-outdoors.asp

Home Safety Tips:
The Forest Service provides tips for keeping homes in the wildland-urban interface safe from wildfires.
http://www.smokeybear.com/house-safety.asp

Firewise:
A multi-agency program that helps homeowners and community leaders prevent wildland fire.
http://www.firewise.org/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):
Federally backed flood insurance is available through NFIP to homeowners, renters, and businesses.
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/
(888) 379-9531 or 1-800-427-2419

Additional FEMA Assistance:
Funding for disaster-related temporary housing, home repair, medical costs, and household item replacement. FEMA also provides crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, legal and tax assistance.
http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm
1-800-621-3362

Small Business Administration (SBA)
1-800-659-2955

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs):
Free one-on-one advice on business-related issues, including disaster recovery and preparedness.
http://www.nmsbdc.org
(505) 428-1362; 1-800-281-7232

Home Disaster Loans:
Low-interest loans for homeowners to repair/ replace primary residences and belongings (clothes, vehicles).
http://www.sba.gov/content/home-and-personal-property-loans

Business Physical Disaster Loans:
Low-interest loans for businesses or non-profit organizations to repair or replace damaged assets.
http://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):
Loans for small businesses, non-profits, and small agricultural cooperatives that suffer disaster losses.
http://www.sba.gov/content/economic-injury-disaster-loans

USDA Rural Development (USDA RD)
In NM: (505)761-4950

Single Family Home Ownership Direct Repair Loans and Grants:
Funding for low-income homeowners to repair/improve their homes to remove health/safety hazards.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HSF_SFH.html

Farm Service Agency (FSA)
FSA State Office at 1-800-410-2067

Emergency Loan Program (ELP):
Loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl

Disaster Debt Set-Aside Program:
Creates payment flexibility for producers who have existing direct loans with FSA.
http://go.usa.gov/bZGm

The Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program (LFP):
Cash payments to producers who suffered grazing losses because of drought and fire.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=lfp

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm- Raised Fish Program (ELAP):
Assistance for grazing losses due to blizzards and wildfires, including assistance for feed loss.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=elap

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP):
Emergency funding and assistance for producers to rehabilitate land damaged by natural disasters.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp

The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP):
Assistance for crop losses where federal crop insurance is not available. Enrollment required.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=nap

The Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE):
Assistance to producers with crop losses in counties declared a disaster by the Secretary of Agriculture.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=sure

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
In NM: (505) 761-4400 or toll free: 1-800-410-2067

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program:
Technical assistance for debris removal and erosion control on land impacted by natural disaster.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf

WASHINGTON - Ahead of Saturday's Kentucky Derby, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and U.S. Reps. Ed Whitfield (R-Ken.) and Joe Pitts (R-Penn.) revealed draft legislation they intend to introduce to end doping in horseracing and kick cheaters out of the sport.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act would provide the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) with authority to cleanup the sport and enforce anti-doping standards in races with simulcast wagering.

USADA is a non-governmental organization that is designated as the official anti-doping agency for the U.S. Olympics and works with sports leagues to strengthen clean competition policies.

"The chronic abuse of race horses with painkillers and other drugs is dangerous and just plain wrong," said Udall. "Racing groups have promised drug reform for decades, but this bill would bring in real standards and enforcement from an organization with a proven record for cleaning up sports."

"This weekend, the very best of horseracing will be on display at the Kentucky Derby. Yet, for too long, the safety of jockeys and equine athletes has been neglected for the pursuit of racing profits," stated Whitfield. "The doping of injured horses and forcing them to compete is deplorable and must be stopped. Despite repeated promises from the racing industry to end this practice, meaningful action and oversight has yet to come forth. This legislation would bring much-needed reforms to an industry that supports thousands of jobs and is enjoyed by spectators nationwide."

"Last year, I chaired a hearing that took a deep look into the problems of both legal and illegal drugs in horseracing," said Pitts. "We heard testimony about how abuse of drugs is killing horses and imperiling riders. Before more people and animals are hurt, we need to put a responsible national authority in charge of cleaning up racing. This is a sensible, bipartisan measure to restore trust in racing and protect lives."

Horseracing showcases the beauty of an iconic American animal. The industry also has a $10 billion annual economic impact and sustains about 380,000 jobs nationwide. Last year, over $10.8 billion was wagered on American horseracing, including $133 million for the Kentucky Derby. However, as the New York Times reported in 2012, doping undermines the safety and viability of the sport, and twenty-four horses die each week from racing injuries.

Under the new legislation, USADA would develop rules for permitted and prohibited substances and create anti-doping education, research, testing and adjudication programs for horseracing. It would also:

• Put an end to race day medication;
• Set a harmonized medication policy framework for all races with interstate simulcast wagering;
• Require stiff penalties for cheating, including "one and done" and "three strikes, you're out" lifetime bans for the worst cases; and
• Ensure racehorse drug administrations comply with veterinary ethics.

Last year, Udall, Whitfield and Pitts participated in Congressional hearings that explored medication and performance enhancing drug problems in horseracing.

In previous years the lawmakers introduced similar legislation tasking the Federal Trade Commission to improve the sport. Their new approach, however, would enable USADA to act as the anti-doping body without amending the Interstate Horseracing Act or involving any federal agency or regulation. The legislation would not require any federal taxpayer funds.

Click here for a section by section summary of the bill, and here for the legislative text.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján announced today that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House have responded to their calls for critical funding needed to maintain ongoing environmental management efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) by sending a reprogramming request to Congress in the amount of $19 million.

They are now urging the necessary Congressional Committees to approve the request without delay and advocating for an additional $21 million from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to meet a federal agreement with the State of New Mexico. Reprogramming actions allow federal agencies to shift funds between accounts during a fiscal year but must be approved by the White House Office of Management and Budget and Congressional Committees with jurisdiction.

"We would like to impress upon you the importance of this reprogramming and the urgency of its approval," they wrote to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services today. "Due to the continuing resolution for FY2013 and the negative impacts of sequestration, Environmental Management programs do not have the funding needed for much-needed cleanup efforts."

Following the Las Conchas fire in June 2011, DOE and the State of New Mexico signed a framework agreement to expedite the removal and off-site shipment of high-risk combustible and dispersible transuranic (TRU) waste currently stored above ground at LANL. Under the new agreement, DOE committed to remove the 3,706 cubic meters of above ground TRU waste by June 30, 2014.

To ensure critical deadlines are met, the Obama Administration requested $239 million for LANL cleanup in the fiscal year 2013 budget. However, a continuing budget resolution froze the cleanup funding level at $189 million and sequestration cuts further reduced that figure to $173 million.

In their letter, Udall, Heinrich and Luján also push for an additional $21 million transfer from the NNSA to Environmental Management at LANL to meet the agreement. They wrote, "Without additional funding, environmental management will begin to slow operations and issue furlough notices as soon as this week, with full operations scheduled to shut down next month. This would have serious impacts to the productivity of LANL's workforce, the surrounding environment, the security of the transuranic waste, and the federal government's legal obligations to the state of New Mexico."

On April 3, 2013, Udall, Heinrich and Luján wrote to then-DOE Secretary Steven Chu requesting an additional $50 million be made available to LANL to ensure all priority cleanup efforts stay on schedule. According to LANL, at least $15 million is needed to prevent an interruption in the transuranic cleanup operations.

Udall pushed for the additional funds in a recent phone call with White House Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Jeffery Zientz. He also emphasized to Acting NNSA Administrator Neile Miller at a recent Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee hearing that there is a lack of sufficient funding for important cleanup programs at LANL, which are crucial to maintaining strong community support for the lab.

During the Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on April 18, 2013, to consider the president's proposed budget for the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2014, Heinrich sought assurance from DOE's Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Poneman that waste cleanup efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory would receive sufficient funding this year. Heinrich also discussed his ongoing effort to ensure all priority cleanup efforts at LANL stay on schedule with Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz during his confirmation hearing on April 9, 2013.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Luján and his office have been in close contact with the White House, Department of Energy, and Office of Management and Budget, encouraging swift action to prioritize environmental cleanup at LANL and make additional funds available that meet the government's commitment to remove waste from the lab.

WASHINGTON - To mark National Teen Pregnancy Month, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) have joined with U.S. Representative Jared Polis (D-Colo.) to introduce a bill that would help states and local school districts support pregnant and parenting youth who face unique challenges staying in school and graduating ready for college or a career.

Each year in the U.S., approximately 750,000 teens get pregnant and almost one-fifth of students across the country drop out of high school. In a nationwide survey, 33 percent of female dropouts and almost 20 percent of male dropouts reported that becoming a parent was a major factor in their decision to leave school.

Pregnant and parenting teens face many barriers to education, including enrolling in and attending school, juggling schoolwork with parenting responsibilities, lack of access to child care or transportation, and discrimination or stigma attached to being a pregnant and/or parenting teen. Teachers and administrators also often lack the resources or training to support pregnant and parenting students.

The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act (PPSAE) would reduce these barriers by empowering states and local districts to support teenage mothers and fathers and reduce the student dropout rate.

"Teen pregnancy and dropout rates are too high across the country and especially in New Mexico," Udall said. "Support for pregnant and parenting students can go a long way, and that is why we want to help teenage parents stay in school, go back to school, or graduate from school with the skills to have a meaningful career and take care of their family."

"Graduating high school or attaining a GED is fundamental to a student's future success in our workforce. But the huge dropout rates for pregnant and parenting students demonstrate just how difficult it can be for these students to finish their education," said Hirono. "By providing resources and support to these students and acknowledging the challenges they face, we can help them stay in school and on track to career success."

"Achieving a high school diploma is critical to young peoples' ability to succeed in the workforce. Yet pregnancy and parenting responsibilities significantly increase a student's risk of dropping out of school," said Polis. "This legislation would provide resources for pregnant and parenting youth, so that they are not forced to choose between staying in school and supporting their new families."

Specifically, the PPSAE would authorize grants to fund new and existing programs that promote the educational success of pregnant and parenting students. The bill would also help schools provide academic services like parenting and life skill classes while offering incentives for schools to modify policies that remove barriers for pregnant and parenting students to continue their education.

It also empowers school districts to provide parenting case management services, pregnancy prevention programs, referrals to primary health care physicians and other social services needed by the students.

Finally, the bill would collect and report data like graduation rates for pregnant and parenting students annually and require rigorous evaluation of the grant programs to ensure they are accountable and effective at helping students stay in school.

Diverse groups from the health and education communities in New Mexico support the measure, including Young Women United, the Southwest Women's Law Center, the New Mexico Association of School-Based Health Centers, the New Mexico Teen Pregnancy Coalition, New Mexico Voices for Children and Honor Our Pueblo Existence (H.O.P.E.).

Nationally, the Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act is supported by the Healthy Teen Network, the National Women's Law Center and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

The full text of the legislation can be accessed below.

The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act

The Associated Press reported today that U.S. Senator Tom Udall is working on legislation with Republican colleagues from Wyoming to restore millions of dollars in federal minerals payments to states being cut by sequestration. Read the full AP article here.

Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Interior Department officials about the mineral payments and the overall impact of sequestration on New Mexico at a hearing before the Interior & Environment Subcommittee on Tuesday and noted that legislation was in the works. The full video of the committee exchange can be seen here.

Here are some highlights from the AP's coverage:

"Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., told Interior Secretary Sally Jewell at a hearing in Washington on Tuesday that the federal Mineral Leasing Act requires the federal government to split revenues from the sale of minerals on federal lands with the states. He said he regards the payments as state revenues that ought to be off limits from federal meddling."

"This revenue is vital to New Mexico, where it funds our public education system," Udall said.

"These are state revenues. What we're going to do in legislation is look to make sure you don't get your hands on them at all, so we don't get in this kind of situation."

"New Mexico state leaders are very upset by the Department of Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue determination that these state revenues are subject to sequestration."

WASHINGTON - Every year, billions of dollars in revenue are generated from energy production on federal lands. Since states bear most of the costs associated with mineral development, they are guaranteed a share of the revenue under federal law. But the federal government isn't upholding its end of the bargain and is trying to keep state money.

A bipartisan group of Senators today introduced a bill that would allow states the option to collect their own share of federal mineral revenue and protect money that is rightfully owed under the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA). The bill would prohibit the federal government from withholding mineral royalties and would eliminate the two percent fee the federal government charges for collecting the revenue. The federal government would still keep its 50 percent share of mineral revenue under the legislation.

"Wyoming is fully capable of collecting its share of mineral revenues and shouldn't have to wait for the federal government to write us a check," said Senator Mike Enzi. "The money owed to the state is written into law and is not negotiable. It sets a dangerous precedent when Washington thinks it's ok to take state money instead of cutting its own spending. The government needs to uphold its end of the deal."

"We have an existing agreement for mineral development within our states' borders that should be honored and off limits to federal meddling," said Senator Tom Udall. "The royalties New Mexico earns from the extraction of our abundant natural resources is used to fund public education and other critical services."

"Wyoming and other states deal with this issue daily and have the resources and manpower needed to make sure that mineral revenues are properly paid and collected," said Senator John Barrasso. "Our bill will make the process more efficient, cost effective, and accountable. We must make sure Washington delivers on its obligations to mineral producing states."

"At a time of budget tightening across the country and in Washington, states are increasingly left to take on additional financial burdens to take the place of federal funding that is no longer available," said Senator Heidi Heitkamp. "Yet, in the face of increasing reliance on states to bear the burden, the Department of the Interior has decided to take it upon itself to not distribute millions of dollars of royalty revenues due to the state of North Dakota. Interior has no right to refuse to pay North Dakota its statutorily determined portion of mineral royalty revenue collected from oil and gas development, extraction and production in our state. This money should be put towards infrastructure maintenance and upgrades and funding for critical services like schools, law enforcement, and health services in Indian Country and other impacted areas."

"This legislation is about fairness," said Senator John Hoeven. "These royalties are revenues generated by developing resources and spurring economic activity in our respective states. By successfully developing these resources, North Dakota has become a powerhouse for the nation, contributing to our country's economy, energy security and job growth. At the same time, we build and maintain the infrastructure that successful communities and economies need to thrive. North Dakota and other productive states are clearly entitled to a fair share of the royalties they produce in exchange for what we contribute to our nation."

"Utah's rightfully owed almost $9 million in royalties through the Mineral Leasing Act over the next six months, which is used for public schools, infrastructure, and other necessary improvements," said Senator Orrin Hatch. "This bill would make sure that Utah - as well as other states that have mineral resources on Federal public domain lands - receive these royalties that they're owed."

The MLA provides that all States be paid 50 percent of the revenues resulting from the leasing of mineral resources on Federal public domain lands within their borders. Revenue payments are based upon actual development of mineral resources on public lands within the states. These royalties are used by states to fund such necessary items as public school systems, community colleges, emergency response activities and basic infrastructure projects.

The original co-sponsors of this bill are Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Tom Udall, D-N.M., John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., John Hoeven, R-N.D., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Jim Risch, R-Idaho.

Identical legislation was also introduced today in the House by Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.

Click here to read the bill.

Click here to see a breakdown of the money being withheld by the federal government that is owed to the states.

WASHINGTON - With graduation season underway, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced a bill today that would increase the graduation rate in New Mexico and across the nation.

Nationwide, approximately one-fifth of high school students drop out of school each year. According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, the state's graduation rate was 70.3 percent in 2012, with a 67.7 percent rate for Hispanic students and 64.9 percent for Native Americans. In addition, New Mexico's state's high school dropouts face a 13 percent unemployment rate and earn an average annual income of $11,500.

"High schools across New Mexico are celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of graduating seniors," said Udall. "Unfortunately, New Mexico has one of the lowest graduation rates across the country and too many of our young people will not walk across the stage in front of their families and peers."

The Graduation Promise Act would offer grants to states and other entities for schools to identify and replicate best practices to help every child succeed and graduate.

The bill invests in a High School Improvement and Dropout Reduction Fund and distributes state grants, based on poverty and graduate rates, to establish or expand statewide high school improvement systems.

It would also look at successful programs already being carried out locally and provide additional funding to replicate those models in other school districts and underperforming schools.

"We must do a better job of increasing graduation rates to prepare our youth for the future and boost the state's economic opportunities. My bill will help -- not punish -- underperforming schools, by providing resources to local school districts so they can develop solutions to improve graduation rates based on the needs of each community," Udall said.

States would develop a set of school performance indicators to determine the support each school needs, and would require detailed district improvement plans and monitoring systems driven by data and best practices to ensure resources are utilized effectively.

Finally, the bill sets aside two percent of any funding specifically for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools, including 45 affiliated BIA schools in New Mexico.

School districts, colleges and non-profits would also be eligible for grant funding to develop dropout prevention programs in local schools and expand best practices to better prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce.

The Graduation Promise Act is supported by Communities In Schools of New Mexico, the National Education Association of New Mexico and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The text of the legislation can be accessed below. 

The Graduation Promise Act by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján announced today that the necessary Senate and House committees have approved a reprogramming request for an additional $19 million needed to assist in maintaining the ongoing cleanup and environmental management efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The news comes just days after the New Mexico lawmakers sent a letter to the committees urging their approval of the request made by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House for the critical funding.

"Congress' quick approval of the $19 million we've been pushing for is welcome news to prevent layoffs and ensure the stability of critical nuclear waste cleanup efforts underway at LANL," said Sen. Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Getting funds reprogrammed is no easy task -- especially with the sequester taking a toll across the nation -- so I'm proud we have made progress in getting LANL the resources they need to meet legal obligations and safely dispose of the waste. The White House and Department of Energy have been very responsive to our efforts and I will continue doing everything I can to secure additional funds to get the job done."

"I'm pleased that Los Alamos National Laboratory will receive sufficient funding this year to prevent layoffs and continue ongoing defense legacy waste cleanup efforts--an important commitment the Department of Energy has made to the people of New Mexico," said Sen. Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "LANL must have sufficient resources to help ensure all planned restoration and protection efforts remain on schedule and critical milestones are met. I'm encouraged by the progress we've made, and will continue to advocate for waste cleanup to remain a top funding priority for the Department of Energy."

"Shifting these critical funds from other areas in the Department of Energy to environmental cleanup at LANL is an important step forward to meet the government's commitment to remove waste from the lab," said Rep. Luján, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "I am pleased that our efforts to encourage the committees to act quickly will guarantee these vital funds and ensure environmental cleanup at LANL continues. As we have seen from the Las Conchas fire, removing this waste is not only the right thing to do for the environment, but is a matter of safety for the community."

Following the Las Conchas fire in June 2011, DOE and the State of New Mexico made a framework agreement to expedite the removal and off-site shipment of high-risk combustible and dispersible transuranic (TRU) waste currently stored above ground at LANL. Under the new agreement, DOE committed to remove the 3,706 cubic meters of above ground TRU waste by June 30, 2014.

To ensure critical deadlines are met, the Obama Administration requested $239 million for LANL cleanup in the fiscal year 2013 budget. However, a continuing budget resolution froze the cleanup funding level at $189 million and sequestration cuts further reduced that figure to $173 million. Reprogramming actions allow federal agencies to shift funds between accounts during a fiscal year but must be approved by the White House Office of Management and Budget and Congressional Committees with jurisdiction.

On April 3, 2013, Udall, Heinrich and Luján wrote to DOE Secretary Steven Chu requesting an additional $50 million be made available to LANL to ensure all priority cleanup efforts stay on schedule. According to LANL, at least $15 million is needed to prevent an interruption in the transuranic cleanup operations.The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is considering a further $21 million contribution to LANL cleanup efforts for 2013.

Udall pushed for the additional funds in a recent phone call with White House Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Jeffery Zientz. He also emphasized to Acting NNSA Administrator Neile Miller at a recent Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee hearing that there is a lack of sufficient funding for important cleanup programs at LANL, which are crucial to maintaining strong community support for the lab.

During the Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on April 18, 2013, to consider the president's proposed budget for the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2014, Heinrich sought assurance from DOE's Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Poneman that waste cleanup efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory would receive sufficient funding this year. Heinrich also discussed his ongoing effort to ensure all priority cleanup efforts at LANL stay on schedule with Energy Secretary nominee Dr. Ernest Moniz during his confirmation hearing on April 9, 2013.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Luján and his office have been in close contact with the White House, Department of Energy, and Office of Management and Budget, encouraging swift action to prioritize environmental cleanup at LANL and make additional funds available that meet the government's commitment to remove waste from the lab.

WASHINGTON - Today, a bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) to designate two wilderness areas in the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Watch a video clip from the markup here.

"Communities around the Rio Grande Del Norte are very enthusiastic about the President's designation of the National Monument." said Sen. Udall. "Finalizing these study areas as wilderness will add to the positive economic impact of the monument designation, and help ensure that the most wild places are recognized and protected for future generations."

"This bill would create two wilderness areas in northern New Mexico, the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness and the Rio San Antonio Wilderness," said Sen. Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "The community of northern New Mexico, including a broad coalition of elected officials, local business owners, sportsmen, land grant heirs, ranchers, and conservationists, have worked incredibly hard to protect these areas. Doing so would complete the last piece of protecting the striking landscape of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. I'm proud to join my colleague, Senator Tom Udall, in taking this step to preserve this area that is so important to New Mexicans and our growing Western economy."

"The Rio Grande Del Norte Coalition in Taos County partnered with nontraditional conservation groups including grazing permitees, land grant heirs, Acequia members, small businesses and many community members," said John Olivas, Chairman of the Mora County Commission, and Mora Land Grant Heir. "We are hopeful that our coalition has set the stage for public land conservation campaigns across the country. Thank you Taos County for recognizing this fabulous opportunity to protect lands, water and culture in your community."

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama designated the Río Grande del Norte as a national monument. The Río Grande del Norte monument proclamation is modeled after the lawmakers' legislative efforts to protect the 240,000-acre swath of land. The Bureau of Land Management, under the Department of the Interior, will continue to manage the monument.

People in New Mexico and all across America feel a sense of outrage over what happened at the IRS - and they should. I'm outraged too. Partisan bias and abuse by the IRS cannot be tolerated.

IRS employees failed to carryout their duties impartially and I believe calling for and accepting the resignation of the IRS's top official was the right thing to do.

But another failure of the IRS is the failure to stop front groups from filing false statements and engaging in illegal amounts of political activity. It's wrong whether the group may be liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican.

I have long argued that any group seeking to influence elections should not get tax-exempt status.

And I continue to believe New Mexicans have a right to know who is trying to influence their vote, and who is paying for all those negative ads on television.

That's why I wrote to the IRS in 2012 asking for better transparency and enforcement under the law. I also followed up with the IRS to propose three substantive rules to make it easier for them to apply the rules fairly to everybody. These common sense reforms will prevent shadowy groups from breaking the law and help increase transparency in elections.

As I said on the Senate floor this week - we need clear rules that apply to all groups across the board on all sides of the political spectrum.

This is one of the ways we can change the way we do business in Washington.

Watch my remarks, and view my letters below.

February 2012 - Letter to IRS on Campaign Finance

March 2012 - Letter to IRS on Campaign Finance

WASHINGTON - To mark National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced legislation that seeks to protect youth athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries by improving equipment safety standards and curbing false advertising claims.

The Youth Sports Concussion Act will help ensure that safety standards for sports equipment are up to date and informed by the latest science. The bill will also increase potential penalties for using false injury prevention claims to sell youth sports equipment.

"We want our children to be active and participate in sports, but we must take every precaution to protect them from traumatic head injuries," said Udall. "There will always be some risk, but athletes, coaches and parents need to be aware of the dangers and signs of concussion. And in order for them to best protect the young athletes, we must make sure they are using safe equipment and curb misleading advertising that gives them a false sense of security."

"Parents and coaches must be able to have confidence in the sports safety equipment they buy for their children and the protection it claims to offer," said Rockefeller. "Unfortunately, many parents are still deceived by sports equipment manufacturers who make false promises about their products' ability to prevent or reduce concussions. This has to stop. Major sports leagues, players associations, pediatricians, scientists, and consumer groups all agree, and it's why they support our bill. We need to make sure that protective sports equipment is sold based on the latest science, not false or deceptive claims."

At Rockefeller and Udall's urging, this past October the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences announced the formation of a committee to assess how best to protect young athletes from sports-related concussion. During the 2011-2012 school year, more than 300,000 high school athletes in the most common sports were diagnosed with concussions, though many head injuries continue to go unreported and ignored. Researchers have found that children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to concussions and that - once concussed - the likelihood of suffering another increases each time.

The Senate Commerce Committee also held a hearing in October 2011 which uncovered that sports equipment manufacturers have repeatedly made claims that their equipment "prevents concussions" or "reduce the risk of concussions" without scientific evidence to prove them.

Sports are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury for people who are 15 to 24 years old, behind only motor vehicle crashes. Every year American athletes suffer up to an estimated 3.8 million sports-related concussions. New medical research indicates that repeated blows to the head in numerous sports may lead to lasting brain damage, including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as "punch drunk syndrome."

"For over 30 years, I've worked as a health care provider caring for and treating student athletes on the field, so I have seen the damages of concussions first hand," said former president of the New Mexico Athletic Trainers Association Timothy Acklin ATC, LAT. "Coaches, athletic trainers and parents not only have to make sure the equipment fits properly in order to reduce trauma, but we have to trust that the protective gear is based on scientific findings, not unfounded promises. I support the efforts of Senators Udall and Rockefeller to reduce the risk of head traumas that have real, lasting effects on our children."

The Youth Sports Concussion Act will:

• Instruct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to review the findings of a forthcoming National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report on sports-related concussions in youth;

• Authorize the CPSC to make recommendations to manufacturers and, if necessary, promulgate new consumer rules for protective equipment based on the findings of the NAS report; and

• Allow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose civil penalties for using false claims to sell protective gear for sports. State attorneys general could also enforce such violations.

The Youth Sports Concussion Act is endorsed by numerous sports, medical, and consumer organizations:

American Academy of Neurology
American Academy of Pediatrics
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Trauma Foundation
Cleveland Clinic
Consumer Federation of America
Consumers Union
Major League Baseball (MLB)
MLB Players Association
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer Players Union
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
National Athletic Trainers Association
National Basketball Association (NBA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Consumers League
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
National Football League (NFL)
National Hockey League (NHL)
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)
New Mexico Brain Injury Advisory Council
NFL Players Association
Safe Kids Worldwide
US Lacrosse
US Soccer Federation
USA Hockey

The text of the legislation can be accessed below.

Youth Sports Concussion Act

As fires across our state continue to burn, I am doing everything I can to help our firefighting personnel and officials on the ground.

One day after the first fire started, I attended a briefing on the Tres Lagunas fire by Incident Commander John Pierson, and I have been in contact with local leaders in both communities to monitor the efforts being made on both fires.

I will continue to keep a close eye on the situation to make sure our officials and residents have the support they need, and here are a few resources to help stay informed and stay safe:

 Click here for my federal fire and post-fire family and business assistance guide.

Be sure 2 follow @nmfireinfo for updates on #TresLagunas & #Thompsonfire orvisit nmfireinfo.com & like on FB facebook.com/nmfireinfo

— Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) June 1, 2013

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at http://nmfireinfo.com and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov for updates from federal and state agencies.

Fires, Smoke and Your Health: Steps for protecting yourself during wildfires, from the NM Environmental Public Health Tracking system. For health-related questions on wildfire smoke call the NM Dept. of Health Hotline at 1-877-304-4161.

Know Before You Go: Call 1-877-864-6985 for fire restrictions and closures in all 33 New Mexico counties or visit http://firerestrictions.us/nm/

Ready, Set, Go! Download Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide

WASHINGTON - Members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation have introduced a bill that would protect New Mexico's future special education funding.

This week, the Department of Education ruled that New Mexico underfunded its share of the cost of educating students with special needs for the state fiscal year 2011. It determined New Mexico did not meet its financial obligations for special education spending by $34 million. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states must maintain their share of special education spending through a "maintenance of effort" (MOE) requirement to ensure they use federal funding to enhance their services rather than supplant state funds. When states fall short of maintaining this effort, current law requires the federal contribution for special education funding be reduced by that same amount for all future years.

The "IDEA Adjustment Act" would limit any reduction in funding the Department may impose on a state like New Mexico to just one year of reduced funding. It was introduced yesterday by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich in the Senate and by Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham in the House of Representatives.

In a January 31, 2013 letter, the delegation asked the Department to give serious consideration to New Mexico's FY10 and FY11 waiver applications to avoid a reduction in the state's special education funding. That effort also resulted in New Mexico receiving deadline extensions while the state provided additional data to support its waiver application.

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, also worked with the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee to include similar language in the current fiscal year 2013 Continuing Resolution and is also working to include language in future appropriation bills.

"We must meet the shared responsibility of fully and fairly educating students with special needs, and we've introduced this bill to make sure our schools have the needed federal resources to do so in the future," Sen. Udall said. "This is an unfortunate situation but we must work together to do right by our children, parents and teachers who rely on this important source of federal funding."

"Investing in education is an investment in New Mexico's future. Students with special needs deserve the resources and quality education they need to succeed. This legislation will ensure that the federal funding New Mexico's schools rely upon will be there for them in future years and will help open the door to a better education for all of our children," Sen. Heinrich said.

"The U.S. Department of Education's determination that the state failed to meet the maintenance of effort requirement in 2011 is a serious blow at a time when New Mexico cannot afford to lose out on vital federal funding," Rep. Ben Ray Luján said. "Losing $34 million - especially when it will be a permanent loss unless the legislation we introduced today is passed into law - will have painful consequences for other important priorities. What is even more concerning is that the U.S. Department of Education's letter stated that the State Public Education Department likely failed to meet maintenance of effort requirements in 2012 as well, which could result in an additional loss of $26 million per year. Anyone that has a child with special needs in their family or knows someone with special needs should be disappointed and frustrated with the state's inability to meet these requirements over the past few years. I will be working diligently with the delegation to advocate for passage of our legislation that lessens the impact of this decision and helps New Mexico schools get important funding for special education moving forward."

"States have an important obligation to provide a quality education to all of our students, especially those with special needs," Rep. Lujan Grisham said. "This bill ensures that New Mexico's students don't needlessly suffer as a result of the state's failure to meet its special education funding obligations."

The full text of the IDEA Adjustment Act can be accessed below.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced today that his office will host two "Business Resource Fairs" next week in Carlsbad and Hobbs.

The Udall Business Resource Fairs, which are free and open to the public, will provide an opportunity for area businesses and local economic development leaders to learn more about resources available to support economic growth and infrastructure improvements in Southeast New Mexico. They will also build on discussions Udall had during his recent visits to Eddy and Lea counties.

"Working together we can help maximize resources and spur economic development so that Southeast New Mexico continues to be a great place to live and work," Udall said. "I invite all members of the community to attend. Whether you are a small business owner looking to expand your business, or local leader working to improve infrastructure, these fairs will help you work with federal agencies and local partners."

Beginning in Carlsbad on Monday and continuing in Hobbs on Tuesday, representatives from more than twenty organizations will be on hand to answer questions and share information about their programs. Participating federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Information will be available on procurement training, veterans hiring, small business loans, manufacturing assistance and international trade.

A loan specialist from the USDA Rural Development office, the State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Sources Natural Resources Conservation Service and officials from Sandia National Laboratories & Los Alamos National Laboratories small business programs will also be available to discuss potential partnerships in the area. Representatives from state agencies will also be in attendance.

Both fairs will take place alongside the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' events in Carlsbad and Hobbs titled, "The Role of Southeast New Mexico in the Global Economy." RSVPs are not required to attend the Udall Business Resource Fairs, but interested parties should visit the Federal Reserve Bank website online at http://www.dallasfed.org/research/events/2013/nm.cfm for more information on how to participate in the conferences.

A full list of representatives at the Udall Business Resource Fairs is available at http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=event&id=542272

For more information, please contact Sen. Tom Udall's Carlsbad office at (575)-234-0366.

Mon., June 10, 2013
WHAT: Udall Business Resource Fair - Carlsbad
WHEN: 11 a.m. - 4:25 p.m. MDT
WHERE: Pecos River Village Conference Center
711 Muscatel Ave.
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Tues., June 11, 2013
WHAT: Udall Business Resource Fair - Hobbs
WHEN: 8 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. MDT
WHERE: Lea County Event Center-Banquet Hall
5101 N. Lovington Hwy.
Hobbs, NM 88240

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement today on news reports that government agencies have collected extensive information on Americans' phone records: 

"The news that the government issued a blanket order for Americans' phone records is deeply disturbing and exactly why I voted against the Patriot Act in 2001. It's also why I have opposed reauthorization of similar provisions without adding civil liberties protections - protections that require agencies to explain specifically what information it thinks it needs to see and why.

"Left untouched, these provisions violate the privacy rights of Americans and give the government too much leeway for abuse. Last year I sent letters to the Director of National Intelligence requesting more details about how many domestic communications have been collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. I found their responses insufficient, and this recent news demonstrates there was reason for my concern.

"As we gather the facts, I will again have questions for the Administration on this serious issue. The American people have a constitutional right to privacy and deserve more transparency from their government."

WASHINGTON - Following news that recent fires in New Mexico were caused by downed power lines, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are encouraging cooperation between utility companies and federal agencies to keep trees away from power lines and reduce the risk of wildfires. Downed power lines have caused several wildfires, including the Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires currently burning in northern New Mexico.

In letters to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the electric power companies and coops that service New Mexico, the senators urged them to implement existing standards and examine the current regulations in order to find areas for improvement so that they may work together to prevent wildfires. They also noted the importance of these measures due to extreme drought and thousands of miles of power lines that run through federal forests.

"We would like to urge you to ensure that current standards of safety and prevention are being met with even greater than usual vigilance," the senators wrote to the executives of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, PNM Resources, Xcel Energy, New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association and El Paso Electric. "During New Mexico's ongoing severe drought, extra attention to vegetation management practices and quick responses to downed lines will be an important step in preventing dangerous wildfires that threaten our forests, residents, and utility infrastructure. Certain areas where dead or dying trees are exposed to winds near power lines are likely to be of high risk for starting these types of fires and would benefit from extra attention."

"As you work with industry in managing for protection of our dry forests, we would ask that you carefully examine the existing standards for safety and vegetation management in linear rights-of-way, and identify any issues or improvements that could be made to reduce the risk of wildfire ignitions," the senators wrote Secretaries Sally Jewel and Tom Vilsack. "In addition, we would request an explanation of current requirements for linear right-of-way special use permits especially in relation to vegetation management plans, any ongoing complaints with this process, and needed improvements. Your responses will help New Mexicans understand how federal and industry partners are working together to prevent wildfires in our state and what improvements can be made to protect residents' lives and public lands while saving taxpayer costs from fighting fires."

Udall and Heinrich also encouraged the utility companies to remind customers that they are responsible for maintaining the areas around the power lines that serve their own private property.

The letters to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the New Mexico electric power companies and coops can be found here and here.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján announced the approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant Program for the Tres Lagunas, currently burning in New Mexico. The grant is awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"I am pleased to see this federal support coming to New Mexico so quickly, especially because the Tres Lagunas Fire continues to burn," said Sen. Udall. "As I said in Pecos last weekend, we are doing everything we can to make sure our personnel on the ground have the resources they need to fight these fires now and throughout the firefighting season."

"It's critically important that our firefighters have sufficient resources to combat and contain the fires in New Mexico," said Sen. Heinrich. "This grant will assist in providing equipment, supplies, and emergency work, such as evacuations and sheltering. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our first responders and local communities have the support they need."

"Firefighters are performing heroically in an effort to protect our communities and our precious natural resources from the Tres Lagunas fire," said Rep. Luján. "It is essential that we ensure they have the necessary resources to carry out their critical task, and this grant will contribute to that goal."

Fire management assistance is available to state, local, and tribal governments, for the mitigation, management, and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program provides a 75 percent federal cost share and the state pays the remaining 25 percent for actual costs.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, praised the Department of Homeland Security's final rulemaking decision to extend the current border commercial zone from 25 to 55 miles in Southern New Mexico.

In an effort to promote border commerce, Mexican nationals who have undergone background, fingerprint and security checks may receive Border Crossing Cards (BCC) and are currently permitted to travel 25 miles into the United States for a period of 30 days without obtaining additional permits. Today's announcement would expand the border zone to 55 miles, allowing cardholders to visit communities like Las Cruces, Deming and Lordsburg - the state's three largest border cities.

The rule change comes after years of effort by members of the New Mexico delegation to extend the zone. Udall and then-Sen. Jeff Bingaman introduced legislation to extend the zone in 2011. They also asked Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano to consider extending the border commercial zone through the rulemaking process, which she agreed to begin in August 2012. Bingaman, Udall and Pearce submitted a letter of support for the change in a September 2012 letter as part of the rulemaking process, noting New Mexico's zone should be extended to give it the same economic benefits of other border states like Arizona. Since joining the Senate in January, Heinrich has pressed the offices of Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to keep this initiative moving forward.

"Extending the Border Commercial Zone to include additional communities in Southern New Mexico is a smart decision and I thank Secretary Napolitano for responding to our request," Sen. Udall said. "I also want to thank Jeff Bingaman for his work and longstanding support for New Mexico's border region. With this extension, we can focus our border resources on catching more dangerous criminals and drug traffickers while providing a key boost to our economies. Businesses, along with the support from local law enforcement, have sought this rule change for years to put our state on a level playing field with others along the border, and I am pleased that people will now be able to shop, travel and visit their families in New Mexico more easily."

"The communities of southern New Mexico have fought for many years to get this done. Extending the Border Commercial Zone to 55 miles will help businesses in the region, promote job creation, spur the local economy, and bring in more tax revenue for the state. I thank Secretary Napolitano for her work in seeing this through," Sen. Heinrich said.

"I am extremely pleased by DHS' decision to finalize the border zone extension for the state. This extension will strengthen the commercial and cultural relationships in our border communities such as Las Cruces, Deming and Lordsburg, providing significant benefits to the economy in those areas. We have been working toward this outcome with the state of New Mexico, local communities, and federal officials since 2011, and today's decision will provide great benefits for the people and economy of Southern New Mexico," Rep. Pearce said.

Previously, if Border Crossing Card (BCC) holders wanted to travel beyond the 25 mile zone, they had to submit to additional, often times duplicative screening procedures and paperwork, called a Form I-94. The rule change, which will be submitted to the Federal Registry today, will allow Customs and Border Patrol to decrease paperwork for officers and travelers, which will help redirect resources to target more illegal crossings.

According a 2012 New Mexico State University study, extending the Border Commercial Zone to 55 miles could result in $51 million additional yearly sales, add 343 jobs and provide up to $2.57 million in tax base local communities.

The expansion of the Border Crossing Card zone has enjoyed widespread and bipartisan support. In 2011, the New Mexico State Legislature overwhelmingly passed a resolution supporting the extension of the border zone (the resolution passed the House 64-0 and the Senate 37-0). The impacted counties, Dona Ana, Luna, Hidalgo, and Grant, have all passed resolutions in support of the effort, as have several chambers of commerce. The New Mexico Border Authority, the New Mexico Association of Counties, the New Mexico Municipal League, and the Border Trade Alliance have all voiced their support. Additionally, local law enforcement from the impacted county and municipal police departments, including Luna County, Hidalgo County, Grant County, Dona Ana County, Las Cruces, Deming, Lordsburg, and Mesilla, have written in support of expanding the zone.

Extension of the border zone to benefit commerce has precedent. In 1999 the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) issued a rule that allowed individuals to travel up to 75 miles into the state of Arizona to visit Tucson.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement today after the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, also known as the farm bill, passed the Senate by a vote of 66-27:

"Today I was proud to support passage of the Senate's new farm bill - a very important step for New Mexico, especially during our extreme drought. This bill contains the most significant reforms in decades - saving $24 billion in taxpayer dollars by eliminating wasteful programs like direct payments and other subsidies, and strengthening successful farm and community programs.

"The farm bill also renews livestock disaster assistance programs important to our communities while making them retroactive. This is more important than ever for New Mexico producers enduring years of drought. The bill supports nutrition assistance that seniors and families in our state rely on, while making sure healthier foods are within reach for all Americans, from the farm to the kitchen table.

"I am also pleased that the bill includes specific outreach to our veterans and support for beginning farmers and ranchers, who will form the next generation of agricultural producers.

"The farm bill is vital to our state, and passage is long overdue. I urge the House to put politics aside and follow our lead in passing a strong, bipartisan bill as we have done in the Senate today. Producers, rural communities and consumers have waited long enough for this bill to be finalized, and there's no reason to delay it any further."

The farm bill does the following for New Mexico:

• Eliminates direct payments and other commodity crop subsidies and replaces them with the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) program that functions like a supplemental insurance program.

• Strengthens dairy programs by eliminating outdated programs like MILC that limit assistance to larger dairies and replacing them with the Dairy Production Market Protection Program (DPMPP) and The Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP). This new approach to dairy policy has been negotiated for many years, and fulfills recommendations made to Sen. Udall from the Dairy Producers of New Mexico.

• Renews livestock disaster programs and makes them retroactive to cover the last two years of drought.

• Continues the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program to help the next generation of farmers get into business.

• Adds veterans to the outreach program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

• Renews research funding important to New Mexico's producers and universities.

• Authorizes the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to administer loans and grants to improve access to healthy food in "food deserts," or areas that do not have regular access to healthier options, including rural areas.

• Renews and increases assistance for food banks, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides emergency food and nutrition assistance to low-income individuals, largely through food banks.

• Creates a new title in the bill for Specialty Crops such as New Mexico's green chiles, showing the importance of renewed programs like Specialty Crop Block Grants and Specialty Crop research and other organic and local produce programs.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today after voting to begin debate on the comprehensive immigration reform legislation, S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:

"I was very encouraged with the strong, bipartisan vote to restart the debate on comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S. Senate.

"We still have a long way to go before immigration reform becomes law, and as it progresses in the Senate I will be looking to make sure it supports New Mexico's interests as a border state. We need to ensure the final bill strikes the right balance between securing the border, holding employers accountable for hiring undocumented immigrants and providing an earned path to citizenship for the 11 plus million undocumented immigrants currently in the country.

"I commend the work of the 'Gang of Eight' and members of the Judiciary Committee who helped get us to this point after several weeks of debating and amending this bill in an open and bipartisan manner.

"Our immigration system is broken, and now is the time for us to fix it. The American people are counting on us, and we lose if we do nothing."

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Steve Pearce announced they have introduced a bill to strengthen the nation's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and training programs in New Mexico and the U.S.

The STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM²) Act includes a package of initiatives designed to improve student interest and performance in STEM skills. It would help teachers and schools better engage students in STEM fields by providing additional STEM professional development resources and facilitating collaboration among the business and education communities in order to better identify STEM skills needed by the workforce.

"New Mexico has a rich history involving STEM fields and this bill will encourage a new generation of students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in these areas," Udall said. "As education legislation moves forward in the Senate, I will be making the case that STEM subjects should be given priority attention so our students can have the tools they need to compete in an increasingly global economy."

"This legislation opens up pathways for collaboration between businesses and teachers to ensure that students are getting the skills they need to be successful in tomorrow's job market," Heinrich said. "STEM education plays a critical role in America's ability to meet the demands of the 21st Century, like developing new energy technology, advancing national defense strategies, and raising health care quality through computerized advancements."

"In order for our children and young adults to compete in the global economy they must have the training and skills necessary to compete in the STEM fields," Luján said. "The STEM2 Act recognizes that high-quality teachers and a rigorous curriculum that focus on the needs of employers hiring for the jobs of tomorrow are critical for our students to get ahead. With too many young students struggling to perform basic math skills, we have no time to waste in improving the quality of education and ensuring that our children have a strong foundation in math and science."

"Investments in STEM education are investments in America's future," Lujan Grisham said. "For our state and our nation to innovate and compete in today's global economy, it's vital that we educate our students in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This legislation will give schools, teachers, businesses and communities the recourses necessary to prepare New Mexico's students for the jobs of the future."

"Education is the most important investment we can make," Pearce said. "By providing key resources to prepare our students in science, technology, engineering, and math, this legislation will help Americans compete for jobs in a global market, creating a stronger, brighter future for our students and our nation. I'm proud to join my colleagues from New Mexico to improve the education and opportunities available to our next generation of leaders and innovators."

According to the National Math and Science Initiative, in 2011, only 45 percent of U.S. high school graduates were ready for college-level math, and only 30 percent ready for college-level science. The initiative also found the U.S. could be short as many as three million high-skilled workers by 2018.

The STEM² Act would:

- Develop effective state STEM networks among schools, teachers, administrators, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations and businesses to increase communication and collaboration in these fields;

- Establish matching grant training programs for summer institutes and other professional development enrichment programs for teachers to improve STEM education in elementary, middle and high school

- Develop a national panel to evaluate and identify rigorous K-12 STEM curricula models, including computer and/or web-based simulation education programs and kinesthetic learning.

The STEM² Act is supported by Innovate-Educate N.M., the New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, Inc. (NM MESA), the New Mexico STEM Network, NM First and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today led a bipartisan call for an independent investigation into the National Security Agency's (NSA) phone records and data collection programs by a key privacy and civil liberties panel originally recommended by the 9/11 Commission and strengthened through Udall's efforts in the House of Representatives.

Udall sent a bipartisan letter to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, asking it to "make it an urgent priority to investigate the programs mentioned above and determine whether they (1) are conducted within the statutory authority granted by Congress, and (2) take the necessary precautions to protect the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens under the Constitution."

The letter also asked that the board "provide an unclassified report on these issues, so that the public and the Congress can have a long overdue debate about these important privacy concerns." The letter is also signed by 12 other Senators: Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mark Begich (D-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Udall (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Max Baucus (D-MT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Also today, during a hearing before the full Senate Appropriations Committee on cybersecurity, Udall asked Director of the NSA General Keith Alexander to cooperate with any investigation conducted by the board into the NSA's collection and analysis programs. General Alexander confirmed that the NSA would cooperate and reported the agency had met with the board the day before. Click here for a video of the exchange between Udall and General Alexander.

"It's very, very difficult to have a transparent debate about secret programs, approved by a secret court issuing secret court orders based on secret interpretations of law," Udall said at the hearing.

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was one of 41 recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission and was created by P.L. 108-45, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act in 2004.

While the board was originally designed to provide independent oversight to protect Americans' civil liberties, it was never fully funded or properly organized - something Udall called for repeatedly as a member of the House of Representatives.

In 2006, Udall, who voted against the Patriot Act in 2001, joined House colleagues in writing to then-President Bush and questioning the lack of funding and implementation of the board in the FY2007 budget proposal and subsequent actions.

Udall also pushed for legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses to give the Board the full authority the 9/11 Commission originally intended.

This resulted in Congress finally strengthening the board through the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. Among other things, the legislation reconstitutes the board as an independent agency with more responsibilities, requires Senate confirmation of all members and authorizes the Attorney General to exercise subpoena power on behalf of the board.

In its recommendations, the 9/11 commissioners wrote:

"The burden of proof for retaining a particular governmental power should be on the executive, to explain (a) that the power actually materially enhances security and (b) that there is adequate supervision of the executive's use of the powers to ensure protection of civil liberties. If the power is granted, there must be adequate guidelines and oversight to properly confine its use."

In May 2009, Udall also wrote to President Obama requesting the administration to appoint board members, saying, "I am urging you to fulfill the board's reconstituted mission by making the nomination of the panel's members a priority." Just over one month ago, the U.S. Senate confirmed David Medine to serve as the first Chairman of the board, allowing it to begin hiring staff and commence oversight work.

At the Appropriations Committee hearing, Udall noted how Richard Clarke, the former counterterrorism adviser to three U.S. presidents, raised the importance of the board. In an op-ed published in the New York Daily News this week, Clarke wrote, "the vocal advocate of civil liberties was absent because neither Bush nor Obama had appointed one, despite the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and a law passed by Congress."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today announced counties in New Mexico will receive approximately $34 million through the 2013 Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. A full list of the funding by county is included below.

PILT is administered through the Department of the Interior and provides funding for mostly rural counties that have a limited ability to levy taxes due to the amount of federal property in their jurisdiction, including Bureau of Land Management land, national parks and forests and military bases. PILT funding is used to provide vital police and fire services and also goes towards local schools, housing and transportation.

"PILT payments are important to New Mexico and I'm glad to see these payments continue for our rural communities," Udall said. "As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I will be doing everything I can to ensure PILT is fully funded into the future so our county governments can continue providing critical services to their residents."

"PILT funding helps maintain the economic strength of our rural communities by providing safer roads, better schools, and thousands of local jobs," Heinrich said. "While New Mexico's share of PILT funding would have been higher without sequestration, I am pleased this program is helping counties provide critical services on which New Mexicans rely."

The President's fiscal year 2014 budget proposes to extend mandatory full funding for the PILT for another year while a sustainable long-term funding solution is developed. Udall was a cosponsor of the County Payments Reauthorization Act of 2011, a bipartisan bill led by former Senator Jeff Bingaman that would guarantee full funding of the PILT program for five additional years.

According to the Interior Department, the annual PILT payments are computed based on the number of acres of federal entitlement land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction. The lands include the National Forest and National Park Systems, the areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, those affected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation water resource development projects, and others.

New Mexico - Local Unit of Government (FY 2013 Payment)

Bernalillo County - $193,796
Catron County - $593,448
Chaves County - $2,860,983
Cibola County - $1,693,192
Colfax County - $139,492
De Baca Country - $100,654
Dona Ana County - $2,843,049
Eddy County - $3,168,147
Grant County- $1,837,491
Guadalupe County - $148,561
Harding County - $111,861
Hidalgo County - $703,549
Lea County - $1,009,074
Lincoln County - $1,536,831
Los Alamos County - $83,130
Luna County - $1,779,759
McKinley County - $826,620
Mora County - $188,703
Otero County - $2,824,773
Quay County - $4,314
Rio Arriba County - $1,969,904
Roosevelt County - $25,747
San Juan County - $ 2,062,957
San Miguel County - $759,971
Sandoval County - $2,197,580
Santa Fe County - $668,483
Sierra County - $1,056,769
Socorro County - $1,245,613
Taos County - $1,559,822
Torrance County - $285,005
Union County - $139,764
Valencia County - $73,952

State Total - $34,692,967

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall has been named the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, his office announced today.

Udall was named the new Chairman by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the full Appropriations Committee. He succeeds Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who passed away on June 3, 2013.

"As Chairman I look forward to the responsibility of ensuring taxpayers dollars are spent wisely and the interests of hardworking families in New Mexico are protected," Udall said. "I am honored to build on the leadership of the previous Chairmen Senators Lautenberg and Durbin and will work hard to support small businesses, expand rural broadband, protect consumers and ensure the safety of our financial markets."

The Subcommittee recommends and oversees annual funding for financial-related agencies including the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Internal Revenue Service. It also has jurisdiction over several key agencies that have a direct impact on New Mexico, including:

- The Small Business Administration (SBA), which supports entrepreneurs and small businesses with outreach and loans, and also provides loans following federally-declared disasters.

- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has jurisdiction over telecommunications and broadband matters.

- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which helps ensure competition in broad sectors of the economy and helps protect consumers from false advertising and business practices.

- The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), which provides funding for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas nationwide and to New Mexico.

- The Federal Election Commission (FEC), with jurisdiction over federal campaign finance laws.

- The General Services Administration (GSA), which manages federal properties in New Mexico and around the nation.

Click here for a detailed jurisdiction list.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Steve Pearce announced they have introduced legislation to improve tribal education and preserve Native American language in schools.

Graduation rates for American Indians and Alaska Natives are less than 50 percent - lower than the graduation rates for all other ethnic groups in the United States. The Building Upon Unique Indian Learning and Development (BUILD) Act would remove barriers that tribal leaders often encounter in teaching Native languages at school, improve on existing programs and partnerships, and create new incentives to encourage educational success throughout Indian Country.

"I often hear from many of the tribal school districts in New Mexico about the challenges they face in providing a quality education for our students, and I am committed to meeting these challenges," said Udall, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. "Our bill takes many positive steps to improve Indian education, including reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Act - legislation I originally helped pass to honor one of New Mexico's strongest advocates of preserving Native heritage and language. Native students deserve schools that honor their unique language needs so they can create a new generation of tribal leaders, and I am proud to lead efforts in proposing solutions for our communities that have contributed so much to the diversity and history of our nation."

"Supporting our tribal school systems, including our tribal colleges and universities, helps build a bright future for Native students and strengthens communities across Indian Country," said Heinrich. "When teachers have the training and tools to create innovative, culturally relevant learning environments, students are more engaged in their educations and more likely to thrive. I am committed to ensuring our Native teachers and students receive the resources and support they need to succeed."

"A good education is essential to helping children get ahead and opening the doors to a brighter future - especially one that embraces the culture and traditions of Native communities," said Luján. "Unfortunately, too many schools in Native American communities lack the resources they need to give their students all that they deserve. From attracting highly qualified teachers to improving school facilities, tribal communities continue to face difficult challenges that impact their ability to provide a better learning environment. This legislation confronts these challenges head on by providing incentives to attract highly qualified teachers and prepare teachers with the skills they will need to be good leaders in the classroom. In addition, it recognizes the important role of Impact Aid in school districts serving Native students and provides for more of this vital funding. By also including a focus on teaching native languages, this bill will help tribal communities preserve their cultural traditions."

"Native American culture, language and traditions have always played an important role in New Mexico's history," said Lujan Grisham. "Unfortunately, Native students experience some of the worst academic achievement gaps in the nation. The BUILD Act will help Native American students in New Mexico and across the country succeed by creating a robust training program to give the teachers in Native schools the skills and resources they need to effectively educate their students. It also emphasizes Native language education, ensuring that tribal traditions will continue to enrich New Mexico's culture."

"Education is the future of our nation, and Native American schools deserve our investment," said Pearce. "I am proud to join with my colleagues from New Mexico to co-sponsor the BUILD Act, which will create better educational opportunities for Native Americans in New Mexico and nationwide. This bill provides tribal leaders and schools the flexibility they need to expand and strengthen tribal schools' education and facility needs, while integrating the unique Native American culture into a first-rate curriculum."

Specifically, the BUILD Act would improve the conditions and teaching for Native American students by:

• Supporting tribal leaders teaching Native language in schools through reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Act to provide grants for tribes to prevent the loss of heritage, language and culture;

• Improving the relationship between the Departments of the Interior and Education to coordinate technical assistance and resource distribution for Native American students;

• Offering scholarships, loan forgiveness, incentive pay and housing assistance for highly qualified teachers to commit to high need, high poverty areas like tribal schools;

• Creating a Native American teacher/administrator pipeline to recruit, retain and improve continuing education specifically in the STEM, health and general education fields;

• Expanding the role of tribal colleges and universities as primary training campuses for both Native educators and non-Natives working with Native American learners; and 

• Improving access to resources and supporting tribal schools with cultural programs aimed at school dropout prevention, health and wellness activities.

Supporters of the legislation in New Mexico include the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Navajo Technical College, and national partners like the National Congress of the American Indians, the National Indian Education Association, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools and the National Indian Impacted Schools Association.

The text of the Senate bill can be found here and the House bill here.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján wrote a letter today to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Indian Health Services to express their concern with the rapid increase in HIV cases on the Navajo Nation. The New Mexico members were also joined by Representative Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona.

"We are very concerned about the rapid increase in HIV cases on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona recently reported," the members wrote. "The number of Navajo Members newly infected with HIV has risen by over 400% in the past 13 years, when new cases are truly preventable. From 2011-2012, 47 new cases of HIV infection have been diagnosed, an increase of 20 percent from the prior year and the highest number ever recorded among the tribe."

"We know you are particularly sensitive to addressing disease outbreaks among tribal populations with great respect for tribal culture, language, and tradition...and urge you to apply the full resources of your agencies, including technical assistance and culturally appropriate materials and interventions to address and reverse this growing problem."

The report referenced by the members is the 2012 Navajo Area Indian Health Services HIV Annual Report, released in May 2013.

Below is the full text of the letter:

June 14, 2013

Dr. Tom Frieden
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux
Acting Director, Indian Health Service
The Reyes Building
801 Thompson Avenue
Rockville, MD 20852

Dear Drs. Frieden and Roubideaux,

We are very concerned about the rapid increase in HIV cases on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona recently reported in the 2012 Navajo Area Indian Health Services HIV Annual Report, released in May 2013. The number of Navajo Members newly infected with HIV has risen by over 400% in the past 13 years, when new cases are truly preventable. From 2011-2012, 47 new cases of HIV infection have been diagnosed, an increase of 20 percent from the prior year and the highest number ever recorded among the tribe.

We urge you to apply the full resources of your agencies, including technical assistance and culturally appropriate materials and interventions to address and reverse this growing problem. While the rate of infection has slowed among other demographic groups nationwide, incidence is spiking on Navajo Nation. This increase may be due to increased screening and detection, but may also suggest continued transmission and the potential for an epidemic among tribal members. Left untreated and uncontrolled, HIV can have devastating effects upon tribal communities and families, particularly those in isolated areas of the Navajo Nation.

We know you are particularly sensitive to addressing disease outbreaks among tribal populations with great respect for tribal culture, language, and tradition. Please keep our offices updated with the progress of your work.

Sincerely,


Tom Udall Ben Ray Luján
United States Senator United States Representative


Martin Heinrich Ann Kirkpatrick
United States Senator United States Representative

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) announced he has opened a Senate office in Portales to serve New Mexico constituents in Roosevelt, Curry, Quay, De Baca, Harding and Union Counties.

Located in the Roosevelt County Enterprise Center at 100 South Avenue A, Suite 113 in Portales, the field office will provide Eastern New Mexico residents an opportunity to receive more direct information on a variety of federal services, from helping access rural and small business resources to answering questions about social security and veterans' benefits.

"I'm proud to announce that my Eastside office is open for business," Udall said. "Having an office located in Portales will allow me to better serve my constituents by providing them a more local resource for federal assistance. It will also help me keep a close ear to the ground on agriculture, rural development and water issues that are especially important to these communities as we face this severe, historic drought. Finally, the Eastside office will help us maintain a close relationship with our partners at Cannon Air Force Base and allow us to continue supporting renewable energy development in Quay County."

The Eastside office is the fifth-based New Mexico office Udall has opened since becoming a U.S. Senator in 2009. Clovis-native Jack Carpenter will staff the office and perform outreach work in the community as a field representative. Carpenter can be reached at the Portales office at (575) 356-6811, but due to his frequent community travel, Udall's office recommends that constituents call to confirm when in-person office hours are available.

Some examples of the "Udall Serving YoU" services offered by the Eastside office include:

- Veterans: Veterans' benefits, eligibility determinations, VA home loans, and replacements of medals earned.
- Social Security: Social Security benefits, eligibility and missing checks.
- Housing: Problems with housing vouchers, federal loan programs and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues.
- Passports: Obtaining an emergency passport, help with a lost passport and overseas travel restrictions.

A full list of services can be found at: http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=more_services

Beginning today, constituents can reach Udall's Eastside office at:

100 South Avenue A
Suite 113
Portales NM 88130

Phone: (575)-356-6811
Fax: (575)-356-6814

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall has led a bipartisan call to extend a decision whether to list the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act, his office announced today.

Udall and senators from the five states affected by a possible listing sent a letter to Dan Ashe, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), requesting an additional six months in the listing decision process, as allowed by the Endangered Species Act.

"With an influx of significant new public input from the reopened comment period, and with the submission of the five-state conservation proposal, we encourage you to consider a six-month extension under this authority" beyond the September, 2013, deadline, the senators wrote.

In the letter, Udall and the senators asked FWS that more time be given for state wildlife conservation agencies and stakeholder groups to work toward completing the five-state, voluntary but binding conservation plan to protect the species. The full text can be found here.

It was the first bipartisan letter on the lesser prairie chicken and signed by all ten senators from the five affected states, including Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).

"Since the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed a 'threatened' listing of the species last fall, state wildlife managers have worked together to prepare a five-state plan for preservation of the LPC," the letter continued. "The recently proposed five-state conservation plan has great potential for increasing protection of the species across our five states" and extending the deadline would allow FWS "to assess the benefits of the proposed plan and whether conservation efforts have been established to the point that a listing is not warranted."

"Given the ground-breaking nature of the five-state plan, we are interested in giving participants the maximum amount of time to enroll in these programs and demonstrate their effectiveness."

This action follows Udall's original letter to Director Ashe the day after the listing was first proposed, when Udall highlighted local efforts already being done to protect the chicken's habitat and asked that their efforts guide any possible listing decision.

"As you know, private citizens, companies and public land management agencies in New Mexico have been working for years to help maintain Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat and protect the species," Udall said at the time.

Udall noted that in New Mexico, many private land owners and have already coordinated with Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have worked with permit and lease holders on Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA) and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAA). The Center of Excellence in Carlsbad has been successfully managing these agreements to ensure habitat for both the lesser prairie chicken and the sand dune lizard is maintained in almost two million acres throughout New Mexico. These agreements provide a safe-harbor for those enrolled to continue previously agreed upon operations and conservation activities regardless of the outcome of any listing decision.

A map of the estimated range of the lesser prairie chicken can be found here.

Lesser Prairie Chicken Date Extension Request to FWS - June 2013 by Tom Udall

As your U.S. Senator I am working hard to serve constituents in all 33 New Mexico counties.

Today I'm proud to announce I have opened a new office in Portales for residents in Eastern New Mexico.

If you live in Roosevelt, Curry, Quay, De Baca, Harding or Union Counties, our Portales office is ready to serve you. You don't have to have to travel to Washington, D.C. for help - you can get it right here in Eastern New Mexico.

New! Udall Eastside Office in Portales
100 South Avenue A
Suite 113
Portales NM 88130
Phone: (575)-356-6811

The Eastside office will be staffed by my field representative and Clovis-native Jack Carpenter. Due to his frequent community travel, I recommend you calling ahead to confirm when in-person office hours are available.

Having an office located in Portales will help me keep a close ear to the ground on issues that are important to your communities, like agriculture, rural development and water issues - especially as we face this severe, historic drought.

It will also allow me to maintain a close relationship with our partners at Cannon Air Force Base and our educational communities at Eastern New Mexico University, Clovis Community College and Mesalands Community College.

Most importantly, the new office will provide more local assistance to Eastside residents who are having problems with federal agencies. If you have a pending case with a federal agency and are running into issues, my staff and I may be able to help communicate with the agency, inquire about the status of your case, or obtain additional information.

Some examples of the "Udall Serving YoU" services offered by the Eastside office include:

- Veterans: Veterans' benefits, eligibility determinations, VA home loans, and replacements of medals earned.
- Social Security: Social Security benefits, eligibility and missing checks.
- Housing: Problems with housing vouchers, federal loan programs and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues.
- Passports: Obtaining an emergency passport, help with a lost passport and overseas travel restrictions.

A full list of services can be found at: http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=more_services

Hearing from you helps me better represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate. And I hope to hear from you in a more local way through my new Eastside office.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) issued statements today applauding a recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will provide rural hospitals with the staffing flexibility needed in order to satisfy a federal emergency room "on call" staffing requirement. Udall and Thune,, who have been raising concerns about this issue for some time, introduced legislation earlier this year to correct this workforce regulation, the Strengthening Rural Access to Emergency Services Act (S. 328).

"I am glad CMS is recognizing how beneficial telehealth can be and look forward to working with them closely to expand these services for rural Americans," said Udall. "I am pleased to work with Senator Thune on bipartisan legislation to promote telehealth services, which have been pioneered in hubs like those in our state through the University of New Mexico Department of Emergency Medicine. Telehealth helps providers serve patients in their local communities and helps rural residents avoid unnecessary travel to a hospital far away. This uses medical resources and taxpayer dollars more efficiently while keeping patients closer to home and family, and I'm very encouraged this decision will help make telehealth services more available. "

"This CMS decision is an important step in continuing to ensure access to emergency care to those in rural areas," said Thune. "The memo issued to rural hospitals on this decision largely mirrors the legislation I introduced with Senator Udall earlier this year, which emphasizes that telehealth technology can be used to provide high quality, cost-effective care while also providing hospitals with the flexibility needed to best serve their community. Using telehealth technology in emergency rooms in rural hospitals helps ease problems in recruiting physicians to rural areas, and I look forward to continuing to work with CMS and my colleagues to ensure access to care for those in rural America."

On June 7, 2013, CMS released a guidance memorandum that clarified that emergency telehealth services can be used to fulfill the federal emergency room staffing requirement for an "on call" physician when an associate provider, such as a physician assistant or nurse is already on site at the eligible rural emergency room. Prior to the release of this memorandum, some hospitals interpreted the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act as having to require a physician to be on call and able to arrive to the emergency department within 30 minutes, even if an associate provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, was already covering the emergency department. This decision gives rural hospitals the needed flexibility to create emergency room staffing arrangements that best meet the needs of each individual hospital while still protecting the safety of patients.

To read CMS's guidance memo, click here.

WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today urged those pushing for military intervention to answer three basic questions before rushing into a Middle Eastern civil war in Syria.

To watch video of Udall's speech, click here.

Below are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Like many others, I am deeply disturbed by the current situation in Syria. The appalling atrocities. The tragic loss of human life. The reported use of chemical weapons. This deserves the clear condemnation of the international community. But, I am also concerned by the growing fervor for intervention in this war. By the rush to judgment for the United States to yet again become entangled in a civil war.

The President has decided to send arms to the rebels to fight the government of Bashar al-Assad. The full scope of this intervention is not yet clear. But this path is dangerous and unnecessary.

The Assad regime is cruel and corrupt. We can all agree on that point. But many of the groups fighting against him do not share our values and could be worse. They may pose long-term risk to us. And to our allies. Assad's enemies may very well be America's enemies. The fact is, we do not know.

A number of experts, including our military brass, have sounded alarms. Warning that the options to intervene in Syria range from bad to worse. And could prove damaging to America's strategic interests. I was one of just three senators on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to vote against arming these little known and unorganized rebels.

By flooding Syria with weapons, we risk arming those who ultimately may seek to do us harm. We have been down this road before. And recent history tells a cautionary tale. In the 1980s, the United States supported a rebel insurgency to repel the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

Back then, as now, many members of Congress pushed for arming these rebels. The United States supplied weapons, intelligence and training. With the goal to defeat the Soviets in Afghanistan.

Our short-term victory had tragic consequences for the future. Radical members of the insurgency formed the Taliban regime. Giving safe haven to terrorist training camps. Providing material support to Osama bin Laden and his fledgling Al Qaeda movement. Through state-sponsored terrorism in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda thrived. And perpetrated attacks on the USS Cole and the World Trade Center on 9/11. The aftermath has been more than a decade of war.

With tragic loss of American lives and treasure.

This is history to learn from, not repeat.

And yet many who advocated for previously disastrous Middle East interventions are leading the charge. To arm groups we know little about. And to declare war through air strikes on another Middle Eastern country.

What little we do know about the Syrian rebels is extremely disturbing.

The opposition is fractured. Some are sympathetic to the enemies of the United States and our allies - including Israel and Turkey.

There are reliable reports that some of the rebels even include Iraqi Sunni insurgents - the same groups who killed many United States troops. And still target the current Iraqi Army and government.

We know that American law currently considers some of the rebel elements to be terror groups. The U.S. has designated one of the key opposition factions, the Nursa Front, as a terrorist organization for being an al Qaeda-affiliated group.

And we know that human rights violations have been committed on the rebel side as well. That there are rebel groups opposed to American values. Indeed, opposed to the most basic human values.

Take, for example, a video recently released by rebel fighters. Where one rebel carves the heart and liver out of the dead body of a government soldier. And eats the heart. Those around him do not even flinch as they cheer on his cannibalism.

Will we be arming these fighters? We simply don't know.

The opposition is very unorganized. They lack a chain of command. They are subject to deadly infighting. And if they are able to defeat Assad, they may turn on each other. Or worse, the United States or our allies.

Simply put, once we have introduced arms, neither we nor their fighters may be able to guarantee control over them. Such weapons could end up in the hands of groups and people who do not represent our interests. Possibly including terrorists who target the United States, our allies like Israel and Turkey, and the Iraqi Army and government. An Iraq that we spent billions of dollars and thousands of American lives to establish.

Given this reality, those who are pushing for military intervention should answer three basic questions:

Can arms be reasonably accounted for and kept out of the hands of terrorist and extremist groups?

Can they assure us that those arms will not become a threat to our regional allies and friends, including Israel, Turkey and the government of Iraq?

And if the answer to the two previous questions is no, then can they explain why transferring our weapons to the rebels-whose members may themselves be affiliated with terrorist and extremist groups-is a sensible option for the American people? What national interest does this serve?

I do not believe those questions have been answered. I think the majority of the American people agree. They do not see the justification for our intervention in this civil war.

We need to slow down this clamor for more weapons and war to Syria. And take a step back from this plunge into very muddy and dangerous waters.
Stopping radicalism and protecting our allies is of vital importance. However, we come to the ultimate question. And one that has not been adequately answered. Will this hasty march to intervene in another Middle Easter conflict achieve these goals?

Or will it ultimately harm the interests of the United States? Leading to yet another bloody, costly overseas conflict? And ironically worsening the terrorist threat?

We should listen to the lessons of history. After over a decade of war overseas, now is not the time to arm an unorganized, unfamiliar, and unpredictable group of rebels. Now is not the time to rush headlong into another Middle Eastern civil war.

The winds of war are blowing yet again, and we should be ever vigilant before we venture into the storm.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today introduced a constitutional amendment that would restore authority back to Congress, individual states and the American people to regulate campaign finance.

The constitutional amendment would reverse dangerous Supreme Court decisions like Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United and rein in the unprecedented flood of secret money in the campaign finance system. It would allow Congress to regulate the raising and spending of money, including so-called "Super PAC" independent expenditures, while giving states the same authority to regulate campaign finance at their level.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and several other cosponsors joined Udall to introduce the amendment today, including Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), who spoke with Udall at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Video of the press conference can be found here; photos are here and audio here.

"James Madison argued that the U.S. Constitution should be amended only on ‘great and extraordinary occasions'," Udall said. "I believe we have reached one of those occasions. Our elections no longer focus on the best ideas, but the biggest bank accounts, and Americans' right to free speech should not be determined by their net worth. I am proud to be introducing this amendment to change the way we do business in Washington and get money out of a broken system that puts special interest over people."

"People in Colorado and across the country are tired of cycle after cycle of limitless anonymous spending on campaign ads. It overwhelms the airwaves," Bennet said. "The Citizens United decision did a huge disservice to the American people's right to know who is trying to sway their vote. A campaign finance structure that increases transparency will help restore confidence in our democracy. This amendment gets to the heart of that effort."

The Supreme Court laid the groundwork for a broken system many years ago, which is addressed specifically by the Udall and Bennet amendment. In 1976, the Court held in Buckley v. Valeo that restricting independent campaign expenditures violates the First Amendment right to free speech, essentially saying that money and speech are the same. Building on this flawed precedent, the Supreme Court decided in Citizens United v. FEC that corporations deserve the same free speech protections as individual Americans. Since then, corporations have been able to spend unlimited amounts of money on political activity and mostly negative campaign advertising. With the Court striking down the sensible regulations Congress has passed, the only way to address the root cause of this problem is to give Congress clear authority in the Constitution to regulate the campaign finance system.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Super PACs and 501(c) nonprofit groups spent $1 billion in unlimited contributions from millionaires, billionaires, corporations, labor unions and other special interest groups to influence the 2012 federal elections. As much as $400 million of this total came in the form of secret donations.

"Money and free speech are not the same thing, and it is a tortured logic to say so," Udall added. "We can't fix this broken system until we undo the false premise - that spending money on elections is the same thing as the constitutional right of free speech. There are only two ways to change this: The Supreme Court could reverse itself, which is not likely, or we can amend the Constitution, which would overturn bad decisions and prevent future ones. I believe the growing momentum demonstrates that this is the right time for us to act."

Since the Citizens United case, 15 states - 30 percent of the U.S. - and more than 400 local governments have called on Congress to overturn Citizens United through ballot initiatives, resolutions or other measures, showing strong public support for reform. During the 2012 legislative session, both the New Mexico House and state Senate passed resolutions calling on Congress to send an amendment to the states for ratification.

In 2012, voters in Colorado and Montana approved the first statewide initiatives supporting such an amendment, which passed with more than 70 percent approval.

A poll conducted after the 2012 election by the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for Democracy Corps and Public Campaign Action Fund found that 78 percent of Americans say "there is too much big money spent on political campaigns and elections today and reasonable limits should be placed on campaign contributions and spending."

Last Congress, Udall and Bennet led the fight for a similar constitutional amendment, which garnered 25 cosponsors. Last July, Udall testified in support of the amendment at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights titled "Taking Back Our Democracy: Responding to Citizens United and the Rise of Super PACs". Click here for video and photos of Udall of that hearing.

Original cosponsors of the Udall-Bennet amendment include Sens. Harkin (D-IA), Schumer (D-NY), Shaheen (D-NH), Whitehouse (D-RI), Tester (D-MT), Boxer (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), King (I-ME), Murphy (D-CT), Wyden (D-OR), Franken (D-MN), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mark Udall (D-CO).

The proposed constitutional amendment:

- Restores authority to the American people, through Congress and the states, to regulate and limit the raising and spending of money for federal political campaigns

- Allows states to regulate campaign spending at their level;

- Includes the authority to regulate and limit independent expenditures, like those from Super PACs;

- Would not dictate any specific policies or regulations, but instead would allow Congress to pass campaign finance reform legislation that withstands constitutional challenges;

- Expressly provides that any regulation authorized under the amendment cannot limit the freedom of the press.

The full text of the legislation can be found below or by clicking here. 

Udall Amendment on Campaign Finance by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - Legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich to transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve in northern New Mexico to new management to increase public access cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today with bipartisan support.

The Senators introduced S. 285, the Valles Caldera National Preserve Management Act, on February 12, 2013. The bill would transfer management of the Preserve from the current Board of Trustees to the National Park Service (NPS) under a preserve model. Hunting and fishing would be mandated under the legislation. The proposal was developed after extensive input from local residents, sportsmen, veterans organizations, business owners, and elected officials.

"The Valles Caldera has stood out as the icon of the Jemez Mountains, a treasure to New Mexico and a landscape of national significance. I'm proud to see the legislation we've worked on so hard clear this important hurdle," said Udall, who has been a leader advocating for conservation of the Valles Caldera for over a decade. "The legislation that was approved by committee today respects and preserves the longstanding educational, grazing, and exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities that are cherished and valued by so many New Mexicans. National Park Service management will ensure steadier funding and more resources are available so the Valles Caldera will continue to prosper as a natural wonder that all can enjoy."

"By shifting to Park Service management, we can open the Caldera to the public while conserving the one-of-a-kind resources found there," said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "As an avid hunter, expanding hunting opportunities for the public is one of the primary reasons I'm supporting this proposal. The preserve model ensures that hunting and fishing remain central activities for the public to enjoy, and NPS management will help balance expanded public access with conserving the natural and cultural resources found in the area."

Heinrich also highlighted that the Park Service management would help bring more visitors and raise the national profile of the preserve for visitors from outside of New Mexico. He cited that the increase in visitors at the preserve is expected to bring more than 200 jobs and $8 million in wages to the communities in the region. Watch the video from the markup in the Energy & Natural Resources Committee today can be found here.

Udall and retired Sen. Jeff Bingaman first introduced the Valles Caldera National Preserve Management Act in 2010 to ensure consistent funding, infrastructure improvements and to alleviate concerns that the Preserve would not achieve financial self-sustainability by 2015, as directed by the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000.

The bill is backed by a diverse and growing list of local residents, sportsmen, veterans organizations, business owners, and elected officials.

"This bill will make sure that hunting and fishing opportunities on the Valles Caldera are offered equally to all by removing the current congressional mandate to generate revenue through fees, which shifts hunting and fishing opportunities away from citizens of average financial means. I especially appreciate that S. 285 says specifically that NPS ‘shall' permit hunting and fishing within the Preserve, and I believe the national preserve model is a good fit for the unique needs of Valles Caldera," said John Olivas, Chairman of the Mora County Commission and owner of JACO Outfitters.

"A growing number of America's men and women who served our nation utilize America's public lands as a tool for reintegration upon their return from grueling deployments overseas. These are lands that America's veterans frequent with family and friends to find peace and solace after their time at war," the Vet Voice Foundation wrote in a letter endorsing the bill. "The model of a national preserve has a proven track record and was created specifically for places such as Valles Caldera where there is high visitor demand, outstanding cultural and natural value and where hunting and fishing are mandated."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit the President from using any funds on activities that would escalate U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war.

The bill would ban the Department of Defense, the CIA and all other intelligence agencies from funding any military, paramilitary or covert operations in Syria. The legislation would not affect humanitarian aid.

All four Senators have spoken out strongly in opposition to President Obama's decision to arm rebel groups in Syria. Udall, Murphy and Paul, all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, cast the lone votes in Committee against authorizing the President to arm and train rebels fighting the forces of President Bashar al-Assad in an ongoing civil war.

Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.): "I am deeply disturbed by the current situation in Syria and atrocities committed by President Assad's regime and other militant groups inside Syria. The ongoing humanitarian tragedy deserves the attention of the international community. But there are too many questions about how the President's decision to arm the Syrian rebels will be handled, and unfortunately many of those answers are being kept secret. We don't know where the money is coming from, who the arms are going to, and whether the arms are going to individuals who have the capabilities to maintain a chain of custody of those weapons. This would not be acceptable in any standard sale of weapons to another government and should definitely not be acceptable for sales to rebel groups we know little about. We need to place a check on the President's unilateral decision to arm the rebels, while still preserving humanitarian aid and assistance to the Syrian people, and that is why I'm introducing this bill. Bottom line: We should not get involved in another civil war in the Middle East without a clear national security interest."

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): "The conflict in Syria has been going on for over two years, yet there are many questions surrounding the composition and goals of Syrian opposition groups and the interests of U.S. national security that need answers. Any military involvement in Syria, including the arming of Syrian rebels, needs to be authorized through Congress, where concerns can be publicly debated and the American people can have a say. We have to ensure that we are not arming extremist groups who seek to cause chaos in the region and harm the United States and our allies. The long-term objectives of increased involvement in Syria are vague, as are the necessary commitments and costs. The United States cannot be involved in more nation building in the Middle East."

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): "I'm deeply skeptical about plans for military intervention in Syria, given the dangerously fractured state of the opposition, and the very real risk of American weapons and money falling into the hands of the same terrorist organizations we're already fighting around the world. We should be extremely wary of allowing the United States to be drawn into a complicated proxy war that could mire our country for years at a potentially incalculable cost to U.S. taxpayers and America's reputation at home and abroad. Our focus should be on increasing humanitarian assistance to refugee populations and opposition groups instead of injecting more weapons into the conflict. At the very least, the American people deserve a full and honest debate on the issue in the full Congress before our nation makes a commitment to becoming more deeply involved in the Syrian conflict."

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY): "The President's unilateral decision to arm Syrian rebels is incredibly disturbing, considering what little we know about whom we are arming. Engaging in yet another conflict in the Middle East with no vote or Congressional oversight compounds the severity of this situation. The American people deserve real deliberation by their elected officials before we send arms to a region rife with extremists who seek to threaten the U.S. and her allies."

The text of the bill follows:

Title: To restrict funds related to escalating United States military involvement in Syria.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the "Protecting Americans from the Proliferation of Weapons to Terrorists Act of 2013".

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FUNDS TO ESCALATE UNITED STATES MILITARY INVOLVEMENT IN SYRIA.

(a) In General.-Except as provided under subsection (b), no funds made available to the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, or any other agency or entity of the United States involved in intelligence activities may be obligated or expended for the purpose of, or in a manner which would have the effect of, supporting, directly or indirectly, military or paramilitary operations in Syria by any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual.

(b) Exception.-The prohibition under subsection (a) does not apply to funds obligated for non-lethal humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people provided directly by the United States Government, through nongovernmental organizations and contractors, or through foreign governments.

(c) Duration of Prohibition.-The prohibition under subsection (a) shall cease to apply only if a joint resolution approving assistance for military or paramilitary operations in Syria is enacted.

(d) Quarterly Reports.-Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on assistance provided to groups, organizations, movements, and individuals in Syria.

(e) Non-lethal Humanitarian Assistance Defined.-In this Act, the term "non-lethal humanitarian assistance" means humanitarian assistance that is not weapons, ammunition, or other equipment or material that is designed to inflict serious bodily harm or death.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall applauded the inclusion of important funding for New Mexico's rural communities approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee late last week.

"The rural development and agricultural programs included in this bill are vital to the economy of a large western state like New Mexico," said Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "The bill also funds critical nutrition and research programs, that help to fight child hunger and promote development of new approaches to farm production."

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Udall successfully included provisions to support New Mexico by improving the health of low-income mothers, children and the elderly and assisting rural communities with water and wastewater management systems. The bill includes $455 million for grants and loans to assist rural communities with water and wastewater systems, including $66.5 million specifically set aside for Native American Communities and Colonias, and $203 million in funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) which provides food and administrative funds to States to supplement the diets of seniors, young children and their mothers.

The report also included language requested by Udall that underscores the need for USDA Rural Development to focus efforts and investment in New Mexico's and the nation's smallest and most rural communities -- frontier communities. And, also at Udall's request, the bill includes strong funding for Agriculture research programs, including $300 million for Cooperative Extension, $243.7 million for state Agricultural Experiment Stations and $316.4 million for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) grants. The senator also worked to highlight the need for funding specific to alfalfa, and include $1.5 million in the bill to support research into the improvement of yields, creation of new uses of alfalfa and forages for bioenergy and the development of new storage and harvest systems.

"While our state faces severe drought and an economy that has not fully recovered from the recession, we must be investing in water and wastewater infrastructure and ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to nutritious food," said Udall. "The committee also made an important step by recognizing that we must focus our efforts to invest in our smallest communities which often lack the personnel and resources to compete for rural development loans and grants and have limited ability to generate revenue."

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich also praised the bill. "This is great news for rural communities across New Mexico," said Heinrich. "A large part of New Mexico's economy depends on the food produced each year by our farmers and ranchers. I am pleased these programs will continue to assist family farmers who are struggling with tough drought conditions this year. The bill also invests in nutrition assistance for those most in need and economic development programs to help our rural communities thrive."

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration FY 2014 Appropriations bill approved $20.93 billion in critical investments in programs that will directly impact public health and safety, including nutrition programs, housing and water programs, agricultural research, conservation programs, and food and drug safety. Some of these include:

• $7.07 billion in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funding to provide nutrition education and counseling, supplemental nutritious food and screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.

• $268.5 million in funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which makes USDA foods available to the public through state-selected soup kitchens and food pantries.

• $1.49 billion in Farm Service Agency (FSA) funding to make and guarantee loans to family farmers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural production.

• $818.4 million in funding for the Natural Resources conservation Service (NRCS) to support producers' voluntary conservation efforts and technology innovation.

• $2.55 billion and additional user fees for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out its responsibility to assure the safety and efficiency of the nation's drugs, food, and cosmetics.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved funding for essential military construction projects for New Mexico's Air Force bases (AFB) and provisions to improve veteran care.

"Our nation's military readiness relies on the quality of our people, their equipment, and our facilities. This legislation makes important investments in the future of New Mexico's military bases supporting the people and communities who work there," said Udall, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. "Our veterans made great sacrifices for this nation, and they rely on the quality of the care we provide. This bill provides adequate resources for our VA system and most significantly includes a detailed plan and major funding increases to address the severe backlog in claims processing affecting veterans in New Mexico and around the nation."

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall voted late last week in favor of $10.7 billion in military construction expenditures including $148.25 million for construction projects at Cannon AFB, Kirtland AFB and Holloman AFB. The bill also includes a 10-Point Action Plan to address the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims processing backlog. The plan includes $20 million above President Obama's request to improve the Veterans Benefits Management Program (VBMS) that processes paperless claims and directs the VA to increase training for claims processors and create Centers of Excellence to field complex claims such as post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Udall successfully included language in the appropriations bill to improve care for veterans across the nation and New Mexico. Notably, the committee urged the VA to detail its implementation efforts for the Open-Air Burn Pits Registry, improve and present a plan for increasing outreach to veterans and their families affected by open-air Burn Pits and an explanation of how the VA plans to inform VA physicians about the findings of the registry to improve care for our veterans. The report requires the VA to present its plan within 60 days.

Last Congress, Udall worked with Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) to successfully establish a registry of service members and veterans who were sickened due to possible exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Dignified Burial and Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 requires the VA to establish the Open Burn Pits Registry by January 2014, but the VA has not outlined a concrete plan for implementation. Udall has expressed his concerns to the VA and met with Secretary Shinseki to help speed up implementation and better inform veterans of the process.

In order to better understand the needs of rural VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, Senator Udall also included language which would require the VA to conduct a full assessment of all VA CBOCs in rural and highly rural areas. In a constrained budget environment, it will be helpful for the committee and VA to better understand and identify priorities for possible expansions, and improvements at VA CBOCs in order to better serve rural veterans.

Udall, along with Senator Reed (D-R.I.) also included language in the bill that urges the VA to work with state, local and tribal governments and libraries to find ways to assist claims submissions from rural veterans who lack broadband internet.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich praised the bill. "Continued investments in our military communities, installations, and facilities ensure our state remains a key player in maintaining our national security," Heinrich said. "These provisions also help us meet the needs of our returning service members, such as guaranteeing they receive the care and benefits they have earned in a timely and efficient manner. Our veterans have defended our country with valor and unparalleled distinction, and they deserve the best care our country has to offer."

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs FY 2014 Appropriations bill funds $158.8 billion for the construction of facilities critical to our nation's military and quality of life for U.S. military personnel and their families. It also provides for veterans medical care and benefits and for VA facilities throughout the country.

The bill includes the following funding for New Mexico:

• $34.1 million to Cannon AFB for an airmen and family readiness center, dormitory and satellite dining facility

• $2.25 million to Holloman AFB for F-16 aircraft covered washrack and pad

• $30.5 million to Kirtland AFB for a nuclear systems wing and sustainment center

• $21.4 million to the Defense Logistics Agency at Holloman AFB to replace the hydrant fuel system

• $60 million to the Tri-Care Management Activity at Holloman AFB to replace the medical clinic

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today welcomed President Obama's proposal to renew efforts to address global warming. In New Mexico, rising temperatures have exacerbated the impact of wildfires and severe drought, he said, and the time for action is now.

• Temperatures in New Mexico have been rising 50 percent faster than the global average in recent decades;
• New Mexico is suffering from the worst drought conditions in the nation; and
• The last 10 years have seen the lowest snowpack on record in the West. River-flows in the Colorado River Basin are declining and are projected to shrink further.

"New Mexico and the rest of the arid West are at the tip of the spear when it comes to our changing climate. Climate change is real, and so are its costs, and the costs aren't just monetary. This is a direct challenge on our very way of life. No one can put a price on that," Udall said.

"America needs a 'Do It All, Do It Right' energy policy, taking on the twin threats of climate change and dependence on foreign oil," Udall continued. "With policies that encourage innovation in energy technologies, we can create jobs in an advanced energy economy. We've already made great progress in New Mexico at creating clean energy jobs and reducing carbon emissions."

"I have fought for a Renewable Electricity Standard to increase development of clean energy, and for diversification of our energy supply. I will keep fighting for smart, forward-thinking solutions to adapt and address climate change. I am pleased to hear the President commit to taking bold actions. I stand ready to work with him and others. I hope Congress will hear his call - and mine - and act to address this great challenge."

Udall also delivered a speech on the Senate floor this afternoon. To watch his speech, click HERE.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today issued the following statement the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):

"Today's ruling by the Supreme Court reflects the growing progress made for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals around the country. Striking down the Defense of Marriage Act is a victory for thousands of loving, committed families who have been denied equality under the law for too long and will now be rightly treated as the full and equal citizens they are.

"I was proud to support legislation to repeal DOMA because I believed it was indeed unconstitutional, and I am glad to see this discriminatory policy put behind us.

"I am also glad that legally married same-sex couples are now eligible for the same federal benefits and protections afforded to other married couples. This includes Social Security survivors and spousal benefits, the right to care for and make medical decisions for their partners, file joint tax returns without unfair penalties, or receive partner benefits at work for federal employees - many of whom live and work in our state.

"Our Constitution enshrines the principle of equality, and our government should never permit or deny anyone's rights based on their sexual orientation. New Mexico and our country are only strengthened by diversity, and we are better today because of this ruling."

WASHINGTON - The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has introduced legislation to expand needed research, treatment and education efforts related to Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a relatively unknown disorder of the brain and spinal cord more common among New Mexico Hispanics than any other group.

The Cavernous Angioma Research and Treatment Act would build upon an existing network of clinical and research labs to increase coordination, information sharing and awareness about the disease for both professional and patient education. It would also support the development of telehealth infrastructure to reach rural, underserved communities. Cavernous Angioma affects more than 1.5 million Americans, the largest proportion of whom reside in New Mexico.

"Very little is known about this genetic disease that disproportionately affects Hispanic New Mexicans, but can result in seizure, stroke and death," said U.S. Senator Tom Udall. "By boosting collaboration, research and awareness, we can prevent the dangerous brain bleeds caused by CCM. Furthermore, we must continue to build upon the efforts of Cavernous Angioma centers like UNM's that are doing valuable research and provide important resources for patients, providers and caregivers and explore ways to incorporate telehealth technology to expand its reach across the state and nation."

"Cavernous Angioma affects New Mexico Hispanics at a dramatically higher rate than other populations," said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. "Investing in clinical and research centers across the country to track and treat individuals afflicted by this illness is an important step in developing a cure. I'm glad to join Senator Udall in this effort to expand research and raise awareness about CCM."

"I am proud to join with my colleagues from New Mexico to help those struggling with cavernous angioma, U.S. Representative Steve Pearce said. "This bill brings much-needed attention to this rare disease, while also taking vital first steps in finding new treatments and approaches to assist individuals in New Mexico and across the United States living with this debilitating disease."

"Raising awareness for this debilitating disease that impacts more than a million people across the country, yet has received little attention, is a critical step in this fight," said U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján. "With a significant number of New Mexicans afflicted with CCM, more research is needed in order to find a cure and provide greater hope for those battling this disease."

"I'm proud that our state's congressional delegation is working together to improve the lives of the many New Mexicans affected by Cerebral Cavernous Malformation, a disease that is especially prevalent among our state's Hispanic population," said U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham. "Through expanded research, treatment and awareness, we can learn more about CCM and find ways to help those living with this rare but potentially life-threatening disease. And by further developing telehealth infrastructure in rural and underserved communities, this legislation will greatly improve health care access throughout New Mexico at little cost."

Cerebral Cavernous Malformation is caused by abnormal blood vessels that form clusters, known as angiomas, in the brain or spinal cord. If the angiomas bleed or press up against structures in the central nervous system, they can cause seizures, neurological deficits, headaches, or hemorrhages.

The disease was common among Spanish settlers in New Mexico in the 1580s. Since then, it has been passed down through generations. New Mexico has the highest population density of the illness in the United States, and thousands of New Mexico Hispanics may be affected. Because the disease has attracted little scientific or medical attention, however, the precise number of people affected is unknown. The disease has also struck a number of prominent athletes, including Olympic track and field superstar Florence Griffith-Joyner.

Udall has been working to raise awareness for CCM since he was a member of the House. In 2008, he introduced a resolution to draw attention to the lack of education and awareness of CCM which passed the Senate unanimously in May 2009. Since then, he has reintroduced legislation with the New Mexico delegation.

The bill is supported by the University of New Mexico, the Angioma Alliance Scientific Advisory Board and CCM3 Action.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today joined the Senate Appropriations Committee in approving a bill that includes significant support for important New Mexico installations and programs, including Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and New Mexico water projects.

The bill includes record-level base funding for waste cleanup at Los Alamos (LANL), and significant funding levels for WIPP operations and maintenance. Udall also included an amendment to the bill's report language to improve voluntary water transfers in the Middle Rio Grande Basin Endangered Species Collaborative Program.

"This bill is very good news for New Mexico," Udall said. "Funding for LANL cleanup is at a record level for base funding, and WIPP and several other programs were funded at the levels above the President's request that I asked for. This bill will keep important cleanup and security programs on track at the labs, ensure our communities have key resources they need to protect our state's water supplies, and keep major public works projects on track."

"When I joined the Appropriations Committee, it was to give me the strongest possible platform to fight for New Mexicans in Washington," Udall continued. "The Energy and Water appropriations bill is critical to our state, and I was ready to fight for New Mexico."

Udall also successfully staved off an effort to cut the B61 Life Extension Program, which would have affected Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories. The Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday recommended flat funding for the B61, despite objections from Udall, who argued that flat funding was $168 million below his and the President's request. The lower funding level could adversely impact the labs and the security of the nuclear weapons stockpile.

Udall this week worked with Subcommittee Chairwoman Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to find a solution, which allows for the $168 million to be restored with additional oversight. Udall and Feinstein successfully included an amendment today in the Appropriations Committee, which will provide for full funding for the B61 LEP contingent on the Secretaries of Energy and Defense certifying that project is both on schedule and on budget. This past spring, Sandia Director Paul Hommert testified to Congress that, "to date, we have not missed a single milestone in the program."

"The B61 Life Extension Program is important for national security and to keep our nuclear weapons stockpile safe and secure. The amendment I offered will help the experts at the labs continue their work, and I will continue to fight for funds to support them. I was prepared to vote no on the overall bill if we couldn't find a solution," Udall said. "My goal is still to restore these funds outright as we continue to work on the bill in the full Senate and Congress. But this amendment is a very good step in the right direction. I want to thank Senator Feinstein for working with me to reach an agreement."

Key provisions for New Mexico in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill include:

LANL cleanup: $250 million ($35 million above the president's budget request).
WIPP cleanup: $222 million ($19 million above the president's request).
DOE algae biofuels: $30 million ($14.5 million above the president's budget request).
WaterSMART programs: $51 million, including $20 million for grants as requested by Udall ($16 million above the president's request).

Drought Management and Water Projects
Udall added a second amendment today to improve voluntary water transfers in the Middle Rio Grande Basin Endangered Species Collaborative Program. The goal is to develop a better long-term water supply for the region and manage endangered species like the silvery minnow in times of drought, thus reducing the need for more strict and inflexible regulatory actions and potentially avoiding litigation. Currently, federal water agencies attempt to meet the Endangered Species Act with short-term water acquisitions, and the current drought is making this very challenging.

The amendment urges the Collaborative Program to pursue a water-leasing program and the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a long-term water-supply program to better meet the environmental needs of the Basin than short-term acquisition. It also encourages further restoration activities in the San Acacia reach of the Middle Rio Grande and planning for drier scenarios on that reach of the river. The promotion of voluntary water transfers and long-term drought planning to minimize water conflicts between agricultural and environmental needs were key recommendations of the 2012 Water Conference Udall co-hosted last summer with New Mexico State University.

The bill funds the following specific federal water projects at levels equal to the president's and Udall's request:

Bureau of Reclamation

Navajo-Gallup - $60 million
Taos Settlement - $4 million
Aamodt Settlement - $5 million
Rio Grande Pueblos - $0.25 million
Eastern New Mexico Water Supply - Ute Reservoir - $0.65 million
Upper Colorado River Basin Fund - $15 million
Middle Rio Grande Project - $25.93 million
Carlsbad Project - $3.57 million

Army Corps of Engineers

Espanola Valley, Rio Grande and Tributaries, NM - $300,000
Rio Grand Basin, NM, CO, and TX (Sec. 729) - $300,000
Abiquiu Dam, NM - $2,772,000
Cochiti Lake, NM - $3,241,000
Conchas Lake, NM - $2,143,000
Galisteo Dam, NM - $822,000
Inspection of Completed Environmental Projects, NM - $30,000
Inspection of Completed Works, NM - $676,000
Jemez Canyon Dam, NM - $1,533,000
Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program, NM - $2,500,000
Santa Rosa Dam and Lake, NM - $1,280,000
Scheduling Reservoir Operations, NM - $547,000
Two Rivers Dam, NM - $735,000
Upper Rio Grande Water Operations Model Study, NM - $1,438,000

The bill is now headed to the full U.S. Senate. If passed, the final version will be negotiated in conference with the U.S. House of Representatives and approved by the president.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement after joining the full Senate in passing historic comprehensive immigration reform by a vote of 68-32.

"I am proud to come from a state where we celebrate our diversity; Native American, Hispanic and European traditions are folded into our culture and make our state the most special place in the country. We appreciate that immigrant traditions are part of our identity.

"As residents of a border state, New Mexicans also understand what is at stake with border security. They understand the complex challenges we face as we tackle immigration reform legislation that secures our border while respecting that we are a nation of immigrants. They know firsthand why fixing our broken immigration system is so important to our future.

"I joined the Senate with pride today to approve comprehensive immigration reform legislation. This bill secures our borders, strengthens families, and supports our economy. It isn't perfect. I offered amendments to improve oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, fight violent crime and drug trafficking on the border and expand economic development opportunities at our ports of entry. I'm disappointed they were not included. But this is a good bill. And it speaks to the best of our traditions and values.

"Today's vote was historic. But there is still a long way to go before we can implement reform. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to take up this bill or pass their own. Reform will not be perfect, and it won't satisfy everyone in every case. That's what compromise means. That's what bipartisan effort requires. The American people are asking for results. They're asking for us to govern. This is our opportunity. I hope the full Congress will build on the bipartisan spirit we saw in the Senate today and come together to move our nation forward."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the automatic interest rate hike on new subsidized federal undergraduate Stafford loans, which went into effect today, doubling the interest rate on these loans.

"I am very disappointed that this increase went into effect. It happened despite efforts to work for a compromise - because Congress was unable to reach agreement to extend the lower rate. For thousands of New Mexico students, grants and loans make the difference between being able to attend college and not. Especially when the economy in New Mexico - and around the country - is still recovering, this isn't the time to add a new barrier to students seeking a college degree. I'm going to keep working to find a compromise that will retroactively hold these rates in check."

Udall last week joined 34 of his colleagues in introducing legislation that would cancel the hike and fix Stafford loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for new loans for one year. The fully paid for Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013 (S. 1238) would allow Congress time to work on a long-term and sustainable approach for the federal student loan program. The compromise would save new undergraduate borrowers at New Mexico universities an average of almost $1,000 over the life of their loans.

The bill was necessary because negotiations with Senate Republicans broke down after Republicans blocked legislation to maintain the low student loan interest rates for two years, instead offering legislation with increasing interest rates that would exacerbate student debt loads.

The Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013 is fully paid for by closing a loophole that currently allows those who inherit certain IRAs and 401(k)s to avoid paying the taxes on those accounts for many years. The bill does not create a new tax, it would simply cap the amount of time payment of taxes can be delayed at five years.

Udall has long said he wants to see student loan rates considered in a comprehensive way, through reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, to make college more affordable for all families and find a long term solution that will help New Mexico students.

Last year, Udall also voted to extend the subsidized rate for new Stafford undergraduate loans for one year, in order to give Congress time to work on the broader issue. Udall has also supported several bills in the last two years to maintain the subsidized rate on new undergraduate student loans.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today issued the following statement on the news regarding firefighter deaths that occurred in the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona:

"Today all Americans are mourning the tragic deaths of 19 firefighters of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who were killed battling a fire outside Yarnell, Arizona. They are heroes who put themselves in harm's way for the safety of others. New Mexicans are especially thankful for their assistance fighting the recent Thompson Ridge Fire in our state. We will never forget them, and our hearts and prayers go out to their loved ones. All of New Mexico understands the risks firefighters face, and as we remember the sacrifice of the 19 who gave their lives this week, we'll be doing everything we can to support all the firefighters battling dangerous fires in our state and around the nation."

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ­- Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced the New Mexico Human Services Department is receiving $1 million in federal grant money to expand health insurance for children in New Mexico through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The funding comes from the Affordable Care Act and will be used to to increase the number of children eligible, but not yet enrolled in, Medicaid and CHIP, and to keep them covered for as long as they qualify. These resources will be used to simplify the enrollment process for New Mexico families and help the state expand health insurance coverage that will start in January of 2014.

"As health reform becomes a reality, these federal dollars will help our state expand health insurance coverage to thousands of children across New Mexico," Udall said. "Our state has an unacceptably high number of children without health insurance, and these resources will help New Mexico families gain access to Medicaid and CHIP programs and help keep their kids healthy while providing them with more economic security."

Through the grant, the New Mexico Human Services Department will collaborate with partner state agencies, including the New Mexico Department of Health, to conduct training for its employees and help streamline the health coverage enrollment process for New Mexico children under Medicaid and CHIP.

The funding is officially titled the "Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants (Cycle III) and is part of the federal government's "Connecting Kids to Coverage" challenge to insure an additional five million eligible uninsured children nationally, by cutting red tape; capitalizing technology; creating more opportunities to sign up, focusing on retention, and forging partnerships.

These activities build upon grants first funded under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) that Udall supported in 2009 and was later signed by President Obama.

Those grants were aimed at modernizing enrollment and renewal systems to reduce paperwork and achieve administrative efficiencies.

The funding is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). For more information, visit HHS's website by clicking here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the death of his cousin, James "Randy" Udall:

"My family and I are moved by the overwhelming support and condolences for my cousin Randy Udall. He was an extraordinary person who touched so many lives with his spirit, his intelligence and his example. His death is a tremendous loss, and we will miss him more than I can express. There was no one like him.

"Randy and I were especially close. We shared a love of the mountains and a passion for the wonders of the West, particularly the Wind River Mountains where we hiked and fished together nearly every summer for three decades. He died doing what he loved, and that is a blessing."

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ­- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced today that a New Mexico non-profit organization and the City of Albuquerque are receiving a combined $28 million in federal grant money for children's Head Start education in the state. This comes as New Mexico was recently ranked 50th in the nation in overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

HELP-New Mexico, Inc., a community-based organization with 40 offices and/or Head Start and Pre-K Centers throughout New Mexico, will receive $3,153,352 a year, totaling more than $15 million, to continue their Head Start and Early Head Start projects. It has provided services to more than 816,000 individuals and families throughout its 47-year history.

The City of Albuquerque will also receive $2,661,617 a year for the next five years, totaling more than $13.3 million, for its Head Start projects for educational, nutritional, health, social and other services to low-income families.

"We must invest in programs that pull New Mexico out of its unacceptable ranking at the bottom of children's well-being and I am glad to see such significant resources go towards this effort," Udall said. "I have been a longtime advocate for Head Start and early childhood intervention and this funding will help our partners on the ground continue this important work for New Mexico families."

Head Start was started as a federal program to help preschool-age children prepare for school by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Many Head Start programs also provide Early Head Start to serve infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Both programs serve families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

"HELP-New Mexico is very proud to be one of the first Head Start funded entities in the country and the first in New Mexico to be granted a '5-year no competition' grant. This is only granted to Head Start programs that have excellent performance outcomes for children and excellent agency fiscal management," said John Martinez, Executive Director of HELP-New Mexico. "We are also very proud of the fact that even with the sequestration budget cuts, we continue to serve the same number of Head Start children, expectant mothers, infant and toddlers. The need is great for low-income children and families in our state and we are thankful for Senator Udall's continued support."

The funding is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced that 15 community health centers across New Mexico will receive over $2.2 million in grants to help enroll uninsured individuals into new affordable health coverage options that will go into effect on October 1, 2013. Currently, approximately 20 percent of New Mexico residents are uninsured.

The awards are issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and will allow the health centers to hire an additional 47 workers who will assist New Mexicans in understanding their coverage options through the new Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, determining their eligibility and what financial help they can get and enrolling in new affordable health coverage options made available by the Affordable Health Care Act.

"In October, New Mexicans will have new ways to obtain affordable health care coverage, and a major component is making sure they understand what plan best suit their needs," said Udall. "These grants will help New Mexico increase the outreach, awareness and enrollment into our state exchanges. Additionally, a number of them are going to rural communities, which is especially important for those health centers that support residents who travel long distances and often work with limited resources."

Community health centers have a long history of providing eligibility assistance to patients along with delivering high-quality, primary health care services. New Mexico has 15 health centers with 145 sites that served 284,246 patients last year, 42.07 percent of them uninsured.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

The following is a list of New Mexico recipients:

$97,852 - Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Albuquerque
$262,566 - Ben Archer Health Center, Hatch
$150,817 - La Clinica de Familia, Las Cruces
$66,062 - De Baca Family Practice Clinic, Fort Sumner
$123,713 - El Centro Family Health, Espanola
$330,590 - First Choice Community Healthcare, Albuquerque
$222,669 - First Nations Community Health Source, Albuquerque
$91,912 - Hidalgo Medical Service, Lordsburg
$144,459 - La Casa de Buena Salud, Portales
$63,598 - La Clinica del Pueblo, Tierra Amarilla
$142,061 - La Familia Medical Center, Santa Fe
$99,436 - Las Clinicas del Norte, El Rito
$65,446 - Mora Valley Community Health Services, Mora
$76,182 - Pecos Valley Medical Center, Pecos
$263,116 - Presbyterian Medical Services, Santa Fe

Total: $2,200,479

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a new initiative that supports innovative transportation services for veterans living in highly rural areas.

Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and State Veterans Service Agencies can now apply for grants up to $50,000 to provide transportation options for rural veterans to VA medical centers and other facilities that administer VA care. If specified in the application, the services may be provided under agreements with contractors, such as private bus or van companies.

"All over New Mexico, I have been hearing about the challenges facing rural veterans in receiving timely, quality VA health services," said Udall. "The Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program supports new ways to improve access to veteran care that will hopefully enhance transportation options, reduce wait times to receive treatment and cut down on unnecessary expenses, and I encourage eligible New Mexico organizations to apply."

The VA announcement comes after Udall heard about the major needs of veterans in rural Northeastern New Mexico last week. In March, he met with veterans in Roswell about these issues and registered his concerns to VA Secretary Shinseki about the transportation challenges facing New Mexico veterans following that meeting.

A highly rural area is defined as a county or counties with a population of fewer than seven persons per square mile. Many highly rural areas are found in western and southwestern states like New Mexico, but at least half of the states have at least one highly rural area.

Those interested in applying for this grant can view an informational webinar about the Highly Rural Transportation Grants Program here.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. EST on September 9, 2013. Click here for more information, including instructions to receive a copy of the application package.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today expressed disappointment that the Senate again failed to act to prevent interest rates from increasing on loans for college students in New Mexico and across the country.

Last month, because of gridlock in the Senate, Congress failed to prevent a temporary agreement from expiring, causing interest rates on new federal subsidized Stafford loans for undergraduates to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Today, the Senate considered legislation that could have retroactively extended the lower interest rate for another year, but the bill - the Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013 - failed on a procedural vote.

After the vote, Udall spoke on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to act before students go back to school this fall. In his speech, he used the example of two students from New Mexico, who already are finding it hard to make ends meet while they attend college.

Click here to watch Udall's speech.

"These students are struggling. Our economy is slowly recovering. Now is not the time to set up more barriers," Udall said. "Now is not the time for interest rates to double - weighing down students, weighing down hardworking families, weighing down the middle class. ...The average college senior has over $26,000 in debt at graduation. Some have much more. That burden is heavy enough. We should not be adding to it now."

Udall is a cosponsor of the Keep Student Loans Affordable Act and has encouraged Congress to prevent the rate increase on students for another year while lawmakers work on a broader, more comprehensive solution to skyrocketing college costs.

"Higher education is at a tipping point, and we need a long-term plan - a plan that is sustainable, that is comprehensive," Udall said in his remarks. "These are complicated questions; they require careful answers. But one principle should be clear: For fairness, for investing in our nation's future, college should be within reach of all American families - not just the privileged few."

About 40,000 N.M. students rely on Stafford loans to pay for college. The Keep Student Loans Affordable Act would save new undergraduate Stafford loan borrowers at N.M. universities an average of almost $1,000 over the life of their loans.

Udall has long said he wants to see student loan rates considered in a comprehensive way, through reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, to make college more affordable for all families and find a long term solution that will help N.M. students. Last year, Udall also voted to extend the subsidized rate for new Stafford undergraduate loans for one year, in order to give Congress time to work on the broader issue. Udall has also supported several bills in the last two years to maintain the subsidized rate on new undergraduate student loans.

The following are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Last week, 40,000 students in my state got some very bad news. The rates on new Stafford student loans doubled. And today, these students got bad news again. Today, our nation's students once again wait in vain for relief.

These students work hard. They are ambitious. They know how important a college education is. They know what it means to their future and to our nation's future. They expected more of us. And I share their disappointment.

We saw this coming. This bus has been approaching the cliff for a year. That ought to be time enough to turn it around - and turn it around without throwing students underneath it. I know that many of my colleagues here are trying...trying to find a long-term solution.

But, today, we failed, and our nation's students pay the cost of that failure. For so many in my state, grants and loans make the difference. Federally subsidized Stafford loans are crucial - opening a door to college, to opportunity and to investing in our future.

We all know these students. Most have lower incomes and fewer advantages. We ask them to work harder, and now we ask them to pay more. They are folks like Lori Cole. Lori was quoted in the Las Cruces Sun-News. She said, "I'm almost 50 years old and returned to school last year. I've had to take out loans on top of my grants. I don't like the rates going up but what can I do? I have a teen in college and a mortgage. I have no choice but to continue with my student loans if I ever want to make more than $10 an hour."

They are folks like Josh Dunne. Josh wrote the following on Facebook: "As a disabled combat vet, my wife and I who are both students, do not have a choice but to eat the increase... I don't understand how they can continue to raise the rates on us not only for tuition but now also the loan rate and expect the amount of students to continue to go to school. Hope they can figure it out for our future."

I say to Josh. And to so many other students like him. I hope we can figure it out too. These students are struggling. Our economy is slowly recovering. Now is not the time to set up more barriers. Now is not the time for interest rates to double, weighing down students, weighing down hardworking families, weighing down the middle class.

The Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013 would have helped, keeping the interest rate at 3.4 percent for new Stafford loans for one year and giving Congress time for a broader solution - because the problem is not just interest rates. It is the growing burden of student debt.

Higher education is at a tipping point, and we need a long-term plan - a plan that is sustainable, that is comprehensive. These are complicated questions; they require careful answers. But one principle should be clear: For fairness, for investing in our nation's future, college should be within reach of all American families - not just the privileged few.

Students know how to set goals. They know how to set priorities. They expect the same of us. And priorities come down to choices. The Keep Student Loans Affordable Act offered a choice: To help students, to work toward real solutions. And we could do it by simply closing a tax loophole - no new tax, no new debt - just closing a tax loophole - not exactly a radical notion.

I will do all I can to ensure the Senate will find its way to long-term answers. We will not give up on this issue. Seven million students and their families are waiting - waiting for predictability, waiting for more affordable education, and control of spiraling costs. They and their families do the heavy lifting - every day. We should lend them a hand.

The average college senior has over $26,000 in debt at graduation. Some have much more. That burden is heavy enough. We should not be adding to it now.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today issued the following statement, which will also be read at the memorial service for former Gov. David Cargo.

“Dave Cargo holds a special place in the annals of our state and in our hearts. He was much more than New Mexico’s youngest governor. He led our state with uncommon gifts. Dave had a compassion for people that knew no bounds. He was bold. He was visionary. And he was always willing to reach across the aisle. He governed our state during a time of great turbulence, and he did so with a composure and wisdom far beyond his years. 

“Most of us cannot remember not knowing Dave. My family has valued his friendship for many years. He was governor when my father was Secretary of the Interior. They worked together on returning Blue Lake to the Taos Pueblo. That is just one of Dave’s legacies, and there are many others, including the Human Rights Commission and the first state film commission in the nation. And just as important, Dave was a model for all of us in public life—for reaching out to everyone, whatever their party, their background, or their status. 

“Dave was a friend of New Mexico, and a friend to each of us. And like any good friend, he made us better for having known him. One thing stays with me as I remember Dave – whenever he entered a room, he was smiling. And by the time he left, he had you smiling too. 

“Jill and I will miss Dave, and we extend our sincere sympathy to the Cargo family. As we say goodbye to him now, there is sorrow at his passing. But, I believe he would be pleased to know, he has us smiling again—as we remember his remarkable life, his good humor, and his unfailing grace." 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement on the need to end gridlock in Washington:

"I have said for a long time: the Senate is a graveyard for good ideas. Gridlock, hyper-partisanship, delay, obstruction - it all adds up to one thing: broken. I have been calling for changes in the Senate rules since I was elected to the Senate - for a simple reason: the Senate is not serving the American people. It's not serving the people of my home state of New Mexico.

"What we're seeing is historic abuse of the filibuster and other procedural tactics. All designed to do one thing - to block the Senate in getting its work done. The obstruction we're seeing today only hurts Americans who rely on the services those agencies were created to perform. We want to change that. We need to change that - so we can get down to work and address the needs of American families.

"The first step is to allow the President to put a qualified team in place to grow our economy. The obstruction of executive nominees who are ready to be confirmed by the Senate - in which multiple public servants are being blocked not because they are unfit for the job but because senators have issues with the administration's policy and programs - is unprecedented. Those nominees have been pending an average of 260 days - more than eight months - since they were first put forward. The Senate confirmed only 34 executive nominees by the July 4 recess. That's compared to 118 at this point in the Bush Administration. There are a total of over 150 pending executive nominees, including Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor, Gina McCarthy to be EPA administrator, and Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

"The Senate has changed, and the rules need reform to restore it as a functioning body. That's why I've been leading on this issue, and I look forward to a vigorous debate in the coming days."

During the Fourth of July work period, I was glad to travel through eastern New Mexico and talk with local leaders, farmers and ranchers and small business owners about how I can work with them as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to help them boost the economy and create jobs in our rural communities. From Tucumcari to Raton, I heard about the incredible need for affordable housing and community development projects, the serious situations our farmers and ranchers are facing during the drought, how we can better care for our veterans, and most importantly, how we must support our small businesses to create jobs and help our communities thrive.

On Monday, I toured the Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari and discussed rural health care with hospital administrators, medical providers, and county officials. They serve not only residents of Quay County but also travelers on the busy I-40 and U.S. Highway 54 corridors. I will continue working to support them - for example, by expanding telehealth through the Strengthening Rural Access to Emergency Services Act, which I have introduced to help emergency care physicians reduce health care costs.

After lunch at Del's, a Tucumcari institution, I met with community leaders about agriculture and water issues. It was a good conversation about the need for Congress to finalize a farm bill, which we in the Senate approved this summer, to retroactively reauthorize livestock disaster assistance programs for farmers and ranchers who have had to sell their cattle in the midst of this historic drought.

On Tuesday, we continued the discussion on rural development in Roy. Harding County is the most rural county in New Mexico, and I included language in the recent Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill to direct U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources toward these "frontier communities" which often don't have the personnel to compete with larger communities for rural development loans and grants. We were joined by USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner, who has been a great partner in our efforts, and Tuda and Mary of the Harding County Economic & Community Development Corporation, who are always gracious hosts.

After a bite to eat at Anette's Café, followed by a stop for homemade goods at the Gladstone Mercantile, we made our way to Clayton for a meeting with local officials at the Union County Courthouse. Local officials are working hard to attract businesses through a new industrial park, and we discussed ways to achieve this through infrastructure projects like the town's wastewater treatment project.

After a good night's sleep at the Hotel Eklund, we drove on the new-and-improved Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor to Raton. There I hosted a roundtable discussion with GrowRaton!, the City of Raton, and other officials on economic development, water sustainability, veterans and housing issues. Prior to the meeting, I visited Main Street businesses Solano's Boot & Western Wear and Sports Arena. Both the Solano and Rubin families have been pillars of the Raton community for decades, and I was glad to spend some time talking about how I can use my position in the Senate to help them address challenges facing our small businesses.

No trip to Raton is complete without stopping at Pappas' Sweet Shop Restaurant, which is still going strong after 90 years in business. After lunch, we drove down I-25 to tour the Cimarron Solar Facility - one of the largest solar plants in New Mexico that is providing power to about 9,000 local homes per year. I'm glad to see it is expanding, creating jobs and providing home-grown energy to meet our energy needs right there in Colfax County.

I want to thank everyone for their generous hospitality, and I look forward to continuing to partner with them as I keep working for New Mexico priorities in the U.S. Senate.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, announced that three New Mexico nonprofit organizations will receive a combined $1.9 million in grant funding to provide services to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico will receive $1,085,481 to serve veterans in 26 counties throughout the state, including the tribal lands of Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Zia, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, Navajo, Zuni, Ute, and Hopi tribes. Goodwill originally served veterans in seven counties and more than 600 households in the Albuquerque area through its past grant funding, but will now expand its services to veterans in 26 counties, a full list of which is below.

New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers will receive $779,242 to serve approximately 583 veteran households in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, Valencia, McKinley, San Juan, Santa Fe, and Guadalupe counties.

Mesilla Valley Community of Hope will receive $114,369 to serve approximately 100 veteran households in Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces.

"Homelessness among veterans is a serious problem that we must solve, and I am pleased to see funding go to these great partners on the ground who are working to help our veterans throughout our state," Udall said. "It's especially important to ensure services are in place as more of our military men and women come home to New Mexico from serving overseas, and I won't stop pushing to ensure the federal government is doing everything it can to help provide access to housing, employment and other essential services in their communities after defending our country around the world."

Each of the three organizations provides a range of services to promote housing stability and plays a key role in connecting veterans and their family members to VA services. This can include temporary financial assistance, including time-limited payments for rent, utilities, moving expenses, security and utility deposits, transportation, child care and emergency supplies. They also provide a link to needed healthcare services, along with financial planning, job development, child care, transportation, legal services and mental health care.

The grants are being made available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. Under the program, the VA awards grants to private nonprofit organizations that can provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. This is the third year SSVF grants have helped veterans and their families find or remain in their homes. According to the VA, nearly 90 percent of the veterans who completed the program in 2012 transitioned to permanent housing. The funding will be available starting in fiscal year 2014.

Udall has long championed veterans' issues and worked to ensure they receive the services they have earned. In particular, he has pushed to address the VA claims processing backlog, to improve and present a plan for increasing outreach to veterans and their families affected by open-air burn pits, and for the VA to conduct an assessment of all of its community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in rural and highly rural areas in order to better serve veterans in rural communities. Click here for a list of his work in the most recent Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill, which passed the full Appropriations Committee in June.

The 26 counties where Goodwill Industries of New Mexico will provides services are:

1. San Juan
2. McKinley
3. Cibola
4. Los Alamos
5. Sandoval
6. Bernalillo
7. Valencia
8. Torrance
9. Socorro
10. Rio Arriba
11. Santa Fe
12. Taos
13. Colfax
14. Union
15. Mora
16. Harding
17. San Miguel
18. Guadalupe
19. Quay
20. De Baca
21. Curry
22. Roosevelt
23. Lincoln
24. Chaves
25. Eddy
26. Lea

WASHINGTON - Today, following a rare meeting of Republicans and Democrats to discuss how to end unprecedented obstruction, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) said he was hopeful that the Senate would move forward to confirm several nominees for key administration positions. But he added that "obstruct and delay" has become the norm, and said a permanent change in the Senate rules must be made so the Senate can get work done for the American people.

Since 2009, Udall has called on the Senate to reform its rules - including by requiring a talking filibuster.

"I have said for a long time: The Senate is broken. That we had to hold an unprecedented meeting of both Democrats and Republicans to discuss how we can work together highlights that fact," Udall said. "I hope that what comes out of this is good - that we can find a way to confirm the pending and future nominations. This isn't just an obscure debate about Senate procedure. We need to confirm these qualified nominees to key positions so they can protect consumers and American families.

"We shouldn't be in this situation. New Mexicans - and all Americans - expect better from us," Udall continued. "We called for changes in the Senate rules at the beginning of this Congress, and we didn't do enough. And we know that even if we have an agreement to move forward on these nominees, we'll be right back in this situation next time we're asked to confirm an appointment one side doesn't like. I'm going to keep fighting for a talking filibuster and other changes to ensure the Senate will work for the American people again."

Earlier in the day, Udall delivered a speech on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to end the gridlock on presidential nominees. Watch his speech here.

The following are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

I have listened to this debate, and the word "broken" gets tossed around: Broken agreements; breaking the rules to change the rules.

Those are sideline comments. And they miss the real point, because what is broken is the Senate itself.

I have said for a long time: The Senate is a graveyard for good ideas. And the shovel is unprecedented abuse of filibusters - of delay and obstruction. It all adds up to one thing: broken.

We called for changes in the Senate rules at the beginning of this Congress. We should have put in a talking filibuster and other changes. We didn't.

So we have this tyranny of the minority. Where the minority governs - just the situation that our Founding Fathers feared.

Too often, the Senate is still a graveyard for good ideas, and the bodies just keep piling up. Especially with executive branch nominees.

In January, the two leaders agreed to "work together to schedule votes on nominees in a timely manner by unanimous consent, except in extraordinary circumstances."

The Minority Leader said, "On the subject of nominations, Senate Republicans will continue to work with the majority to process nominations, consistent with the norms and traditions of the Senate."

That was the agreement, and it has not been kept.

The only "extraordinary circumstance" has been continual obstruction, and it began very early on.

For openers, we saw the filibuster of Chuck Hagel's nomination - the first time a Secretary of Defense was ever filibustered.

But this is part and parcel for President Obama's Cabinet secretaries.

By way of comparison:

Not one of President Carter's cabinet nominees was filibustered.
President George H.W. Bush: zero.
President Reagan: one.
President George W. Bush: one.
President Obama: FOUR, and still counting.

I'm old enough to remember the era when my father was Secretary of the Interior in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

When I joined the Senate, I told him, we can't get executive nominees in place. The President and cabinet secretaries don't have their team. He said "Tom, I had my whole team in place the first two weeks."

Imagine that. Imagine if the whole team for the Department of the Interior, or any department, was confirmed in the first two weeks. Agencies could function. Our government could do its work.

Instead, the President's nominations are ambushed by filibusters. Confirmation now almost always requires 60 votes, contrary to the historical practice of the Senate.

And more importantly, contrary to the explicit simple majority requirement in the U.S. Constitution.

This is not the "traditions and norms" the Republicans committed to. It is anything but.

Still, that is what we have seen. One nominee after another: Blocked. And key leadership posts left unfilled.

Americans thought they spoke with a clear voice last November. No doubt now they wonder, and why wouldn't they?

The will of the majority is drowned out by a small minority.

People in my home state of New Mexico want to know - Americans want to know - who is minding the store? The answer, in too many cases, is no one.

We still don't have a Secretary of Labor.

The National Labor Relations Board is an empty shell. The Senate has failed to confirm a full five-member board and general counsel. Two of these nominees are Republicans. Even they couldn't get through.

This has real impact for 80 million Americans who rely on workplace protections - for the rights of workers and the integrity of the collective bargaining process.

Some believe this is a good thing that we toss out the enforcement of labor law in this country. I don't share that view.

But, it isn't just workers who are left hanging. Leadership positions at other vital agencies remain unfilled:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Environmental Protection Agency.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Federal Election Commission.

These are important jobs, important work for the American people affecting the environment, consumers., health care and even our elections.

Earlier this year we debated gun safety legislation. Republicans argued that we don't need new laws, that we just need to enforce the existing laws.

Unfortunately, the agency responsible for enforcing many of those laws - the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - has not had a Senate-confirmed director in seven years. Why? Because Republicans do not want ATF to function.

Many of these highly qualified Americans get tired of having their lives put on hold because of partisan obstruction. Rather than continue to languish in a dysfunctional system, they withdraw from consideration.

One such example was Dawn Johnsen, nominated to head the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Johnsen was a respected law professor and former top assistant in the Office of Legal Counsel in the Clinton Administration. But Republicans blocked her nomination. In 2010, after her nomination was stalled in the Senate over a year, she withdrew.

Another example is Peter Diamond. In 2011, he withdrew as President Obama's nominee to the Federal Reserve Board. Diamond's nomination was blocked because a small minority of senators questioned whether he was qualified. I tend to believe that he was, as he won the Nobel Prize in economics the year before.

It makes you wonder why anyone would subject themselves to a Senate confirmation - people who want to serve their country, often at a significant pay cut from their private sector careers, but know they will be subjected to a partisan fight that may have nothing to do with their qualifications.

So, months and years go by. Work is left undone with no one at the helm of major government agencies. And that is why the Senate is in crisis. That is why we are here today. The American people deserve better than this.

We need a government that does its job. That's not possible without leadership.

Congress' approval rating remains in the cellar. Why? Because of a failure to get things done. Even things as basic as allowing the President to select his own team.

Find 60 votes, or find someone else, or leave the position empty.

This is the status quo. And it must change.

It's time for us to act. It's time to restore the confirmation process; restore it to how it has worked for over 200 years.

And doing so is not "breaking the rules to change the rules." They have been changed before, and it's often done by a simple majority - when the minority is abusing Senate procedure.

As Senator Merkley pointed out last week, it's been done at least 18 times since 1977. And contrary to the Republicans' dire warnings, making these changes has never lead to the death of the Senate.

In fact, the Republicans themselves made a strong argument for such changes back in 2005. They were up in arms. Why? Because 10 judicial nominations had been blocked. Ten. That number seems quaint now. But it was enough for Republicans, and they were very clear about it.

Here's what the Republican Policy Committee said in 2005:

"This breakdown in Senate norms is profound. There is now a risk that the Senate is creating a new, 60-vote confirmation standard. The Constitution plainly requires no more than a majority vote to confirm any executive nomination, but some Senators have shown that they are determined to override this constitutional standard...Exercising the constitutional option in response to judicial nomination filibusters would restore the Senate to its longstanding norms and practices governing judicial nominations, and guarantee that a minority does not transform the fundamental nature of the Senate's advice and consent responsibility. This approach, therefore, would be both reactive and restorative."
...restore the Senate to its longstanding norms and practices. It would be difficult to state the case more clearly.

This isn't just about rules. It is about the traditions and norms of the Senate and their collapse under the weight of filibusters.

I know the winds can change. Positions can change. Neither side is 100 percent pure. Both sides have had their moments of obstruction - and no doubt had their reasons at the time.

But I don't think the American people care much about that. They don't want a history lesson. They don't want a primer on parliamentary procedure. They just want a government that works. That gets things done. Period.

I came to the Senate in 2009. My position on this has not changed since then. The Senate needs to do its job, and it's missing in action.

When we proposed to change the rules at the beginning of the Congress, we were very clear. We called for a talking filibuster.

If you want to hold up legislation, you should have to stand here in this chamber and make your case. We did not intend to trample on the legitimate rights of the minority. And we were willing to live with these rules. No matter if we were in the majority of the minority.

I do not believe the Constitution gives me the right to block a qualified nominee. No matter who is in the White House. I say that today, and I will say it if I am in the minority tomorrow.

A Republican president may have nominees I disagree with - most likely so - but the people elect a President, and they give him or her the right to select a team to govern.

If those nominees are qualified, a minority in the Senate should not be able to block them - on either side of the aisle.

Oversight. Yes. Review. Yes. But not block because you don't like their policy or their program or the law they are commanded to enforce.

That is not advise and consent. It is obstruct and delay. New Mexicans want a government that works. The American people want a government that works. And they are tired of waiting.

WASHINGTON - After the U.S. House of Representatives voted late last week to cut nutrition programs, including food stamps, from its version of the Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Tom Udall called on Senate leadership to keep the Farm Bill whole and oppose any efforts that would undermine New Mexico's farmers and hungry families.

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Udall joined with 16 other colleagues to oppose the House's unprecedented legislative maneuver. He said the move disrupts a decades-long policy of supporting a range of assistance programs, which has ensured American farmers have the protections they need to grow enough food to feed people across America and the world, while also helping American families meet their basic food needs. This relationship is symbiotic, as farmers supply food that goes directly to families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.

"The Senate-passed farm bill was the result of a bipartisan compromise designed to reduce the deficit, and it is vital to help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in New Mexico, many of whom are struggling with the drought," said Udall. "Just as importantly, the bill helps seniors, children and families who are struggling to put food on the table. Additionally, the food purchased through the bill's nutrition programs is produced by farmers in New Mexico and across the country. To break this coalition apart, as the House of Representatives did Thursday, jeopardizes all of these critical programs for partisan gain and simply makes no sense. New Mexicans deserve better, and I strongly urge Senate leadership to continue to push for a comprehensive Farm Bill."

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

Cuts to SNAP funding would have far-reaching economic effects in New Mexico, where 20 percent of people participate in SNAP. For instance, just a 10 percent cut in SNAP would mean $62 million less in SNAP payments, 801 fewer jobs and as many as 38.5 million fewer meals for low-income families. Udall said the failure to renew SNAP and other nutrition programs would hit N.M. families hard - in 2010, almost a third of children (29 percent) lived in households that were food insecure at some point in that year.

A copy of the letter can be found below:

Dear Senator Reid,

We wish to express our deep concern with the recent development in the House of Representatives to split the Farm Bill into two separate bills - one for nutrition programs and one for all the other farm programs. We urge you to oppose any efforts to split the Farm Bill.

The House's unprecedented legislative maneuver disrupts a decades-long balance between urban and rural interests. This balance has long ensured that American farmers have the protections they need to grow enough food to feed hundreds of millions of people around the world, while also ensuring that American families have the resources they need to meet their basic food needs.

We believe that splitting the Farm Bill, while appearing to be politically expedient in the short-term, will undermine future efforts to pass robust agricultural policy that also protects the food safety net for millions of Americans.

Reauthorizing the Farm Bill is clearly a top priority in the Senate, as demonstrated by the Senate's successful passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill only a few weeks ago. The Senate Farm Bill was a negotiated bill that balanced a variety of interests and passed by wide margin (66 to 27). As we move forward, please ensure that the will of the Senate for a comprehensive Farm Bill is sustained.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with you to ensure America's farmers and hungry families are supported through a comprehensive Farm Bill.

Letter to Senate Majority Leader Reid on Farm Bill by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans agreed to end their filibusters of several presidential appointees for key positions protecting consumers and working families:

"The agreement to confirm nominees for the slate of presidentially appointed positions before us today is a very positive breakthrough. Their confirmation is good news for consumers and the health and well-being of families across the country, and I want to thank Senator Reid and all of my colleagues who have come together at the last hour so we can get back to work for the people again.

"This deal should help solidify that 'obstruct and delay' can't be the norm in the Senate any more. I hope that this deal represents a new spirit in the Senate - that my colleagues will no longer unnecessarily hold up the business of the American people for partisan gain as has been the case with these nominees and so many other issues.

"The Senate's issues with obstruction go further than just presidential nominees. I'm putting my colleagues on notice: If the Senate goes back to ‘business as usual' and endless filibustering, I will be back fighting harder than before for reform."

Earlier in the day, Udall delivered a speech on the Senate floor. Watch his speech here.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) hosted two New Mexico chamber of commerce leaders on Capitol Hill for a discussion on job creation and economic recovery. Alex O. Romero, President and CEO, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, and Laura E. Sanchez, CEO, New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce, joined Udall for a meeting in the U.S. Capitol before the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

The goal of the discussion was to highlight how the federal government and local chambers of commerce are working together to build relationships and grow the economy. Photos of Romero and Sanchez at the meeting and in Udall's Washington, D.C., office can be viewed here.

"Our state is facing tough economic times right now, and I am working very closely with the private sector in New Mexico to put us back on a path to creating more good-paying jobs," Udall said. "Leaders like Alex and Laura provide valuable resources to job seekers, workers and businesses every day, and I'm doing all I can to make sure the federal government is supporting their efforts as we continue to strengthen New Mexico's economy. Our business community is full of ingenuity, and I was glad to showcase that during our meeting on economic recovery today."

"As the leader of one of the largest Hispanic chambers of commerce in the country, I was proud to represent our Albuquerque-area businesses and share with leaders in Washington how we are working to close the achievement gap through education, expand workforce training to help job seekers gain new skills, and support New Mexico's tourism industry," Romero said. "I appreciate the opportunity to join fellow chamber members for this important discussion, and I want to thank Senator Udall for everything he is doing to support us in working to strengthen New Mexico's economy."

"Today's meeting was an excellent opportunity to learn from and share resources with fellow business leaders, especially those who are driving growth and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector," Sanchez said. "Our emerging businesses, driven by our mission of people, planet and profit, can do even more with smart federal government policies, whether it's utilizing the renewable energy production tax credit, building infrastructure, supporting ecotourism through our public lands, or simply streamlining federal support through existing partnerships. I am thankful Senator Udall is a strong partner in these efforts, and I was proud to join him for the discussion today on growing New Mexico's economy."

Last week, Udall met with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in his Washington, D.C., office to discuss strengthening the federal government's partnerships with local business leaders in New Mexico, following his visit to the Chamber's luncheon on May 28, 2013, in Albuquerque.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich have called on federal officials to investigate allegations that so-called "debt relief" companies have been using deceptive practices to profit from students seeking assistance in repaying their college loans.

The federal government provides tools to help students manage their college loans free of charge, but a new National Consumer Law Center report revealed that private companies are taking advantage of students by charging them up to $1,600 up front and $20-$50 in monthly fees to participate in these free federal repayment programs.

"Recently, I have heard of misleading ads geared towards New Mexico students and parents from organizations that aim to benefit from those who are not aware of the free borrower assistance programs provided by the federal government," said Udall. "Our students are amassing record levels of debt in order to achieve their higher education degrees, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that unethical business practices are not taking advantage of the ongoing student debt crisis."

"It's disturbing to think that unscrupulous, private companies are trying to profit off student borrowers at a time when they are struggling to pay off their loans and make ends meet," said Heinrich. "New Mexico students and their parents deserve to be protected from these deceptive and unethical practices."

In a letter to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray, the senators joined 21 of their colleagues in noting that the report also revealed numerous potential violations of consumer protection laws and found that many for-profit companies falsely claim to be connected with the Department of Education and other government agencies.

Americans currently owe more than $1 trillion in student loans and the overall financial burden from student loan debt is second only to debt from mortgage borrowing. New Mexico has seen an increase in student loan borrowing as tuition rates have risen across the state. Moreover, there have also been reports in New Mexico of untrustworthy advertisements and websites aimed at lowering student loan payments or providing cash assistance.

The full text of the letter follows:

Arne Duncan, Secretary
Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Edith Ramirez, Chairwoman
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Richard Cordray, Director
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
1700 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20552

July 11, 2013

Dear Secretary Duncan, Chairwoman Ramirez, and Director Cordray:

We write to call your attention to the recent National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) report "Searching for Relief: Desperate Borrowers and the Growing Student Loan ‘Debt Relief' Industry." We are deeply concerned by the report's findings, which indicate that some private companies are mischaracterizing federal student loan repayment programs as their own and charging exorbitant fees to enroll people in free government programs.

As you are aware, student loan debt stands at an overwhelming $1 trillion, and is currently second only to mortgage loan debt. The vast majority of this debt is owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. Over the years, Congress has created borrower assistance programs, such as Income-Based Repayment, loan consolidation, and forbearance options, to help borrowers manage their debt.

The government provides these tools to student loan borrowers for free. Yet, the NCLC report finds that a growing number of private companies are exploiting student loan borrowers to make a profit, charging up to $1,600 up front and $20-$50 in monthly fees to participate in free federal repayment programs. This is simply unacceptable.

In addition to charging money for free government programs, the report found that companies are falsely implying an affiliation with the Department of Education or other government agencies, failing to safeguard consumer financial information, and possibly violating the Credit Repair Organizations Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule by requiring payment before providing any assistance.

We urge you to look closely at all of these issues. Existing law should be enforced, and new rules should be considered where appropriate. We owe it to student loan borrowers - and to taxpayers - to ensure that unscrupulous businesses are not taking advantage of the student debt crisis.

Federal student loan repayment should be manageable and free from misinformation. We look forward to collaborating with you to protect student loan borrowers and their families from financial exploitation and abuse.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Tom Harkin
United States Senator

Jay Rockefeller
United States Senator

Elizabeth Warren
United States Senator

Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator

Brian Schatz
United States Senator

Jack Reed
United States Senator

Richard Blumenthal
United States Senator

Ron Wyden
United States Senator

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Ben Cardin
United States Senator

Al Franken
United States Senator

Patty Murray
United States Senator

Mark Warner
United States Senator

Carl Levin
United States Senator

Heidi Heitkamp
United States Senator

Mark Udall
United States Senator

Martin Heinrich
United States Senator

Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator

Jeff Merkley
United States Senator

Claire McCaskill
United States Senator

Tom Udall
United States Senator

Barbara Mikulski
United States Senator

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced two bills to help New Mexico small businesses grow in the tough economy and continue to create jobs. The bills, the Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act and the Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act, are the result of Udall's conversations with small business owners across New Mexico about ways the federal government can streamline contracting and reduce unnecessary red tape.

Udall's announcement comes a day after he hosted two Albuquerque chamber of commerce leaders at the U.S. Capitol for a discussion about how the federal government can partner with the private sector to grow the economy. More information about the visit is available here.

"New Mexico's small businesses are almost 96 percent of our state's employers; their success is the key improving our economy, and I'm committed to doing everything I can to enable them expand and continue to create good-paying jobs," Udall said.

"The two bills I'm announcing will help small businesses compete and cut through unnecessarily bureaucratic rules that can be barriers to success for entrepreneurs with small staffs," Udall said. "With New Mexico's economy still struggling to recover from the recession, we need to do everything we can to ensure our small business employers have the support they need to succeed. These two bills are a strong part of my efforts, and I'm proud of the support we have from small business owners in New Mexico and across the country."

More information on Udall's bills follows:

Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act
Udall's bipartisan HOME Act would help business owners who operate primarily out of their homes deal with the often-complicated process of filing income taxes. Under the current system, home-office business owners often struggle to calculate expenses, depreciation and carryovers on their homes. Udall's bill, which is co-sponsored by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), would allow business owners to take an optional standard deduction of $1,500.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), about a quarter of small businesses nationwide are based in the home, and fewer than half take the home office deduction because it is so complex. In January, the IRS created a temporary standard deduction. It estimates that the change will reduce the paperwork burden on small businesses by 1.6 million hours annually. But the change is not permanent. Udall's bill would fix that problem.

Udall's HOME Act is supported by the NFIB and the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE).

Said Kristie Arslan, NASE President & CEO: "One of the biggest challenges for America's smallest business community is the complexities of the U.S. tax code. Our nation's tax system is incredibly unfair and actually deters those from opening their own business and others from growing theirs. America's 22 million self-employed businesses struggle daily to comply with a cumbersome tax code that puts them at a disadvantage in the marketplace. While the Treasury Department's announcement earlier this year of a more streamlined home office deduction was welcomed news, we commend Senators Udall and Boozman for their leadership in introducing a reform package that permanently simplifies the tax code. This important relief will put America's smallest businesses on a level playing field with the rest of the business community. We look forward to working with both of them and the entire Congress on passing this important piece of legislation."

Added Susan Eckerly, NFIB Senior Vice President, Public Policy, in a letter thanking Udall and Boozman, the bill "provides much-needed permanency and predictability for small businesses. NFIB has long advocated for legislation to create a simplified, standard home office deduction because current law...is too complicated and time-consuming for small business owners."

Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act
The Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act, would help small business owners compete for federal contracting opportunities and create a database of qualified minority-owned subcontracting firms. The bill is supported by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other groups.

Said Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO, "Hispanic businesses - the fastest growing segment of American enterprise - are making incredible contributions to the American economy every day. As these firms continue to create jobs and opportunity in communities across the country, it is imperative that leaders in Washington push legislation that promotes economic growth and prosperity for minority enterprises. Fortunately, the Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act does exactly that. The USHCC stands in full support of this bill and we look forward to working with Senator Udall and others to continue addressing the challenges that exist for Hispanic businesses in the federal marketplace."

The Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act would:

• Raise the cap to $500,000 on the value of federal government contracts eligible to be set aside for small businesses.
• Require contracting officers who don't award an eligible contract to a small business to provide a determination, in writing, of why the contract didn't go to a small business.
• Increase the government-wide small business procurement contract goal to 25 percent (from 23 percent); increase the goal to 10 percent (from 5 percent) for small disadvantaged and women-owned businesses; and to 5 percent (from 3 percent) for Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
• Require a federal agency to give additional consideration to firms that meet the above subcontracting goals for qualified small businesses.
• Direct the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to establish and maintain a database of minority firms, which federal prime contractors may refer to when looking for firms with which to subcontract.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) announced they have sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel asking for immediate action to halt the use of open-air burn pits at two camp sites supporting Operating Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Their letter follows reports by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that found the burn pits were utilized without need and at great danger to the health of U.S. military and civil personnel.

The letter builds on bipartisan legislation coauthored by Udall and Corker and signed into law earlier this year to create a registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the letter, the senators noted an April 30, 2013, Inspector General report that found evidence of the ongoing use of open-air burn pits in Afghanistan despite regulations against their use when on-base incinerators are available to dispose of and burn trash instead. The report was followed up by an "alert" letter by the SIGAR on July 11, 2013.

According to the July SIGAR letter, incinerators are not being used - or are not being used "to full capacity" -- because "a contract for their operation and maintenance had not been awarded," despite $11.5 million spent to purchase and install the incinerators. "As a result, the camp was relying heavily on open-air burn pit operations to dispose of its solid waste. However, Department of Defense guidance and a U.S. Central Command regulation limit the use of open-air burn pit operations. Camp Leatherneck is in violation of this guidance and regulation," the SIGAR concluded.

Udall and Corker wrote in response: "We are concerned that despite these precautions required by statute and military directives, our men and women now serving in uniform are still being exposed to open-air burn pits. Last year, we introduced and passed the Open Burn Pits Registry Act, and today we are working to ensure that our veterans and service members are made aware of the dangers posed by their exposure. The men and women of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan deserve better."

The senators also requested a timeline for the prompt closure of the burn pits at Forward Operating Base Salerno and Camp Leatherneck, both in Afghanistan, and an explanation from the Department of Defense for why it did not fully utilize alternative waste disposal methods. The senators additionally asked that "service members who have been exposed to air pollution caused by the open-air burn pits be notified about the dangers of their exposure, and that their service records indicate that they have served in an area where open-air burn pits were used."

Camp Leatherneck currently consists of about 13,500 U.S. military and civilian personnel. The Inspector General's July letter noted the health concerns associated with breathing the toxic smoke emissions from open-air burn pits: "The toxic smoke from burning solid waste increases the long-term health risks for camp personnel, including reduced lung function and exacerbated chronic illness, ranging from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."

Udall became an advocate for a burn pit registry after meeting Albuquerque veteran MSgt. Jessey Baca and his wife Maria. MSgt. Baca has faced a multitude of health problems believed to be associated with burn pits and has advocated for helping service members in similar situations.

The law championed by Udall and Corker mandates establishment of an open-air burn pit registry, similar to those created to track Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome, for individuals who may have been exposed during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. It aims to help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determine to what extent air pollution caused by open-air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members. It also includes a public information campaign to inform individuals about the registry and periodically notify registry members of significant developments associated with burn pit exposure.

The registry has not yet been established by the VA, and multiple senators have pressed the VA to accelerate its progress and increase outreach to affected veterans. Udall, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, successfully included language in the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill urging the VA to detail its implementation efforts for the registry, improve and present a plan for increasing outreach to veterans and their families affected by open-air burn pits, and provide an explanation of how the VA plans to inform VA physicians about the findings of the registry to improve care for veterans. The committee's report requires the VA to present its plan within 60 days.

The full text of Udall and Corker's letter can be viewed below.

Letter to Secretary Hagel on Burn Pits in Afghanistan and SIGAR Report by Tom Udall

Earlier this year President Obama signed into law a bill I wrote to create a registry of military service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have been working closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make sure it has the registry up and running quickly, and to ensure it meets the needs of our veterans.

The VA is currently seeking input from veterans about a Web-based questionnaire that will be used to create the Open Burn Pit Registry and report health concerns related to burn pit exposure.

If you are an individual or group impacted by open-air burn pits, I encourage you to provide feedback to the VA. Doing so can help veterans get their information into the registry more quickly and accurately.

Tell them if the draft questionnaire asks the right questions, and please offer suggestions on how to improve it.

The draft questionnaire is available at the VA's website at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/action-plan.asp.

You have until August 20, 2013, to submit your comments. You can do so by emailing cynthia.harvey-pryor@va.gov or by mailing your comments to Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Veterans Health Administration (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20420.

This is just a draft of the questionnaire - your feedback will help the VA improve how it's written. You don't need to fill it out yet - at this stage, the VA needs your comments about the quality, clarity of questions, overall length, and any other relevant suggestions.

Once the registry has been created, the VA will announce how to sign up, and you can be sure I'll be working to make sure the VA is meeting the requirements of the act, and doing everything it can to increase its ability to serve veterans who have become sick because they were exposed to burn pits.

When the Open Burn Pits Registry is up and running, it will help VA monitor veterans'  health, keep veterans informed about studies and treatments, and improve programs to help veterans who are concerned that they may have been exposed to toxic chemicals while they were deployed.

The registry will be similar to those created for Agent Orange and the Gulf War, and it will be open to eligible veterans who may have been exposed to airborne hazards in the Persian Gulf region.

I was proud to work with Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and congressional leaders in both parties to get this bill signed into law, and I look forward to seeing it through for our veterans. Just as they have answered the call of duty for our country, we must answer their call for the information and treatment they have earned.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján announced today that the Air Force will award a project to Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) to privatize the military family housing at Cannon Air Force Base (AFB) as part of the six-base Northern Group housing privatization project. The Air Force intends to close the deal on August 1, 2013.

At Cannon AFB, the Air Force will convey 763 homes to BBC and lease the underlying land of 368 acres for a period of 50 years. BBC will renovate 361 homes, demolish 402 homes and construct 677 new homes within 3.5 years. In addition, among other amenities, BBC will build a community center, tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic areas, walking paths and other recreational facilities throughout the housing area.

"This project fills a critically important need at Cannon Air Force Base, and I'm very glad to see it move forward," said Udall. "The mission at Cannon is important for our national security, and as the base has grown, the need for increased housing has grown with it. This investment will go a long way toward reinforcing that Cannon is a great place to serve for airmen and their families and should be for years to come."

"Cannon Air Force Base provides a unique and special training environment for our military," said Heinrich. "As the base and personnel continue to grow, it is critical that affordable housing be available for our brave men and women in uniform and their families. I'm pleased to see this project move forward.

"Affordable housing has been too hard to find for many of our military personnel that are serving at Cannon Air Force Base," said Luján. "When the brave men and women who are serving our country come to Cannon, they should not have to worry about finding a home for their family. By moving forward with this project, the Air Force is taking an important step that will get us closer to that goal for our military families."

Besides Cannon AFB, the Northern Group also includes Cavalier Air Force Station, Grand Forks AFB and Minot AFB, ND; Ellsworth AFB, SD; and Mountain Home AFB, ID. The Air Force will convey 4,595 homes at the six installations, and lease the underlying land, approximately 2,010 acres, to the Project Owner for up to 50 years. Within the six-year initial development period, the Project Owner will construct 965 homes, demolish 1,014 homes, renovate 362 homes and accept 3,219 homes with no work required for an end state of 4,546 homes. Total development cost of the Northern Group project is $442 million.

BBC will provide all development, operations and maintenance, property management, construction, renovation, and demolition services. This is BBC's sixth Air Force housing privatization project.

The purpose of the Air Force's housing privatization program is to provide military families access to quality, affordable, well-maintained housing in a community on the installation where they may choose to live. To date, the Air Force has awarded 29 projects at 51 installations for a total of 43,992 end state homes or 82% of all Air Force housing within the Continental United States and territories.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health, today led a hearing examining how a toxic site cleanup program overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has helped revitalize communities in New Mexico and across the country.

Since 2002, the EPA's brownfields program has enabled communities in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and elsewhere to clean up and repurpose formerly polluted land, attracting economic development and creating hundreds of jobs. Nationwide, EPA has provided approximately $1.5 billion in grants, which have leveraged $19.2 billion in additional investment. As a result, the brownfields program has helped clean up more than 20,000 properties and created more than 86,000 jobs nationwide.

Despite these successes, however, the EPA estimates that nationwide there are still 450,000 brownfields sites - properties affected by the presence of environmental contamination such as hazardous waste or other pollution.

Earlier this year, Udall coauthored the Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development (BUILD) Act to modernize and improve key elements of the Brownfields Program. The bill would increase the limit for clean-up grants and expand eligibility for certain publicly owned sites and nonprofit organizations.

Udall focused his hearing on ways the program can be leveraged to help communities, citing specific examples from New Mexico.

"They are often areas that no community, business or industry would redevelop because of environmental concerns or even just the perception of an environmental concern," Udall said at the hearing. "Without this type of assistance, many communities would be forced to rely entirely on their own public resources for cleanup, often when the previous occupant who contaminated the property is gone."

"Redevelopment of brownfields sites ultimately spearheads community revitalization and economic development," Udall continued. "In New Mexico, we have had success in turning brownfields sites around."

As chairman, Udall invited Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Debbie O'Malley to testify on how the brownfields program has been used in the Albuquerque area.

O'Malley specifically talked about the impact of the program on Albuquerque's Sawmill neighborhood. The Sawmill Community Land Trust received $225,000 through the brownfields program to clean up a 27-acre particle-board manufacturing site and transform it into affordable housing. In total, Bernalillo County has received $400,000 to conduct environmental assessments of contaminated sites and to support training for employees in brownfields cleanup.

O'Malley's full written testimony can be found here. Photos of Udall and O'Malley at the hearing can be found here. Video of Udall's opening statement can be found here, and full video of the hearing can be found here (O'Malley's testimony begins at the 1:02:00 mark).

Another witness, Geoff Anderson, the President and CEO of Smart Growth America, noted the Santa Fe Railyard's success with the brownfields program. "The Santa Fe Railyard is exemplary of the potential benefits of brownfields redevelopment. Since the EPA's initial investment of $200,000, more than $125 million has been leveraged for the railyard from public and private sources," Anderson said in his written testimony.

Udall added: "With the help of the city of Santa Fe and money from the brownfields program, the railyard has become a vibrant mixed-use development with art galleries, museums, a farmers' market, retail shops and office space. It's now an important contributor to Santa Fe's economy."

"One more example is the iconic Route 66," Udall concluded. "This highway was an important pathway for migration to the West, particularly in the 1930s. When Route 66 was bypassed by the interstate system, many of the service stations and old motels along the route became dormant. The underground fuel tanks leaked, causing contamination. Brownfields grants have been used to clean up this contamination and a variety of mixed-use redevelopment has occurred. Route 66 revitalization can give an economic boost New Mexico's tourism economy."

Earlier this week, the EPA announced it had awarded $350,000 to the New Mexico Environment Department for supplemental brownfields funding. The money goes to a revolving loan fund to help the state fund shovel-ready projects to redevelop contaminated sites. "I'm optimistic that we will see future success stories if we keep this program strong," Udall said.

The following is Udall's opening statement as delivered:

I welcome you to today's meeting the Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health.

First, I would like to thank and welcome the witnesses who came to share their stories and provide their input on EPA's successful brownfields program.

We are pleased to have the chief EPA official overseeing the brownfields program with us today, Mr. Mathy Stanislaus.

I would also like to extend a warm New Mexico welcome to Bernalillo County Commissioner Deborah O'Malley, who has experience in redevelopment of brownfields in both the public and the private sector.

Congress established the brownfields program to provide financial incentives to clean up the thousands of brownfields sites throughout America.

Since 2006, EPA has enrolled 42,000 properties, completed more than 68,800 cleanups and made over 644,000 acres ready for development. These sites are underutilized areas that have been contaminated by environmental pollutants.

They are often areas that no community, business or industry would redevelop because of environmental concerns or even just the perception of an environmental concern. They are, therefore, wasted space.

Without this type of assistance, many communities would be forced to rely entirely on their own public resources for cleanup, often when the previous occupant who contaminated the property is gone.

Redevelopment of brownfields sites ultimately spearheads community revitalization and economic development.

In New Mexico, we have had success in turning brownfields sites around.

The historic Santa Fe Railyard was once a vibrant part of the community prior to World War II. It became a blighted area following suburban expansion and the opening of the interstate system. The area remained polluted and essentially vacant for decades.

With the help of the City of Santa Fe and money from the brownfields program, the railyard has become a vibrant mixed-use development with art galleries, museums, a farmers' market, retail shops and office space.

It's now an important contributor to Santa Fe's economy.

Another example, the historic La Posada Hotel was once the tallest building in Albuquerque and the first with air conditioning in New Mexico. The hotel fell into disrepair until it was ultimately auctioned in 2005.

After that, it went through a costly renovation. The new owners utilized brownfields loans to remove lead-based paint and asbestos. The hotel has reopened as the Hotel Andaluz and is the first LEED Gold Certified hotel in New Mexico - another great turnaround story.

One more example is the iconic Route 66. This highway was an important pathway for migration to the West, particularly in the 1930s.

When Route 66 was bypassed by the interstate system, many of the service stations and old motels along the route became dormant. The underground fuel tanks leaked, causing contamination.

Brownfields grants have been used to clean up this contamination and a variety of mixed-use redevelopment has occurred.

Route 66 revitalization can give an economic boost New Mexico's tourism economy. It's a great route to travel with families and learn history.

Just yesterday, EPA awarded the state of New Mexico another $350,000 for supplemental brownfields funding. I'm optimistic that we will see future success stories if we keep this program strong.

Earlier this year, Senator Crapo and I joined Senator Inhofe and the late Senator Lautenberg to introduce the BUILD Act-which stands for the Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act.

This bill would increase the limit for cleanup grants and expand eligibility for certain publicly owned sites and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the BUILD Act would reauthorize the program through FY2016.

I'm proud to announce today that we have several new cosponsors, including Senator Merkley, and Senator Schatz. We also have Senator Whitehouse, Senator Hirono, and Senator Brown.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting against a measure that would allow interest rates on federal undergraduate subsidized Stafford Loans to rise to as high as 8.25 percent:

"After listening to this debate and weighing both sides, I couldn't endorse this bill. I can't support any measure that balances the budget on the backs of college students. The ability to get a college degree is too important for our students' future - and for our country's future.

"Higher education is at a tipping point, and we need a long-term plan that is sustainable and comprehensive. I will continue to work with my colleagues to achieve that goal. One principle should be clear: College should be within reach for all American families, not just the privileged few, or in the short-term. We should be investing in all students who want to earn a college degree."

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) called for a functioning Federal Election Commission (FEC) to enforce federal campaign finance laws. His remarks came during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Rules & Administration to consider President Obama's nominees to serve on the FEC.

"As you know, I am a strong supporter of reforming our campaign finance system. I believe one important step is to have a functioning FEC, where all six seats are filled with commissioners in terms that haven't expired. Regrettably, that hasn't been the case for quite a while," said Udall, a member of the Rules Committee. For video of Udall at the hearing, click here.

At the hearing, Udall received commitment from the nominees that, if confirmed, they would support existing campaign finance laws and regulations even if they are personally opposed to the rules. During the exchange, Udall quoted a July 14, 2013, Washington Post editorial that argued, "Fundamentally, the Republican commissioners seem not to believe in the campaign finance laws that Congress has passed and that they are bound to enforce."

The six FEC Commissioners are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, and are responsible for administering and enforcing the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). The FEC is an independent regulatory agency established by Congress in 1975 and charged with disclosing campaign finance information, enforcing laws such as the limits and prohibitions on contributions, and overseeing the public funding of Presidential elections. No more than three commissioners can be from the same political party.

"Campaign finance reform historically has been a bipartisan issue. I hope it will be again. In the meantime, the FEC has a vital role to play by diligently enforcing existing laws," said Udall at the hearing.

Udall also questioned the nominees about the Supreme Court's Citizens United case and how it effects the FEC's ability to enforce current campaign finance laws. "Corporate treasuries are now in play. This is a huge amount of money flooding into the system, and I think it corrupts the system," said Udall. He also noted his constitutional amendment to overturn both the Citizens United and the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decisions and to return campaign finance regulation back to the American people.

Finally, Udall noted the need to clarify the communication and investigative authority between the FEC and the U.S. Department of Justice. According to a recent New York Times editorial, which Udall referenced at the hearing, the FEC had been considering "ending regular information sharing with Justice Department officials," which the FEC's general counsel Anthony Herman "stressed has 'greatly benefited' enforcement of the law and is standard procedure for all regulatory agencies." Udall sent a letter to the FEC earlier this month expressing opposition to the proposed change, writing, "The policy change proposed - requiring that each Department of Justice request for information be accompanied by a subpoena or other written request, and approved by a Commission vote - would hinder enforcement and would be inconsistent with practices across the federal government."

The FEC has not had a full six-member board without expired terms in several years. On June 21, 2013, President Obama nominated Democrat Ann Miller Ravel, of California, to be a member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2017; and Republican Lee E. Goodman, of Virginia, for a term expiring April 30, 2015. Following today's hearing, the Senate Rules Committee must vote on the nominees before sending them to the full Senate for consideration.

Udall previously supported President Obama's FEC nominee John J. Sullivan. Despite being approved by the Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support in June 2009, Sullivan never received a vote in the full Senate and withdrew his nomination after 15 months. His blocked nomination was another unfortunate example of the obstruction and gridlock that Udall has long spoke out against in the Senate.

Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed several executive branch nominees after Udall and Senate leaders worked to end Republican filibusters. Udall has led the fight to prevent abuse of the filibuster since he was elected to the Senate. More on Udall's work to change the Senate filibuster rules and end congressional gridlock is available here.

Below are Udall's remarks as delivered at today's hearing:

Mr. Chairman, we really appreciate you holding this hearing today. As you know, I am a strong supporter of reforming our campaign finance system. I believe one important step is to have a functioning FEC, where all six seats are filled with commissioners in terms that haven't expired. Regrettably, that hasn't been the case for quite a while.

I hope we can begin to change that with today's hearing.

Comprehensive campaign finance reform is crucial to our democracy. But at the very least, we need to make sure that the FEC is enforcing the laws that are on the books.

Unfortunately, recent Supreme Court decisions have gutted many of those laws. And we have seen the devastating impact on our elections.

In the Republican presidential primaries alone last year, Super PACs spent over $100 million dollars. More than half of that was for negative TV ads - further poisoning our political process by groups that did not even have to say who was paying for all that venom - by billionaires hiding in dark corners with checkbooks open.

The Supreme Court laid the groundwork for this broken system in 1976 with Buckley v. Valeo, ruling that the restriction of independent campaign spending violated the First Amendment right to free speech. In effect, money and free speech were the same thing.

I don't think we can truly fix this broken system until we undo that false premise.

That's why I have again introduced a constitutional amendment. We need to overturn Buckley and the subsequent decisions that relied on it.

We've also tried to pass more modest reforms, such as Senator Whitehouse's DISCLOSE Act. That bill had 40 cosponsors, but could not overcome a filibuster last year.

Campaign finance reform historically has been a bipartisan issue. I hope it will be again. In the meantime, the FEC has a vital role to play by diligently enforcing existing laws.

I welcome our nominees and look forward to hearing their testimony today.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today led the Senate Appropriations Committee in approving the fiscal year 2014 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill. Udall succeeded the late Senator Frank Lautenberg as chairman of the subcommittee earlier this year.

The bill funds a wide range of federal agencies and priorities important to New Mexicans and all Americans. It funds the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law that protects families and investors by preventing manipulation of the financial markets, ensures fair administration of the tax code, supports job creation, and protects privacy and civil liberties. Importantly, the bill also ensures the U.S. Postal Service will continue delivering mail six days a week.

"I'm proud of the bill we've written, which despite many budget challenges, reflects the key priorities of this subcommittee. This bill protects American families from fraud and from dangerous consumer products; it safeguards our financial system from abusive and illicit practices; it helps create jobs by supporting Americans in starting, building, and growing small businesses, and by providing seed financing for community development; and it promotes the appropriate balance between anti-terrorism efforts and privacy and civil liberties," Udall said.

"This bill is good for New Mexicans," Udall continued. "It funds programs that support small businesses, which make up almost 96 percent of our state's employers. It invests in economic development efforts on tribal land. It will ensure our law enforcement officers fighting drug smuggling on the border have the tools they need to apprehend dangerous criminals. And it will make sure the Postal Service doesn't end Saturday delivery, which would disproportionally impact rural and elderly customers."

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) added: "I applaud Senator Udall for his excellent work as Chairman of this important subcommittee and for advocating for New Mexico priorities. In addition to the inclusion of funding needed to carry out important consumer protection initiatives and support for small business, I'm especially pleased that the bill protects the six-day postal delivery service."

Funding for several programs will directly benefit New Mexicans, including:

•Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): $114.5 million for Small Business Administration (SBA) grants to SBDCs. Grants are made by formula, and New Mexico will benefit directly.
•Microloan Program: $45 million. The bill includes $25 million in microlending and $20 million in grants for microlenders.
•High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA): $238.5 million.
•Tribal Business and Community Development: $17 million. The bill provides $15 million for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and $2 million for SBA Native entrepreneur training programs.

Other funding priorities in the bill include:

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): $315 million. Farmers and businesses that use the futures markets to manage risk, as well as pensions and endowments, rely on the CFTC to properly monitor the markets to guard against fraud, manipulation, or systemic risk. Bringing more transparency and accountability to the futures and derivatives markets is crucial.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): $1.674 billion. Funding will help the SEC fulfill its mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, honest, and efficient stock and securities markets, and promote capital formation.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): $117 million. With this funding, CPSC will continue to enhance import surveillance activities at the nation's ports of entry to prevent hazardous products from entering the U.S. consumer marketplace. The CPSC will continue development of mandatory product safety rules for durable infant and toddler products. It will expand global outreach efforts to help safer products enter the United States. Finally, CPSC will be able to continue interagency research on nanotechnology to study exposure and potential health risks of nanomaterials in consumer products.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): $301 million. Since the financial crisis, the FTC has been particularly diligent about working to protect consumers from mortgage and debt reduction scams. The Committee also adopted an amendment sponsored by Udall to increase efforts to prevent financial manipulation of oil markets that can increase prices at the pump.

Small Business Administration (SBA): $949 million. Over the last two decades, small and new businesses created two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S., and today over half of all working Americans own or work for a small business.

Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB): $4.1 million. Funding will help the board ensure that federal laws and policies related to terrorism appropriately consider privacy and civil liberties. These resources, $3.2 million above the fiscal year 2013 enacted level, will enable the newly reconstituted PCLOB to hire staff and pursue its mission without delay in light of recent disclosures of large-scale surveillance programs. Udall has asked the board to investigate the phone records and data collection programs and provide a public report of its findings, and he has pushed for adequate resources to allow the board to carry out its oversight duties. More information on Udall's work can be found here.

A full summary of the bill is available here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced today that he has introduced legislation with Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) to preserve a tax deduction that helps businesses buy the equipment they need to grow, at the levels that will encourage job creation and economic growth.

"Next year, New Mexico's small businesses face the significant loss of the section 179 deduction that encourages them to make investments in the equipment, office space and technology they need to keep their doors open and expand their businesses," Udall said. "Now is not the time to limit an important tool that our small businesses depend on. I will do everything I can to support our small businesses so they can continue to keep our economy going and create jobs."

Section 179 allows businesses to deduct from their gross income - up to a set limit - the purchase price of qualified machinery, software and real property, among other investments, that are placed in service.

If Congress does not act, this section of the tax code stands to be all but eliminated in 2014. The amount businesses can deduct from their taxes will drop 95 percent to $25,000.

To remedy this, the Small Business Investment Promotion Act would allow businesses to deduct up to $250,000 of certain purchases and is indexed for inflation.

The Small Business Investment Promotion Act is supported by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the National Small Business Association.

The introduction of this bill comes on the heels of two others last week to support small businesses. The Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act and the Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act are the result of Udall's conversations with small business owners across New Mexico about ways the federal government can streamline contracting and reduce unnecessary red tape.

Udall's bipartisan HOME Act would help business owners who operate primarily out of their homes with the often-complicated process of filing income taxes. Under the current system, home-office business owners often struggle to calculate expenses, depreciation and carryovers on their homes. Udall's bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), would allow business owners to take an optional standard deduction of $1,500.

The Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act would help small business owners compete for federal contracting opportunities and create a database of qualified minority-owned subcontracting firms. The bill is supported by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other groups.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced that he has joined Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Vice Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) in introducing a bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2013. The bill was also cosponsored by Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Al Franken (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND).

In 1996, Congress first passed NAHASDA to help ensure that Tribes and their members are provided safe and affordable housing, and that housing programs meet the needs of Tribal members well into the future. NAHASDA helps address a critical need for housing assistance in Indian Country, where more than 28 percent of reservation households lack adequate plumbing and kitchen facilities, while nationally only 5.4 percent of households lack such infrastructure.

"Safe, well-built housing and infrastructure are the building blocks for strong, healthy communities, and this bill helps ensure Native American communities in New Mexico and throughout Indian Country have the resources to help fill this vital need," said Udall, who is a member of the Indian Affairs Committee. "NAHASDA has a long history of bipartisan support. Its reauthorization will help drive smarter investments into Indian Country by eliminating red tape and promoting energy-efficient housing. I am proud to join my colleagues on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to introduce this bill, and I look forward to working with them to get it passed by the full Senate before the current authorization expires."

"Housing conditions in Native American communities remain some of the most challenging in the nation. This Act is designed to assist those communities, where substandard housing is rampant and poverty is a serious issue," Cantwell said. "The reauthorization of this Act is critically important to help ensure that Tribes continue to have access to the tools necessary to provide for the basic housing needs of their members. While more must be done, I am pleased to note that this is one of the most successfully implemented programs in Indian Country to date."

"Our bill responds to a fundamental need on our nation's Indian reservations: safe, adequate housing for low income Indian people. Without adequate housing, families can't thrive and parents can't provide a healthy environment for their children so they can do well in school and life. This problem takes a toll on entire reservation communities and we have to address it," Barrasso said. "I look forward to working with the Chairwoman and other members of the Committee to move this bill forward in the Senate as soon as possible."

This bill improves the current law by:

- Increasing usage of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by developers and investors that target projects serving Indian communities.

- Elimination of duplicative requirements when multiple agencies are involved in a housing-related project by identifying the majority federal partner and using that agency's standards.

- Allowing Tribes access to the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).

- Promoting clean energy and sustainable projects by raising the total development cost ceilings cited as barriers to building energy-efficient housing.

An estimated 200,000 housing units are needed immediately in Indian Country and approximately 90,000 Native families are homeless or under-housed. A 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report found that Native Americans make up 8 percent of the country's homeless population, while they comprise less than 1 percent of the general population. Nearly 46 percent of Native households are overcrowded, a rate almost three times that of the rest of the country, according to a 2010 report from the General Accounting Office.

In 2002, NAHASDA was reauthorized for five years, and was again reauthorized in 2008 for a five-year period which expires in September 2013. NAHASDA replaced funding under the 1937 Housing Act with Indian Housing Block Grants and provided Tribes with the choice of administering the block grant themselves or through their existing Indian Housing Authorities or their Tribally designated housing entities.

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, announced that seven projects will receive a total of $303,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support New Mexico's small and emerging rural businesses through technical assistance, training programs, and studies for future economic growth possibilities.

"New Mexico's small businesses are the backbone of our state, and their survival means everything to our rural communities," said Udall. "Additionally, these grants provide support to tribes, which face unique challenges in creating job growth. Smart investments are key to building new economic opportunities, and I am glad to see the USDA continuing its commitment to our rural economies."

The funding was made available through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which promotes development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas. RBEGs may also be used to help fund distance learning networks and employment-related adult education programs. Eligible applicants for the program include public bodies, nonprofit corporations and federally recognized Indian tribes.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

Click here for a complete list of the 131 recipients receiving more than $6.5 million in USDA funding.

New Mexico projects receiving grants are:

$40,000 - Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments to provide instruction, training and technical assistance to Native American entrepreneurs.

$75,000 - Pueblo of Acoma - Acoma Business of Enterprises to develop a comprehensive business plan and marketing study.

$50,000 - Rio Grande Council of Governments to provide technical assistance to small businesses.

$19,850 - Village of Magdalena to conduct a feasibility study.

$48,150 - Center for Southwest Culture to provide technical assistance and training.

$20,000 - Southwest Care Center to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed clinic and birth center in Espanola.

$50,000 - Oso Vista Ranch Project to provide technical assistance.

WASHINGTON - Today, during a hearing of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) urged his colleagues to work together to pass major bipartisan legislation to protect Americans from toxic chemicals.

Udall, who chairs the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health, has been leading a bipartisan effort with Senator David Vitter (R-La.) to update and replace the federal government's much-criticized signature law on toxic pollution, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA).

Public health advocates, government officials and industry alike have characterized the almost 40-year-old TSCA as broken and utterly ineffective. During a hearing of the EPW Committee, Udall said that the bill he has cosponsored with Vitter gives Congress the first opportunity in decades to reform TSCA into a law that protects American families.

Udall pledged to work with stakeholders and colleagues in both parties during August. He hopes all sides can agree to move forward by early fall.

He issued the following statement after the hearing:

"Americans carry as many as 212 foreign chemicals in our bodies - six of which are carcinogens, and none of them are properly regulated by the government. The law is so flawed, the government hasn't even been able to ban asbestos - a known carcinogen. The current law gives us little confidence that our everyday products are safe.

"We urgently need to improve the law so that it can effectively do what Congress intended - protect Americans from dangerous chemicals. Enacting major environmental laws is a very tall order. Despite near universal agreement that TSCA is broken we have struggled to find a bipartisan path forward. We now have a rare commodity - a bipartisan agreement on a bill that will make a real difference for American families. Let's seize this moment and do the right thing."

Video of Senator Udall's opening statement is available here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement praising President Obama's nomination of Michael Connor to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department. Connor, of New Mexico, currently serves as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation:

"I'm proud to support the nomination of Mike Connor. A Las Cruces native and NMSU graduate, Mike has proven himself to be a smart, thoughtful public servant and a leader on matters important to New Mexico. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of issues ranging from land and water conservation to the impacts of climate change to the challenges facing Indian Country. I have been particularly impressed by his leadership on water management during this difficult drought. Mike will be a good partner for our state and for the West. I look forward to his confirmation and to working with him as our next Deputy Secretary of the Interior."

One of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate is to do everything I can to help create jobs and opportunities for all New Mexicans. I wanted to update you on some of the work I've been doing to put us back on a path to creating more well-paying jobs.

Recently, I met with chamber of commerce leaders in New Mexico and in Washington to discuss how the federal government can partner with the private sector to grow our economy. Our chamber leaders provide valuable resources to job seekers, workers and businesses every day. I value their input, and I'm working closely with them to support their efforts.

Here's a video from when I hosted Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce & New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce leaders at the U.S. Capitol.

I'm also working to pass three bills that are the result of my conversations with New Mexico small business owners.

New Mexico's small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. We are home to more than 150,000 small businesses - they make up almost 96% of all our state's employers - and my legislation would help them create more jobs and provide for their families.

My bills address the challenges entrepreneurs face working with the federal government and growing their businesses. The goal is to help the federal government streamline contracting, ensure that more contracts are awarded to small businesses and reduce unnecessary red tape.

Below is a summary of the bills I am working on to help job creation in New Mexico. Click on each title for more information.

• The Small Business Investment Promotion Act makes permanent a tax deduction of $250,000 for the purchase of machinery, software and property investments so businesses can buy the equipment they need to grow jobs and increase profits.

• The Help Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act reduces the paperwork burden on small business owners who work out of their homes by making permanent an optional standard deduction of $1,500, replacing the current complicated process for claiming the home office deduction.

• The Expanding Opportunities for Main Street Act raises the cap to $500,000 on the value of small business contracts, gives small businesses preference in contracting and increases the government-wide small business contracting goals.

This last piece of legislation builds upon another bill I introduced - the Assuring Contracting Equity (ACE) Act of 2013, which gives small businesses a better shot at tapping into federal awards. It increases contracting goals for veteran-owned businesses and women-owned businesses, and holds procurement officers accountable when they don't award a contract to a qualified small business.

The ACE Act will help companies like bigbyte.cc, the only women-owned, privately held data center in New Mexico, that I visited earlier this year. Nerissa Whittington and her staff are not only working to grow their business, they are helping our community by serving as an incubator space for businesses in our state's high-tech workforce.

I am proud to be working on a bipartisan basis with Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) on two of these measures, and I look forward to gaining more support for all of them so we can pass them into law and keep building our economy.

Together, these bills will help New Mexico's business community - and our employees - get our state's economy back on track. I know that by working together we'll ensure that all of New Mexico's families have the opportunity to build a better future.

I'll keep you updated on the status of these proposals, but in the meantime, feel free to contact my office with your thoughts and opinions on these or any other issues.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today successfully included an amendment to the Senate FY 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that would prevent the use of defense funds for any military action in Syria in violation of the War Powers Act. The amendment was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-10. Majorities of both Democratic and Republican members of the Appropriations Committee supported the amendment. The DOD appropriations bill, as amended, now must be considered by the full Senate.

"We all agree that the atrocities in Syria are appalling, and that the United States should do all it can to help with humanitarian needs and resolve the conflict," Udall said. "But we must remember that the Constitution and the War Powers Act require congressional authority to engage in the use of prolonged military force. The president's unilateral decision to send arms to Syrian rebels is troubling to the vast majority of American people, but we must be sure to exercise our congressional authority before U.S. involvement is escalated further. This amendment sends a much-needed message: Congress must be consulted before troops are entered into hostilities in Syria, and the president must abide by the War Powers Act."

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war. Furthermore, the War Powers Act governs the consultation requirements before the armed forces of the United States can be introduced into foreign hostilities. Importantly it requires the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces after 60 days unless Congress has taken action to authorize the hostilities, extend the 60 day period, or is unable to meet as a result of an armed attack on the United States. The amendment is significant because most-but not all-U.S. military involvement has been specifically authorized by Congress, and this provision reasserts Congress' constitutional role and responsibility.

The text of the amendment follows:

SEC. l. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used with respect to Syria in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the introduction of United States armed or military forces into hostilities in Syria, into situations in Syria where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, or into Syrian territory, airspace, or waters while equipped for combat, in contravention of the Congressional consultation and reporting requirements of sections 3 and 4 of that law (50 U.S.C. 1542 and 1543).

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) - joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) - unveiled two bills that would ensure FISA courts properly balance the need to protect national security with constitutional and statutory requirements to safeguard individual rights to privacy and liberty. The first bill - the FISA Court Reform Act of 2013 - would create a Special Advocate with the power to argue in the FISA courts on behalf of the right to privacy and other individual rights of the American people. The second bill - The FISA Judge Selection Reform Act - would reform how judges are appointed to the FISA courts to ensure that the court is geographically and ideologically diverse and better reflects the full diversity of perspectives on questions of national security, privacy, and liberty.

"The reports about widespread surveillance programs have shown us that there is real reason to question whether civil liberties can be protected by a secret court, using secret law, issuing secret decisions," said Udall, a former federal prosecutor. "Americans deserve the assurance that their civil liberties are not being swept aside behind closed doors. These measures would help ensure the FISA courts look and act like actual courts, which balance individual rights to privacy and liberty with the government's need to protect against national security threats."

Earlier today, Udall also joined Blumenthal and Wyden for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to announce the legislation. Video of the press conference is available here. For more information on the FISA Court Reform Act of 2013, click here. For more information on the FISA Judge Selection Reform Act, click here.

Blumenthal said, "Because it exercises vast invisible power, the FISA Court must be appointed and operate in a way that inspires trust and credibility - now in danger because of recent revelations. Like any court, this one will make better decisions if it hears both sides. The Special Advocate can test, challenge and question the government when significant issues of law are raised, but this advocate for the Constitution will in no way impede the speed and security of the Court's approval of critical activities protecting our nation - since the lawyers will have security clearance and participate most commonly in the Review court."

"The FISA court is a judicial body with no parallel in American history," Wyden said. "A group of judges operating in complete secret and issuing binding rulings based solely on the government's arguments have made possible the sweeping surveillance authorities that the public only found out about two months ago. This court must be reformed to include an adversarial process where arguments for greater privacy protections can be offered alongside the government's arguments for greater surveillance powers. A reformed FISA court should have an selection process that produces a more diverse group of judges, and a process to ensure that its important rulings are made public so that the American people can understand exactly what government agencies think the laws allow them to do. It was a lack of protections like these that allowed secret law to persist for so many years, and the legislation my colleagues and I are offering today will seize this unique opportunity to make important changes to our surveillance courts."

Recent revelations have shed new light on the size and scope of the nation's foreign surveillance activities and the ability of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review - collectively, the FISA courts - to provide effective oversight of these operations. For example, in its 33-year history, the FISA courts have rejected just 11 out of nearly 34,000 surveillance requests made by the federal government, which raises questions about whether they provide a meaningful check and balance on government surveillance. The bills would reform the FISA courts to ensure they serve this crucial check-and-balance function.

The FISA Court Reform Act of 2013 would ensure that the FISA courts could only issue significant interpretations of law after arguments for and against any expansion of government surveillance are heard and considered. Over the last three decades, the FISA courts' case law (i.e. decisions, precedents) has evolved through a non-adversarial, "ex-parte" process in which the government's interpretation of the facts and law, including its statutory powers, is the only view heard on national security issues brought before the FISA courts. Although in ordinary criminal proceedings surveillance authorizations or search warrants are issued after a similar ex parte process, the legal principles governing this process come from judicial decisions regarding their admissibility or other issues - decisions issued after arguments for and against the issue before the court were heard and considered. The process of the FISA courts is not guided by such principles. In fact, the FISA courts can drastically expand government surveillance without any party other than the government having an opportunity to know or weigh in. The FISA Court Reform Act of 2013 would change this. Specifically, the bill would:

• Create an Office of the Special Advocate (OSA) tasked with advocating in the FISA courts' closed proceedings for legal interpretations that minimize the scope of intrusion into our privacy. The OSA will have the authority to appeal decisions of the FISA courts, and would be staffed by attorneys who are properly cleared to view the classified information considered by the FISA courts and bound by the same confidentiality requirements as the courts' staff and government officials.

• Allow interested parties to participate as amici, in cases involving significant or novel issues of law, most of which will be considered before the Foreign Surveillance Court of Review. Proceedings of the FISA courts would remain secret to protect national security, but the FISA courts would have the advantage of the insights and advocacy of outside experts and organizations.

• Require the Attorney General to disclose past and future significant legal interpretations of the FISA courts and empower the OSA to petition the FISA courts for expanded or modified disclosures that are consistent with valid national security concerns.

The FISA Judge Selection Reform Act would reform how judges are appointed to the FISA courts to ensure that the court is geographically and ideologically diverse and better reflects the full diversity of perspectives on questions of national security, privacy, and liberty. Currently, the eleven judges of the FISC and the three judges of the Foreign Surveillance Court of Review are designated solely by the Chief Justice of the United States. This system has failed to produce a panel of FISA judges representing diverse perspectives. For example, ten of the eleven judges currently serving on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court were appointed to the federal bench by Republican presidents, and since Chief Justice Roberts began designating federal judges to the FISA courts in 2005, 86 percent of his designees have been Republican appointees. Furthermore, half of the Chief Justice's choices have been former executive branch officials. Under the bill, the appointment process for the FISC would be revised as follows:

• The FISC would be expanded to thirteen judges, with each member of the Court to come from a designated federal circuit.

• Upon a vacancy in a particular circuit's FISC seat, the Chief Judge of that circuit would submit to the Chief Justice of the United States a proposed designee to fill the vacancy. The designee must be a federal judge within the proposing Chief Judge's circuit.

• The Chief Justice may accept the proposed designee or reject the designee and then ask for two additional names.

• If the Chief Justice asks for two additional names, he must designate one of those two candidates to fill the vacancy.

Additionally, the FISA Judge Selection Reform Act would change how Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review judges are appointed by requiring the approval of five Associate Justices of the Supreme Court to confirm a designation of the Chief Justice. This should have a moderating effect on the appellate FISA court, filtering out candidates who could present a strong appearance of bias.

The FISA Court Reform Act of 2013 is co-sponsored by Senators Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Murray (D-Wash.), Coons (D-Del.), Franken (D-Minn.), Gillibrand (N.Y.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Tester (D-Mont.), M. Udall (D-Col.), Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Wyden (D-Ore.), Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Markey (D-Mass.). The FISA Judge Selection Reform Act is co-sponsored by Senators Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tester (D-Mont.), Wyden (D-Ore.), and Baldwin (D-Wis.).

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich called on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to make emergency purchases for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to ensure food banks in New Mexico and across the country are able to help families in need. TEFAP buys food and makes it available to agencies, such as New Mexico's Human Services Department, which work with the state's major food banks to distribute to food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. In a letter, Udall, Heinrich and a bipartisan group of 20 other senators urged Vilsack to use existing USDA funds to make bonus purchases of food commodities on behalf of TEFAP in order to make up for its limited food purchases this fiscal year.

"The need for emergency food assistance has outpaced supply at a time of continued elevated unemployment and underemployment, increased food and fuel costs, and reduced funding for TEFAP storage and distribution, increasing the challenges facing food banks. Thirty-seven million people- one in eight Americans- are now receiving emergency food assistance each year through the nation's food banks," the Senators wrote. "With the millions of families across the country continuing to struggle to make ends meet in the wake of the recession, TEFAP commodities are critical to emergency food providers like food banks."

"Child hunger is a serious problem facing New Mexico. With the highest rate of child food insecurity in the nation, I'm committed to supporting local food programs that provide healthy meals for children and families in need," Udall said. "In order to do that, we must ensure our food banks and other programs have the resources to help families through hard times. I look forward to Secretary Vilsack's reply to our request, and I look forward to working with him for New Mexico families."

"Too many children in our state go to bed hungry. We must ensure New Mexico food banks have the necessary resources to effectively provide and distribute healthy meals to children and families in need," Heinrich said. "I am hopeful Secretary Vilsack will heed our call for these emergency purchases to help New Mexico families struggling in difficult times."

According to Feeding America, almost one in three New Mexico children does not have consistent access to food. The Food Depot in Northern New Mexico reported a 30 percent increase in demand for food assistance since the economic downturn. While our economy continues to recover, too many food banks face the prospect of empty or seriously depleted food stocks without additional food supplies.

A copy of the letter is available below:

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
140 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Secretary:

Thank you for your continued commitment in the fight against hunger. We know this is an issue USDA cares deeply about, as was demonstrated last August by the $170 million purchase of meat and poultry products designated for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the recent launch of the U.S. Food Waste Challenge. Food banks across the country are depending on USDA to continue this commitment. We write this letter to strongly urge you to once again use your administrative authorities to distribute existing funding and to do as much as USDA is able to meet demands for TEFAP commodities at food banks. Specifically, we encourage you to make additional bonus purchases in FY 2013 that are designated for TEFAP.

Unfortunately, the need for emergency food assistance has outpaced supply at a time of continued elevated unemployment and underemployment, increased food and fuel costs, and reduced funding for TEFAP storage and distribution, increasing the challenges facing food banks. Thirty-seven million people- one in eight Americans- are now receiving emergency food assistance each year through the nation's food banks In FY 2012, USDA announced $304 million in bonus commodity purchases that were distributed through TEFAP to hungry Americans. Unless additional purchases are made in FY 2013, the purchase amount is expected to only reach $133 million. Food banks are struggling to meet high demand, sometimes unable to fill order requests from local agencies. Such significant shortfalls could be significantly ameliorated by USDA making additional TEFAP commodity purchases and maximizing market surplus opportunities. With the millions of families across the country continuing to struggle to make ends meet in the wake of the recession, TEFAP commodities are critical to emergency food providers like food banks. Our nation's food banks are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the unprecedented need they are experiencing in their communities. According to Feeding America, TEFAP commodities comprise, on average, about 20 percent of the food moving through their network of more than 200 nationwide food banks and 61,000 local partners. Without additional TEFAP commodities, food banks will be hard-pressed to continue providing current levels of food assistance to those in need.

We appreciate your attention to this request and look forward to hearing from you regarding this issue.

Letter to Secretary Vilsack on Emergency Food Assistance Program by Tom Udall

SANTA FE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) announced legislation to help create high-tech jobs and industries in New Mexico by streamlining the process for getting cutting-edge research and development from our state's universities and national labs to the marketplace.

Udall unveiled the bill during a half-day conference and workshop he organized at Santa Fe Community College called, "Technology Transfer: Key to New Mexico's Future." The event brought together some of New Mexico's sharpest minds and successful entrepreneurs and investors, including educators and leaders from New Mexico's national labs. Speakers included former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, Los Alamos National Laboratory Chief Technology Officer Duncan McBranch and Sandia National Laboratory Director Paul Hommert.

"New Mexico is home to some of the brightest minds in science and some of the most innovative entrepreneurs. From a new ultrasound technology that can be used to screen for breast cancer, to a device that tests for biotoxins, our labs and universities are already a launching pad for exciting - even revolutionary - new products," Udall said. "If we can harness that potential, New Mexico can lead the nation in high-tech innovation."

The event was co-sponsored by Technology Ventures Corporation (TVC), the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), and Santa Fe Community College. The conference was divided into three high-level discussions intended to generate an exchange of ideas between all participants regarding the key aspects of technology transfer between research and business. The discussions were followed by a workshop for participants.

"I'm extremely excited and inspired by the level of discussion here today," Udall said. "My legislation builds on the conversations we had here at Santa Fe Community College and works to address some of the key challenges in the Department of Energy's tech transfer process. Our goal is to reduce bureaucracy so we can get cutting-edge research and technology from the workbench to the marketplace, leading to a 21st century boost for entrepreneurship and job-creation across the state."

"Since the Bayh-Dole Act was passed in the 1980's, New Mexico has always taken a leadership position in technology transfer initiatives. Sen. Udall's initiative represents a bold new vision of what is possible in technology transfer when the laboratories, entrepreneurs, industry, the investment community and non-profits work together for a common purpose. If the wide participation in this event is any indicator the next 30 years will be very exciting," said John Freisinger, President & CEO of Technology Ventures Corporation.

"The RDC is thrilled with Senator Udall's leadership around technology transfer. Our organization works to build partnerships between Los Alamos National Laboratory and local communities to identify resources that can spur our economy. Today's event is an excellent example of how working together we can find ways to create more high paying job opportunities for New Mexicans," said Kathy Keith, Executive Director of the RDC.

"Santa Fe Community College is honored to have been asked by Senator Udall to host this critical meeting, "Technology Transfer: Key to New Mexico's Future," said Dr. Ana M. "Cha" Guzmán, President of Santa Fe Community College. "SFCC is positioned to train New Mexicans in state-of-the-art programs - such as renewable technologies, solar energy, biofuels - that will support Senator Udall's vision for the future. Together with our partners in the region, we will continue to position New Mexico as an economic driver for technology and innovation."

Tentatively called The Technology Transfer Invention, Innovation, and Implementation Act, Udall's bill is designed to better facilitate public-private partnerships at the federal, state and regional level.

"New Mexico is well-positioned to build on the cutting-edge research being done at the national labs, universities and military installations and turn it into high-tech jobs in communities across our state. But improved coordination at DOE between government and private enterprise is critical to creating successful high-tech industries," Udall added.

Udall's bill, which will be introduced in the fall, tackles the challenges in three parts. It:

• Permanently authorizes new tools for the Secretary of Energy's new department-wide technology transfer office to enable DOE to implement tech transfer responsibilities, measure, and report their progress. The Office of Advanced Research Tech Transfer and Innovation in Energy (ARTTIE) will have an office in DOE headquarters, which will be connected to a network of already existing tech transfer offices at each of the national labs.

• Authorizes the DOE to create a new Entrepreneurs in Energy Corps (E2-Corps), modeled after the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps, to support investments in entrepreneurs, mentors, scientists and engineers, who are the key drivers responsible for implementing innovation.

• Adapts an existing public-private partnership model used by the Small Business Administration and USAID for economic development and applies it to technology transfer in a way that realigns incentives to make tech transfer an elevated priority in the Department of Energy's mission.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham, are calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to hold a public forum in New Mexico to give constituents the opportunity to provide detailed input and feedback about their access to quality behavioral health services as a result of recent changes in Medicaid service providers. The letter comes after payments to 15 providers that deliver 87% of Medicaid-covered behavioral health services in the state were suspended pending the outcome of fraud investigations.

"As you may know, the state has entered into a contract with outside companies from Arizona to assume operations and services. Numerous constituents have reported to us that this process has disrupted the system of care across communities for this vulnerable population. Such an infrastructure takes decades to build in our largely rural, underserved state and necessarily includes many sole providers vital to the fabric of community infrastructure," the letter states.

In the letter to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, delegation members request a public forum in the next two weeks. "Hearing directly from our constituents will offer additional data and stories of personal experiences with service disruptions," they wrote.

"While the State has publicly affirmed on a number of occasions that there have been no gaps in service due to this issue, we are alarmed by the increasing reports to the contrary from advocates, providers, consumers, and families regarding significant disruption to access to quality care. We have heard from constituents and their caregivers, all of whom are anxious, fearful and confused about what to expect. They have had appointments delayed and cancelled, and changes in providers with whom they had relationships of trust," the letter continued.

The letter requests that "that department officials from Washington visit New Mexico to conduct a public forum and hear firsthand from local stakeholders" and that the visit "take place within the next two weeks given the time-sensitivity of the concerns including reports of disruption to services needed for school-age children prior to the start of the school year in mid-August."

A copy of the letter is available here and the text is below:

August 14, 2013

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Sebelius,

As you are aware, the State of New Mexico is in the process of investigating allegations of fraud against 15 behavioral health providers that offer Medicaid services and has suspended payments to those organizations. We want to thank you for your ongoing involvement to protect the integrity of the process and the needs of beneficiaries. As your staff has indicated, this is a unique situation involving almost the entire behavioral health system in the state (87% of services are rendered by the providers from whom payments have been suspended pending outcome of the investigation) and will require a unique solution. As you may know, the state has entered into a contract with outside companies from Arizona to assume operations and services. Numerous constituents have reported to us that this process has disrupted the system of care across communities for this vulnerable population. Such an infrastructure takes decades to build in our largely rural, underserved state and necessarily includes many sole providers vital to the fabric of community infrastructure. We appreciate and support the need to stamp out fraud and abuse where it occurs. We also believe that such a sweeping change warrants immediate and comprehensive oversight by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that the integrity of this process is maintained.

We understand that CMS has been in daily communication with the State since at least June to ensure that appropriate transition plans are in place. We appreciate this ongoing assistance and request that you broaden the scope of your efforts. While the State has publicly affirmed on a number of occasions that there have been no gaps in service due to this issue, we are alarmed by the increasing reports to the contrary from advocates, providers, consumers, and families regarding significant disruption to access to quality care. We have heard from constituents and their caregivers, all of whom are anxious, fearful and confused about what to expect. They have had appointments delayed and cancelled, and changes in providers with whom they had relationships of trust. We have also heard from multiple sources that a significant number of clinical staff have left the programs and, in some cases, have left the state entirely. While these occurrences are expected in a time of transition, the extent of the change warrants careful oversight.

Your staff at CMS has told us they would like to hear directly from New Mexico stakeholders and beneficiaries about their experiences and that they plan to start reaching out to groups by phone. We will gladly continue to provide your department with the names of stakeholders who can provide detailed input. However, we also request that department officials from Washington visit New Mexico to conduct a public forum and hear firsthand from local stakeholders. We further request that such a visit take place within the next two weeks given the time-sensitivity of the concerns including reports of disruption to services needed for school-age children prior to the start of the school year in mid-August. We understand that you are monitoring a number of systemic impacts of this transition, including changes in call center volume, emergency room visits, referral trends and clinical staff turnover, but hearing directly from our constituents will offer additional data and stories of personal experiences with service disruptions.

As New Mexico's behavioral health system undergoes this transition and Medicaid expands its eligibility this fall, we would appreciate being informed of your department's plans to assure continuity of care. We appreciated the confirmation from CMS that the State is not in jeopardy of losing its Medicaid funding during this process. We also understand that CMS explicitly communicated to the State that it has discretion and flexibility in granting good cause exemptions from suspending Medicaid payments in cases of credible allegations of fraud. We know that you have received several letters from members of the New Mexico State Legislature expressing similar concerns and we urge you to respond to them as soon as possible so that they may weigh their options for intervention, should they feel it necessary and appropriate.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Tom Udall
Senator Martin Heinrich
Congressman Ben Ray Luján
Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham

Letter to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Medicaid Service Providers by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has ceased burn pit operations at one of two camp sites supporting Operating Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Its closure follows Udall and Corker's recent call for immediate action to halt the use of open-air burn pits after findings by Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that found the burn pits were utilized without need and at great danger to the health of U.S. military and civil personnel.

In a letter to Udall and Corker, Lieutenant General Curtis Scaparrotti, director of the Joint Staff, informed the senators that burn pit operations at Camp Leatherneck were officially terminated on July 29, 2013, and that burn pit operations at Forward Operating Base Salerno will be strictly controlled until the base closes in December 2013. In response to the senators' request, he also indicated that service members' records reflect their service at specific locations and all are briefed by medical professionals on health hazards at and near each installation, including burn pit locations and operations.

"I am glad to see that the Department of Defense has taken action to halt the use of open-air burn pits at Camp Leatherneck and is working to notify service members of the risk of open-air burn pits, but there is still more work to be done at Forward Operating Base Salerno," said Udall. "I will continue to push to end this dangerous practice that exposes our men and women to toxic air pollution, especially when other methods of disposal are possible."

"This decision will limit the effects of open-air burn pit exposure among our troops still serving in Afghanistan, and when coupled with the burn pit registry, it will allow us to fulfill our obligation to make all veterans aware of health risks associated with their service so they can access any related benefits," said Corker.

The text of Lt. General Curtis Scaparrotti's letter can be found here and below. The original letter sent by Udall and Corker on July 18, 2013 can be found here.

Camp Leatherneck currently consists of about 13,500 U.S. military and civilian personnel. An "alert" letter from the Inspector General on July 11, 2013 noted the health concerns associated with breathing the toxic smoke emissions from open-air burn pits: "The toxic smoke from burning solid waste increases the long-term health risks for camp personnel, including reduced lung function and exacerbated chronic illness, ranging from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."

Udall and Corker's action in July was built on bipartisan legislation coauthored by the senators and signed into law earlier this year to create a registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Udall became an advocate for a burn pit registry after meeting Albuquerque veteran MSgt. Jessey Baca and his wife Maria. MSgt. Baca has faced a multitude of health problems believed to be associated with burn pits and has advocated for helping service members in similar situations.

The law championed by Udall and Corker mandates establishment of an open-air burn pit registry, similar to those created to track Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome, for individuals who may have been exposed during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. It aims to help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determine to what extent air pollution caused by open-air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members. It also includes a public information campaign to inform individuals about the registry and periodically notify registry members of significant developments associated with burn pit exposure.

The registry has not yet been established by the VA, and multiple senators have pressed the VA to accelerate its progress and increase outreach to affected veterans. Udall, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, successfully included language in the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill urging the VA to detail its implementation efforts for the registry, improve and present a plan for increasing outreach to veterans and their families affected by open-air burn pits, and provide an explanation of how the VA plans to inform VA physicians about the findings of the registry to improve care for veterans. The committee's report requires the VA to present its plan within 60 days.

Joint Staff Letter to Udall and Corker on Burn Pits by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that the Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program (NMCAP) will receive $5,494,451 a year for the next five years, totaling more than $27 million to continue their Head Start projects helping children in Valencia, Socorro, Cibola and McKinley counties. In 2012, Mid-West NMCAP helped nearly 1,000 children, with almost 75 percent living in households with income below the federal poverty line.

"New Mexico's future relies on the success of its children, and we know that giving children a strong early start in school can make all the difference," Udall said. "Head Start is a key educational and wellness program that helps our children and families who need it the most. While this funding will help our partners continue some of this essential work, the sequester has undermined many programs like Head Start. This is unacceptable, and I will continue to work against these cuts that disproportionately hurt New Mexico's most vulnerable children and families."

The Head Start program provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

The Community Action Partnership was established in 1971 as the National Association of Community Action Agencies and is the national organization representing the interests of the 1,000 Community Action Agencies working to fight poverty at the local level.

The funding is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

LAS CRUCES, N.M. ­- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced today that the state of New Mexico and five counties will receive a combined $10 million in border security and emergency preparedness funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Otero counties will share $3,146,501 through a program called Operation Stonegarden, while the state of New Mexico will receive $3,459,364 through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and an additional $3,801,166 through the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program.

"This funding is excellent news for New Mexico law enforcement agencies and will allow our state, local governments, and DHS to build on the progress they've made to improve border security," said Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee which allocates funding to federal agencies like DHS. "We must be vigilant in protecting our citizens from terrorism and preparing our communities for emergencies and natural disasters, and I will continue making sure we are providing resources for border states like New Mexico that have unique challenges."

Beginning today, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Otero counties will be allocated a total of $3,146,501 through Operation Stonegarden, a Homeland Security Grant Program that provides funding to enhance coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to secure the United States' international borders. For more information on the Operation Stonegarden program, click here. A complete breakdown by county is included here:

Doña Ana County - $936,747
Grant County - $245,638
Hidalgo County - $813,767
Luna County - $950,349
Otero County - $200,000

In an additional grant, the state of New Mexico will receive $3,459,364 through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) for the fiscal year 2013. This funding supports the implementation of state homeland security strategies to help New Mexico prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. For more information on the SHSP, click here.

Finally, the state will receive $3,801,166 through the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG). This funding assists state, local, and tribal governments in providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States from hazards, including natural disaster hazards. For more information on the EMPG, click here.

All three grant programs are administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s Federal Emergency Management Agency's collective Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). According to DHS, the program plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient Nation. For more information on the National Preparedness System, visit http://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-system

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is inviting New Mexico college students interested in gaining experience in a congressional field office to apply for fall internships in his Santa Fe, Portales, Carlsbad, Las Cruces and Washington, D.C., offices.

To apply online or download an application, please click here or visit http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/internships. Students or individuals looking for more information on internships in the New Mexico offices can also call (505) 346-6791.

"Congressional internships are an invaluable experience for anyone interested in public service," said Udall. "As interns, students will get a first-hand look into how Congress works while playing an important role in my office."

Currently, Udall's offices in Washington, D.C., Portales, Las Cruces, Carlsbad and Santa Fe are offering internships for the fall 2013 semester. The Albuquerque office is accepting applications for the 2014 spring and summer semesters.

Students interested in fall internships are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to accommodate for the interview process.

Internships in any of Udall's offices may count toward college credit. Students should check with their respective college or university for requirements. College students who are from New Mexico or attend New Mexico schools are given first preference, and students of all majors are encouraged to apply.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce announced the U.S. Department of the Interior will return $26 million in mineral royalty payments to the state of New Mexico as a result of the N.M. lawmakers' call for the state to be rightfully paid under the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA). 

In fiscal year 2013, administration officials unilaterally made the decision that state's share of royalties under the MLA would be subject to sequestration - automatic, across-the-board federal government spending cuts. The New Mexico delegation uniformly opposed the move, which would cost 35 states a total of $109 million, including $26 million from New Mexico in 2013, and similar amounts in future years. The delegation, along with lawmakers from other Western states, led a bipartisan call for the administration to return the payments. In a May 16 letter, they also noted the hardship that states and local communities would experience if the sequestered revenues were not returned.

Today, the Interior Department responded to the delegation's request by announcing it will return the fiscal year 2013 royalty payments beginning on October of this year, which is the start of fiscal year 2014. As long as sequestration is in place, it is expected that future funds will still be subject to sequester in the year they are collected, but they will be returned the following fiscal year - in effect, refunding the funds to states after a delay. At the end of the fiscal year, the amount to be refunded to New Mexico is expected to be $26 million.

"This is extremely good news for New Mexico -- I'm very pleased that the administration has seen reason and will return the revenue owed to states from energy production on federal lands," Udall said. "These funds are the result of an existing agreement for mineral development. They provide a vital source of funding for public education and other functions New Mexicans rely on, and the federal government shouldn't be using them to balance its books. I'm relieved that we were able to reverse this aspect of sequestration and restore $26 million back to our state this year and in years ahead."

"I'm pleased the Department of Interior heeded our call to return $26 million in mineral royalty payments to New Mexico that were withheld due to sequestration," Heinrich said. "Our federal lands and natural resources provide significant revenue that fund infrastructure, education, and flood protection projects, which are especially critical for rural communities across New Mexico. I will work to ensure every dollar is returned and continue to protect these much-needed funds that belong to our state."

"Returning these funds to New Mexico and other states that receive mineral royalty payments is the right course of action and will have an important impact in communities across New Mexico," Luján said. "These payments represent a significant source of funding that help support vital programs and critical investments that make a difference in the lives of the people of New Mexico."

"This is great news for our state," Lujan Grisham said. "The Department of Interior's announcement reaffirms what I said previously: these mineral royalties belong to New Mexico, and they should stay in New Mexico. I'm proud to have fought for New Mexico, and I'm pleased that these mineral royalty payments will once again be able to support our schools, hospitals and infrastructure."

"I'm pleased that the Department of the Interior has decided to return the mineral royalties withheld earlier this year," Pearce said. "It is unacceptable that a unilateral decision in Washington can so easily cut off millions of dollars that are the lifeblood of western states like New Mexico. New Mexico's classrooms and communities should not suffer at the whim of D.C. bureaucrats-the Administration's reckless handling of this issue led to delays and uncertainty that are sure to impact our economy."

Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Department officials about the issue during an Appropriations subcommittee hearing while asking that they reevaluate their decision and solve the issue administratively. For full video of the exchange, click here.

The full text of the letter from the Department of the Interior can be viewed here and below:

Letter from Department of the Interior on MLA Payments by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the march on Washington:

"Today I join the people of New Mexico, American civil rights leaders and all who are watching around the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the march on Washington. Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. offered a moral vision of what our nation could be, with a dream that inspired us to move mountains toward the promised land of equality.

"Dr. King also reminded us that social justice is a work in progress. Fifty years since the march on Washington, we again are considering the issue of voting rights, and I call on citizens and government leaders at all levels to protect and enhance-rather than curtail-the right to vote. I look forward to a new era in which we work to overcome the injustice and inequality that still exist in our society. So long as there is bullying in our schools, or unequal justice on our tribal lands, or conflicts beyond our borders, or civil rights in question, we must continue marching - to create a world in which we work together shoulder-to-shoulder nationwide for equality, just as we strive to do in all four corners of our state.

"We can also honor Dr. King's legacy by providing economic opportunity in all of our communities, and by expanding the American dream to all who work for it. As a senator for New Mexico, I will continue fighting for this every day I have the opportunity to serve, to help achieve Dr. King's dream for all New Mexicans and all Americans."

 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today issued the following statement on the president's announcement that he will not take military action in Syria without congressional approval:

"The President's decision to seek congressional approval for military action in Syria is the right call and one I have consistently advocated in accordance with our Constitution and the War Powers Act.

"The use of chemical weapons by Assad and his regime is deplorable and deserves our condemnation, but in a representative democracy, it is the duty of the U.S. Congress to approve any military action that would enter our armed forces into hostilities overseas where there is not an imminent threat to our national security.

"I have worked with members of both parties in the Senate, through legislation and the appropriations process, to ensure the president seeks congressional approval before U.S. military force is used, and I will continue to assert that Congress must approve any force that places our service members into hostilities.

"The president must continue to make his case to the Congress and the American people, and I look forward to the debate we will have before any further action is taken. In the meantime, I remain skeptical about further U.S. involvement in a Syrian civil war and continue to oppose the arming of rebels who may be allied or affiliated with Al Qaeda, and I believe that a concerted diplomatic effort must continue, as well as an effort to provide needed humanitarian aid.

"I will be evaluating the evidence and policy options as well as listening closely to the opinions of New Mexicans."

Udall, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, has been a vocal opponent of further U.S. involvement in Syria. In a speech from the Senate floor on June 17, 2013, he cautioned against embroiling ourselves in the Middle Eastern civil war and was one of only three senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote against arming an unorganized rebel insurgency in Syria.

On June 20, 2013, he introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Rand Paul (R-KY) to prohibit the president from using any funds on activities that would escalate U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall successfully included an amendment to the Senate FY 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that would prevent the use of defense funds for any military action in Syria in violation of the War Powers Act. The amendment was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-10 on August 1, 2013, but it was not voted on by the full U.S. Senate.

WASHINGTON - Today, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) said he has grave reservations about further U.S. intervention in Syria and asked tough questions about whether the administration's planned bombing campaign would further pull the United States into the Syrian civil war.

"We're being told we're bombing in order to send a message, but what message are we sending?" Udall said during the hearing with Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"To the international community, we're saying once again, the United States will be the world's policeman. You break a law, and the United States will step in. We are on shaky international legal foundations with this potential strike," Udall continued. "And we need to know whether we exhausted all diplomatic and economic sanction options to affect Syria's behavior."

Among the steps Udall would like to see the United States take is to push Russia and China to stop supporting Assad's regime.

"I don't believe we should have given up so easily," Udall said in one exchange with Kerry during the hearing. "We haven't taken Russia to task. We haven't taken China to task."

Today's hearing was the first of several briefings that will take place - both classified and public - before the full Senate votes on whether to approve the administration's proposed Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Syria.

While Udall has not decided how he will vote on the proposal, he is skeptical of greater intervention in Syria's civil war, which he fears will lead to further escalation of the conflict. He is weighing the facts presented in this week's briefings and will consider the final text of the AUMF before making a final decision.

Udall said today that he wants answers to a number of questions, among them:

• How can we prove to the American people, who are skeptical after years of war in the Middle East, that we mean it when we say that we are committed to a limited strike that does not include ground forces?
• If we weaken Assad, will we strengthen the extremist forces in Syria - which are potentially even more dangerous?
• Why haven't we tried harder to gain international support through the United Nations and push Russia and China to drop their support for Assad?

Udall has been a vocal opponent of sending heavy weapons to the Syrian rebels and further embroiling the United States in the Syrian civil war. In a speech from the Senate floor on June 17, 2013, he cautioned against action in the Middle Eastern civil war and was one of only three senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote against arming an unorganized rebel insurgency in Syria.

On June 20, 2013, he introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Rand Paul (R-KY) to prohibit the president from using any funds on activities that would escalate U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall successfully included an amendment to the Senate FY 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that would prevent the use of defense funds for any military action in Syria in violation of the War Powers Act. The amendment was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-10 on August 1, 2013, but it was not voted on by the full U.S. Senate.

The following is Udall's opening statement as delivered:

Like everyone here, I deplore what Bashar al-Assad has done to his own people. By attacking them with chemical weapons, Assad has committed an atrocious crime so heinous that international law singles it out as an assault deserving of international action. Let there be no mistake: I fully agree his horrific acts deserve an international response.
But what should that response be? That is why we are here today - to ask that question and many others. And I hope this hearing will do more than just rubber stamp a decision that has already been made by this administration.

I have grave concerns about what the administration is asking of us, of our military, and of the American people.

Here's the situation as I see it. With limited international support, we are being told the United States must retaliate for the use of chemical weapons with a "surgical" bombing campaign of our own.

We're being told we're bombing in order to send a message. But what message are we sending?

To the international community, we're saying once again, the United States will be the world's policeman. You break a law, and the United States will step in.

We are on shaky international legal foundations with this potential strike. And we need to know whether we exhausted all diplomatic and economic sanction options to affect Syria's behavior.

We need to increase our attention on the source of Assad's ability to continue to ruthlessly kill his own people - and that is support from nations including Russia and China, who are cynically trying to hold the moral high ground. Assad would not be able to maintain his grip on power if he were not being supported from outside. The full force of international outrage should come down on those nations that are refusing to allow the UN to act and find a solution.

Finally, I see this potential bombing campaign as a potential next step toward full-fledged war. We've been here before.

The Iraq war began as an international effort to kick Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. And then years of a no-fly zone and airstrikes to prevent Saddam from threatening his neighbors or reconstituting his arsenal of chemical weapons. And as we all know, this limited military action eventually led to what is one of the biggest blunders in U.S. foreign policy. A war that I voted against.

Many who voted for it came to regret that vote. Americans are understandably weary.

After the fiasco of Iraq and over a decade of war, how can this administration make a guarantee that our military actions will be limited? How can we guarantee that one surgical strike will have any impact other than to tighten the vice grip Assad has on his power - or allow rebels allied with al-Qaeda to gain a foothold in Syria?

I take our role here extremely seriously. And I will hear the president and his team out. The president made the right decision to pursue an Authorization for Use of Military Force. I hope these hearings will give the American people the answers they deserve.

But there are troubling questions that need to be answered.

For video of the hearing, click here.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) voted in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to oppose a resolution authorizing military action in Syria in response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons. The resolution passed the committee by a vote of 10-7. The full Senate will consider the resolution by next week.

Udall said that while he believed Assad must be deterred from attacking his own citizens, Udall opposed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) because he feared the administration's proposal would further embroil the United States in the Syrian civil war. He further said he is concerned that the administration can't guarantee that strikes would not have the unintended effect of further violence within Syria.

Udall added that he has received hundreds of calls, letters and social media responses from New Mexicans, the vast majority of them opposed to U.S. military involvement in Syria.

"We should not take it lightly that the American people are not with us. New Mexicans are tired of war," Udall said. "They know what the administration is proposing won't provide us assurance that Assad will not attack again - that it won't ensure that his regime will not retaliate in some way."

"The truth is that we cannot guarantee that even a ‘surgical' strike will prevent the United States from being embroiled in war," Udall continued. "We should not enter into a conflict until we've exhausted every diplomatic and international option. We have not done that. The risks of the actions we are contemplating now are too great."

Udall has been a vocal opponent of sending heavy weapons to the Syrian rebels and further involving the United States in the Syrian civil war. In a speech from the Senate floor on June 17, 2013, he cautioned against action in the Middle Eastern civil war and was one of only three senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote against arming an unorganized rebel insurgency in Syria with links to terrorist groups.

On June 20, 2013, he introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Rand Paul (R-KY) to prohibit the president from using any funds on activities that would escalate U.S. involvement in the Syrian civil war.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall successfully included an amendment to the Senate FY 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that would prevent the use of defense funds for any military action in Syria in violation of the War Powers Act, which requires Congressional authorization for the use of military force in most circumstances. The amendment was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-10 on August 1, 2013, but it was not voted on by the full U.S. Senate.

For video of Udall at the hearing today, click here.

The following is Udall's statement as delivered during today's hearing. 

Thank you Chairman Menendez and let me thank you and Ranking Member Corker for your efforts to revise the AUMF presented by the president for consideration by Congress. Clearly, this AUMF is an improvement over what was originally proposed, but at this point I don't see how I can support it and how I can support it in the future.

I want to repeat that I am horrified by what Bashar al-Assad has done to his own people. He has committed a heinous act and a violation of the Geneva Convention no doubt about it. However, I still believe this proposal is the wrong course of action for the United States and its military.

I am voting no because this policy moves the United States toward greater American conflict and increasing regional conflict. This is a very complicated sectarian civil war. Some of the rebels share our values and want an open society. Many others are allied with al-Qaeda - and a greater threat to the United States than President Assad ever was. U.S. military involvement, no matter the limits at this point, will likely only pull us toward greater involvement, and with no clear end game.

I remain concerned that we have not sufficiently made our case internationally.

As I said yesterday, our attention should be on the source of Assad's ability to continue to ruthlessly kill his own people - and that is support from nations, including Russia and China, which are cynically trying to hold the moral high ground.

Assad would not be able to maintain his grip on power if he were not being supported from outside. The full force of international outrage should come down on those nations that are refusing to allow the UN to act and find a solution.

Instead, an attack on Assad puts us on shaky legal ground internationally.

Just as the president is stronger with congressional support, we are much stronger with international support. But we do not have the support of some of our key allies. We cannot achieve a UN mandate.

Our recent history also should serve to make us very cautious. Vietnam started with U.S. advisers and a limited Naval presence. It led to all-out war and a quagmire that cost the lives of thousands upon thousands of U.S. service members.

The Iraq war began as an international effort to kick Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. As we all know, this limited military action eventually led to what is one of the greatest blunders in U.S. military history.

We cannot afford another Iraq, another conflict that costs American and Syrian lives and leaves the world less stable as a result of our actions.

Finally, I want to say that we should not take it lightly that the American people are not with us.

I personally have received hundreds of calls and letters from New Mexicans. I've talked to scores myself over the last couple of weeks.

Over 90 percent of the calls and letters have been opposed to escalating our involvement in Syria.

New Mexicans are tired of war. Americans are tired of war. They're worried about the stress it puts on our economy and our military. They're worried about the safety of our troops - their husbands, wives, son and daughters.

They know what the administration is proposing won't provide us assurance that Assad will not attack again, that it won't ensure that his regime will not retaliate in some way. The truth is that we cannot guarantee that even a "surgical" strike will prevent the United States from being embroiled in war.

We should not enter into a conflict until we've exhausted every diplomatic and international option. We have not done that.

The risks of the actions we are contemplating now are too great, and I cannot support this proposal.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) moderated a panel discussion and delivered a speech at the "Transformational Solutions for Water in the West" conference to explore ways to address the future demands on our limited water supply.

Udall has also long pushed for sustainable solutions to water shortages and drought in New Mexico and the West. Last year, he co-hosted the 57th Annual New Mexico Water Conference at New Mexico State University to address the impact of water scarcity and explore possible solutions to help New Mexico adapt to the ongoing drought. In April, he issued a report detailing 40 proposed actions developed from the conference and the discussion afterwards. For more information about the conference and the report, click here.

Today's conference, held at the University of New Mexico, was hosted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and the Atlantic Council.

Below are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

I am very excited to see Sandia stepping up and playing a key role responding to one of the most important challenges facing New Mexico and the West-water scarcity.

Today's meeting is about 10 miles from the Rio Grande, that vital river, sustaining life in this part of the world for well over 1,000 years.

The long-term mean flow for the river at this time of year is over 600 cubic feet per second. And now? Just over 100 cubic feet per second. Of course it could be worse - and it has been worse.

Here's a picture taken when I was in Southern New Mexico in April of this year at the Rio Grande. Or as some are calling it these days, the Rio Sand. That's some dry New Mexico humor for you.

The reason for today's meeting is sobering. Our water supply and our consumption is out of balance, even with ongoing efforts at conservation. Many water professionals who are here today know this in very technical and precise terms. Farmers know this in very real and personal terms.

I believe New Mexicans also have a growing sense of this reality. We have the responsibility to help communicate what we know, what we don't know and work for collaborative solutions.

Today's meeting stresses a crucial point. We have to think outside the box. Solutions need to be "transformative."

We know this drought is the worst since at least the 1950s. We don't know how long it will last, but history shows it could be a very long time.

Our part of the world has run the gamut from relatively wet times to relentless drought. According to research, the last 100 years or so has been relatively wet. That's our baseline. Then we have to talk about climate change.

Climate scientists tell us that rising global average temperatures do not "cause" specific droughts or specific catastrophic fires-like the recent ones in New Mexico, Arizona and California. But as James Hansen says, climate change is "loading the dice" for more extreme events. That's a gamble we can't afford - it's bad for the environment, bad for the economy and bad for communities.

A Sandia study estimated the economic impacts state-by-state looking at the expected impacts of climate on water supplies. The total costs of climate change due to water supply impacts are staggering. They are estimated at $1 trillion dollars for the nation as a whole over the next 40 years. The total cost to New Mexico would be over $25 billion dollars.

A recent Los Alamos study was equally alarming. Looking at the effects of climate change on Northern New Mexico's forests, it found that they could be nearly all gone in 50 years. That's a major impact on our water supplies as well.

These are big concerns, big challenges. So last year, I teamed up with the New Mexico State University and the Water Resources Research Institute to co-host a water conference in Las Cruces. We listened to experts with different perspectives. We heard from all the living former New Mexico state engineers and from folks in the community.

Earlier this year, we released a white paper on what we had learned. That paper is available on my website. I would like to flag a couple of the most interesting points.

- First, water information is lacking-especially with groundwater. Even worse, water information is at risk of being lost. Federal funding cuts are putting America's streamgage network at risk. In response, I am making basic water information and science a priority in my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

- Second, there is great untapped potential for water conservation. But a key question often goes unasked - and unanswered - is: where do the water savings go? If they go to allow more water use elsewhere, then we haven't conserved water. And in fact have made the system even less resilient to future shortages.

- This last point raises hard questions: what are the water resource limits to growth in the West? How do we make our communities resilient? What are the transformative solutions? Research-including from institutions like our national labs-is necessary on this point.

- Finally, when people see a big problem, they want a big solution. The history of the West is marked by massive federal water investments: the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, the Rio Grande Project. Most observers think this era is over. The financial and environmental obstacles are too great. We can't count on a pipeline from the Mississippi River. We have to be more creative.

Last week, America marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, led by Dr. Martin Luther King. In his famous speech 50 years ago, he spoke of "the fierce urgency of Now." He also warned against the "tranquilizing drug of gradualism." That's how I feel about water in the West. The danger is clear, and we have to act to protect our way of life in the West.

I'm hopeful about everyone here's work. I'm doing all I can in my position, but elected leaders are going to need your help. In Dr. King's time, the United States Congress was not known for embracing the fierce urgency of Now.

Today, we still have that problem. But here are some things I am working on - where we are seeing some movement. The Senate Energy and Water Appropriations bill for next year includes important language for a new water acquisition program on the Rio Grande. This was inspired by the water conference and the White Paper.

The goal is to build a long-term water supply and to ensure we have a living river that can meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act but avoid draconian regulatory actions. The provision calls for sensible efforts, including water metering for irrigators on the Middle Rio Grande, a geographic database of water rights, identifying willing sellers or leasers and a pilot acquisition program through the Bureau of Reclamation. These issues are easy to start conflict, but I am encouraged by the cooperation.

- Federal agencies are moving towards this kind of program even though changing bureaucratic direction is hard.
- The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District is voluntarily doing the right thing, working collaboratively.
- And environmental groups are working on outreach and solution-not just litigation.

We're going to have to see a lot more of this.

Next week, the Senate plans to debate energy efficiency legislation. It is a modest, but valuable bipartisan bill. I am proposing an amendment that addresses the energy-water connection.

Treating water is an expensive and energy intensive process. EPA estimates that 14 percent of all treated water is lost to leaks - wasted water, wasted money and wasted energy.

One of the ideas explored in our White Paper was "smart water" infrastructure, systems and sensors that will be able to determine drops in water pressure, that can identify leaks and breaks immediately, or even before they occur, investments that save utilities-and water users like you and me- both water and money - and reduce emissions from wasted energy.

It's a modest bill, so it's a modest amendment: $15 million dollars to jump start pilot projects to lower the costs of innovation and implementation nationwide.

We have an impressive and growing number of allies in this effort. We're working with the major water utility associations, with the US Council of Mayors, with DOE and EPA and companies like GE, Intel, IBM and American Water.

We're going to cover some of these issues in more depth. How much water do we have, the energy-water connection and the federal role in water management. But that is enough from me. I am most excited to be here and learn from you. I am happy to do some Q and A, but feel free to offer suggestions, ideas or comments as well. Following that, I am also really looking forward to moderating the next session. Thank you and I look forward to the discussion.

 

SANTA FE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement following the news that missing Jemez Ranger District Engine Captain Token Adams has died.

"I am thankful for Token Adams's courage as he fought fires to protect all of us, and I am thankful to the crews who worked through difficult conditions to find him. His death is a very sad loss for our community and a reminder of the risks our firefighters and first responders face every day to keep our communities safe. My deepest sympathies are with Token's family, his friends and his crewmates during this difficult time."

PINE HILL, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall was in rural Western New Mexico to celebrate the grand opening of the Oso Vista Ranch Project office expansion in Pine Hill and discuss the importance of federal support for community farm projects and new initiatives to expand telehealth and broadband access to the Ramah Navajo and Ramah areas.

At the event, Udall heard from Oso Vista Ranch Project officials, Native Foods and the El Morro Valley Cooperative on how federal development grants have empowered healthier communities in the Pine Hill area. Oso Vista recently received a $50,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Enterprise Grant to establish a small blue corn processing facility, a Ramah Navajo farmer's market and educational workshops for area growers. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Udall is a long-time supporter of the USDA Rural Development program.

Udall also toured a community farm with Randy Chatto of Native Foods to learn more about how the organization helps Ramah Navajo community members grow native vegetables and make native foods like blue corn. For photos of the visit, click here.

Second, Udall heard from community members about ways he could support their goals to expand broadband Internet access and utilize its capabilities for telehealth technologies. The Ramah Navajo community, which has little to no broadband Internet access, is currently applying for a USDA Community Connect grant to bring 100 Mbs of broadband access to the remote areas. Udall has been a leading advocate for expanding broadband in rural areas and has worked for many years to add more access to tribal communities.

"Today is about more than a new building, it's about celebrating the collaboration taking place here," Udall said. "Smart investments and partnerships like the ones we are seeing in Pine Hill are empowering Native American and rural communities, and I am so proud of the work you are all doing. By working together, we can build more healthy communities while growing our economy all over rural New Mexico."

During the day's program, Udall gathered with local elected officials, representatives from the Ramah Navajo School Board, Ramah Navajo Chapter House, Pine Hill Clinic and the public. Ms. Ramah Navajo Princess, Leilani Charley, offered a traditional song for guests and the Ramah Veterans Honor Guard presented the posting of colors.

"We are so grateful that Senator Udall made the trip to our rural community to help us celebrate the grand opening of our expanded offices," said Margaret Merrill, Executive Director of the Oso Vista Ranch Project. "He understands the needs of these frontier areas and sees our proposal to bring broadband Internet access to the Ramah Navajo area as a fundamental link for both education and business development. He is very concerned about the loss of providers at our community health clinic and believes that for an area as remote as ours, telemedicine is the answer. Senator Udall's presence at our celebration made the day very memorable for us all."

With enhanced broadband access, Oso Vista plans to provide distance learning classes for Ramah Navajo and Ramah area residents through real-time classroom connections at NMSU-Grants. This would allow the community to add certification and continuing education classes to build the capacity for more jobs in the area and lower the high unemployment rates. It would also allow the Pine Hill Clinic to operate at full capacity, keep essential healthcare service in the community and allow field health workers and EMTs to increase the level of care given to area residents, utilizing telehealth technology with doctors from UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, a national leader in telehealth.

"I have been a strong advocate for expanding both telehealth and broadband because of the potential it can have on communities like Ramah," Udall said. "I am very proud to see everyone coming together to help one another and I look forward to working with them to help expand these promising projects."

Pine Hill encompasses communities in the Zuni River Watershed, made up of Pine Hill, Mountain View, Village of Ramah, El Morro and the Pueblo of Zuni. It is about 55 miles southeast of Gallup.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall applauded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) allocation of $5.18 million from the Connect America Fund (CAF) to expand and improve broadband service to nearly 9,000 New Mexico households. This announcement follows Udall's efforts to urge the FCC to free up unused funds that would help close the digital divide between urban areas that have access to high-speed Internet and rural areas that do not.

"Reliable high-speed Internet is critical to leveling the playing field between rural and urban communities," said Udall. "Broadband access carries with it new opportunities for small businesses, education and telehealth medicine, but today's challenge is expanding it to the areas that are hardest to reach -- areas that are also hurting the most economically. I'm fighting to ensure the reach of the Internet is extended to all of New Mexico's communities, large and small. I worked with the FCC and broadband providers to put these existing funds to use, and I am glad to see our effort pay off here in New Mexico."

After learning last year that a majority of Phase I CAF broadband funds would go unused due to eligibility requirements, Udall urged the FCC to refine the CAF rules to find a way to use all available resources to expand broadband coverage to rural areas. In two letters, he underscored the importance of quickly expanding broadband access to rural New Mexico.

In June, the FCC announced the policy change that would unlock the remaining funds, and announced last month that broadband providers Windstream, CenturyLink and Frontier would receive $5.18 million from CAF and equally match the funds to expand broadband service to 8,782 unserved and underserved New Mexico households - reaching approximately 22,800 people.

The Connect America Fund was created by the FCC to accelerate broadband to the millions of Americans living in rural areas who currently have no access to robust broadband infrastructure. This second round of funding from Phase I of CAF marks the continuation of the most significant public-private effort in history to ensure that every American home and business has access to broadband by the end of the decade. The push will spur economic growth and boost the nation's global competitiveness.

Here is the estimated breakdown of how many N.M. households will benefit from the new CAF funding:

Windstream: 3,378 households
CenturyLink: 2,781 households
Frontier: 2,623 households
Total: 8,782 households (approx. 22,833 people)

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, repeated his call for the United States to use diplomatic, economic and political pressure to ensure Russia and Syria keep their commitment to surrender Syria's chemical weapons to the international community for destruction.

He issued the following statement after President Obama's speech:

"The single greatest reason Bashar al-Assad has been able to remain in power is that he is receiving support from outside governments, including Russia. I have consistently said that the only viable solution is to bring international pressure on Russia and other governments aiding Assad to force them to do the right thing. While we must take a ‘trust-but-verify' approach, the developments of the last two days are evidence that an international diplomatic solution is still possible - and military strikes are not the only option. I am pleased to see that the president and some of my colleagues who have argued for imminent military strikes are now calling for time to pursue diplomatic options.

"I hope the Russians are serious in their proposal - we have good reason for skepticism. As the Senate considers resolutions to resolve the crisis in Syria, we must keep up the diplomatic pressure to ensure Russia follows through on its commitment. Resolutions that would escalate the situation toward military action are reckless and risk dismantling the delicate international agreement. The American people have spoken clearly that they want this problem to be solved without the United States involving itself further in another Middle Eastern civil war. We should listen."

Last week, Udall voted in the Foreign Relations Committee against the proposal to authorize the use of military force in Syria.

Earlier today, Udall discussed his position in a media conference call with N.M. reporters and later in a speech on the Senate floor.

The following are Udall's remarks as delivered:

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the very serious vote before us - the vote to authorize force against Syria. But, let's be clear. This is a vote to authorize an act of war. The American people are watching. They know what this is: a dilemma with no easy answers. They know it could spiral out of control. It has happened before, and it could happen again.

The use of chemical weapons is an outrage. What happened in Syria was despicable. The horror is clear - the world cannot look away. This crime is a crime against humanity. It demands an international response - strong and unequivocal. On this we can all agree.

However, what should that response be? The president has presented a plan for military strikes on the Syrian regime - an attack that has been presented to the American people as limited in scope, but one with great consequences.

So, we are confronted with urgent appeals to strike. But I believe there are strong reasons not to do so.

First, we should pursue all diplomatic and economic options to pressure both Assad and his backers to change course. We have not yet done that to the fullest extent.

We all know that the Russian government is aiding and abetting the criminal regime in Syria, supplying military support, providing diplomatic cover, preventing an international response to this atrocity. The world is rightly outraged. That outrage should be loud and clear, and the full force of international condemnation must be exerted - not just against Assad.

As of this week, there are signs that Russia may be getting the message. If their proposal to help secure Syria's chemical weapons is sincere, then we should welcome this opportunity. We should work with the international community to make this a reality. The inability to use chemical weapons in this conflict will restore the international norm we seek to uphold and prevent a recurrence of the horrors we have seen.

If Russia aims to be a responsible world power, and not a rogue nation, they will seek solutions, not obstruction. They are a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Let's hold their feet to the fire to do what is right. The president's mandate is stronger with congressional approval, and the mandate of the United States is stronger with international support. I would urge Ambassador Power and Secretary Kerry to keep up the pressure on Russia, make the forceful case to the Security Council, continue to share the evidence with the people of the world.

This situation will not be solved with tomahawk cruise missiles fired into Syria. It will require a concerted international effort to push Assad and the various rebels to pursue a political solution. But for us to go it alone, to take unilateral action, that will put us on shaky ground legally and strategically.

Second, the proposal to use military force could embroil the United States in a complex Middle Eastern civil war. There is a cancer in Syria from Assad to al-Qaeda. The civil war is a twilight zone comprised of multiple players internationally, regionally and within Syria. Many of the rebels do not share our values. Some-we don't know how many-are enemies of the United States and our allies. Many of these rebel groups have also committed terrible atrocities. Tilting the balance too far in their favor is not in our nation's interest and will not leave Syria safer for innocent civilians.

These strikes have been presented as limited and targeted, but last week there were reports about expanding military targets, of regime change. Even the resolution we are considering today includes veiled language, language that could make it the policy of the United States to tilt the momentum in the civil war and endorse the policy of arming the Syrian rebels - a policy that I and others believe is very dangerous-arming rebels whom we know too little about.

Third, there is a real risk that even limited U.S. military involvement may make Assad feel more desperate. Putting our allies Israel, Turkey and Jordan at risk of attack. This could spark a regional war, creating a situation on the ground where Assad may be more, not less, inclined to use chemical weapons. And, as with so many elements here, the question occurs: what then?

Here's the reality. There is no simple solution, and the American people know this. I understand that there is a natural instinct to want to retaliate, to strike out. No one can forget the horrific images, the terrible suffering of the victims. But we need a clear strategy, one that will not mire the United States in a bloody and uncertain civil war. I remain unconvinced that we have such a strategy in place.

The Iraq war, which I voted against, began as an international effort to kick Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. There followed years of a no-fly zone and airstrikes to prevent Saddam from threatening his neighbors or reconstituting his arsenal of chemical weapons. As we all know, these limited military actions led to one of the biggest blunders in U.S. history.

Americans are understandably skeptical after the fiasco of Iraq. They want to know if we are going down the same path in Syria and into a civil war that is far more complex and potentially damaging to the U.S. and its interests. Limited attack - or broader. There is no easy way out of quicksand. Have we not learned at least that after 12 years of war?

I have listened to the administration's arguments closely, as well as the opinions of New Mexicans.

The American people do not believe a limited strike will deter Assad. They fear that a quick strike will just lead us further toward direct involvement. They rightly ask: for what purpose? And to what end?

Public officials should NOT always let polls be their guide before making important decisions for our country. But I agree with the majority of Americans and New Mexicans. We must exhaust our political, diplomatic, and economic options first.

This is not a lack of resolve. America has the greatest military on earth. No one should doubt that we will defend our interests and our allies. But a military strike in Syria is the wrong response in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I come to the floor not to push my colleagues one way or another. Each of us must make up his or her own mind. I come here simply to explain my reasons for voting no on this authorization for use of military force in Syria.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today released the following statement on the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks:

"Today we pause to remember those who lost their lives and honor the brave men and women who were called to duty that fateful day. We commemorate those who sacrificed all to make our country safer, and recognize those who continue to serve in New Mexico and around the world.

"As we look back on the last 12 years, we can be thankful that we are now winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we must remember that much work remains to support our armed forces, military families and our veterans.

"Today we also pay special tribute to our emergency personnel and first responders who keep us safe in our own communities. After the recent deaths of firefighter Token Adams and the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots, New Mexicans are especially mindful of - and thankful for - those who risk their lives to protect us every day. We will never forget them."

In an op-ed published in USA TODAY, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reaffirmed his opposition to military strikes in Syria and explained his vote against the authorization for use of force during the committee's consideration of the measure last week.

Here are some highlights. Read Udall's full op-ed here.

"...a limited U.S. strike is unlikely to eliminate chemical weapons or save lives, and it is a dangerous step for the region.

"...in punishing Syria for violating an international norm, we risk violating another international norm against the use of military force except in self-defense of a country or its allies, or when authorized by the United Nations. We aren't acting in self-defense, and we haven't exhausted our political, diplomatic and economic options.

"...the United States cannot afford to become embroiled in another Middle Eastern civil war. The Syrian rebels are infiltrated by extremists who could turn their weapons on us and our allies tomorrow."

"Though we must take a 'trust but verify' approach, Russia's call for an international team to secure Syrian chemical weapons could change the course in Syria. We are far more likely to prevent further chemical attacks by continuing to push for an international coalition against Assad than by retaliating unilaterally.

"The administration has not made a credible case for military strikes. Getting further involved in another Middle Eastern civil war is the wrong answer to this very grave situation."

Udall's op-ed was offered in response to a USA TODAY editorial also published today.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) welcomed news that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will take steps to prevent telecommunications operators from dropping calls from rural customers.

During a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Udall, who chairs the subcommittee, secured the promise from FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn that FCC regulators will ensure providers will no longer discriminate against calls coming from rural areas.

Video of the hearing is available HERE.

"I am very pleased that the FCC will take action," said Udall, who has long fought for the FCC to fix the problem of rural dropped calls. He recounted the story of a rural N.M. resident whose heart stopped, triggering his ‘life alert' device to call his doctor.

"When his doctor tried to phone him, the call did not go through," Udall said. "Thankfully, this situation did not become a tragedy. But it highlights why FCC action is so important. Frankly action cannot come soon enough. So thank you for your announcement today."

According to the FCC, the problem stems from the fact that some long-distance and wireless carriers contract with third-party "least-cost routing" service providers to connect calls in rural areas to their destination at the lowest cost possible. Although many of these contracts include strictly defined performance parameters, all too frequently those performance levels are not being met and some calls are not even connecting at all.

Clyburn announced that she will propose new rules for the FCC to consider in the coming days to "ensure all rural Americans receive their phone calls."

During the hearing, held on the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Udall emphasized the need for the FCC to complete its work on improving first responder communication networks to save lives in future emergency events, a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission that remains unfinished.

Udall also highlighted other key communications needs for rural New Mexico. He urged the FCC to address the need to expand rural broadband, and next generation 9-1-1 service for cell phones.

New Mexico ranks 49th in the nation in Internet access, and 34 percent of New Mexicans lack access to Internet services. On tribal lands, just an estimated 10 percent of residents have broadband access.

Udall continues to be a strong supporter of ensuring all Americans have access to the Internet, even the most rural communities, to help build economic and educational opportunities.

"Broadband is a key infrastructure challenge for our time. But the nation that invented the Internet now ranks behind other countries when it comes to high-speed Internet access," Udall said after the hearing.

"This appalling digital divide creates real hardships for people, particularly in emergency situations. I was pleased to hear from FCC Chairwoman Clyburn and the other members of the Commission that they understand the need to bridge the digital divide. I'm going to continue pushing to ensure the federal government keeps up its commitment."

The following is Udall's opening statement:

Good morning. I am pleased to convene this hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. I welcome my ranking member, Senator Mike Johanns, and other colleagues who have joined me on the dais today.

I also want to welcome our witnesses, especially Mignon Clyburn, the acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. Chairwoman Clyburn thank you for your service. I look forward to your testimony.

Also with us are Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai. Both are dedicated public servants who previously served on the staff of the Senate Commerce and Judiciary committees. I look forward to their testimony as well.

Today we are meeting on the anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a day that is seared in our nation's history. And we are reminded that our nation's communications networks do more than just help keep us in touch with friends and family, or entertain us with TV and music, or facilitate commerce. In emergency situations, our communications networks save lives.

Just as we will never forget the 9/11 attacks, we will never forget the heroic first responders who ran to the rescue. Lack of inter-operable communications led to the further loss of life, fixing this remains a key unfinished recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

As Commission co-chair Thomas Kean has said: "When fireman can't talk to policeman, can't talk to rescue workers, medical personnel, people die." Congress thus gave the FCC a vital task: to ensure that communications services are available to "all the people" of the United States.

Helping make sure that calls to 911 can be made in emergencies, that pilots can communicate with control towers, and consumers can benefit from the latest wireless innovations. I look forward to hearing a report from you about the progress we're making to ensure that our first responders are able to communicate during an emergency.

Last year, Congress enacted legislation that instructs the FCC to conduct spectrum auctions to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband use. Auction proceeds will also help fund the "First Net" public safety network and generate revenue for the US Treasury.

The FCC is also currently engaged in another important task: modernizing the more than $8 billion dollar Universal Service Fund to meet our nation's broadband challenge.

The United States invented the Internet. But now we lag behind many countries when it comes to broadband access. This is especially so in rural parts of New Mexico, the West and the nation as a whole. The FCC conducts its work with about 1,735 full-time employees. That is the lowest number in decades.

This committee's fiscal year 2014 appropriations bill sets the FCC budget at $359.3 million. A modest increase from the fiscal year 2013 enacted level. FCC spending is fully offset by regulatory fees and proceeds from spectrum auctions.

This committee has an important responsibility: ensuring that the FCC uses those funds wisely on behalf of the American people. There are two basic questions. What are the resource needs of the FCC? And what are the consequences of shortfalls?

I have the honor of chairing this subcommittee with Sen. Johanns, and I look forward to working with him on a bipartisan basis on these important FCC issues.

I now turn to our Ranking Member, Senator Johanns, for any remarks that he would like to make.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, announced in a speech on the Senate floor that he will push for three measures designed to save energy and water and boost the market for clean energy production.

The common-sense measures will be introduced as amendments to a major energy efficiency bill being debated now in the Senate. All build on work he has done to promote water and energy efficiency as a way to save money, help create jobs and ensure a diverse energy portfolio. The Senate is expected to continue debating the bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act through next week. For video of Udall's speech, click here.

"In New Mexico, we know the value of conserving water and making smart use of our resources - and we know all too well that we don't have water to waste. These amendments reflect those values," Udall said.

"For example, taxpayers spend billions of dollars a year and waste as much as 6 billion gallons of water because of inefficient water systems. To continue this practice while the Southwest and other regions are facing extreme drought is ridiculous, and in some of our communities it's downright dangerous," Udall continued. "We can do better. My amendments would make investments to help communities conserve energy, use less water - and save taxpayers' money."

Udall's amendments would:

• Create three to five smart water system pilot projects around the country jointly supported by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency and designed to support innovative energy-efficient water systems. The project would help water utilities, which devote as much as 60 percent of their operating costs to energy, and save customers money.

• Promote water conservation to help communities and families reduce costs. The amendment would authorize an expansion of the federal government's WaterSense program, the water conservation answer to EnergyStar. It also would support local and state rebate and incentive programs that encourage customers to buy water-efficient products and landscaping. And it would establish a "Blue Bank" to provide grants to help water and sewer utilities invest in water supply management, planning and water-efficiency and reuse.

• Create a nationwide Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) requiring that 25 percent of our nation's energy come from renewable sources - such as wind and solar - by 2025. Over half the states in the nation have an RES already. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Udall introduced and passed an RES. It was the first legislation he introduced in the U.S. Senate.

"A national RES will guarantee a market for solar, wind and other clean energy sources. And it would spur the creation of thousands of high-tech jobs that can't be outsourced," Udall said. "An RES is a key part of the kind of ‘Do It All, Do It Right' energy policy that we need in New Mexico and nationwide. An RES goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency to encourage smart energy use. I've long fought for a national RES, and the time is right to put this idea back on the table."

The following are Udall's remarks as delivered on the Senate floor:

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss several amendments to the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. First, I want to thank Senators Shaheen and Portman for working on this important legislation for so long. Energy efficiency is critical for our future, and this bill takes us in the right direction.

I again want to thank my colleagues, Senators Shaheen and Portman, for their work. And I look forward to continued bipartisan efforts as we address the energy needs of our country.

There are a few areas where I think we need to take additional steps.

My first amendment connects energy and water efficiency. Many people do not realize that water efficiency IS energy efficiency.

Three to 4 percent of our national electricity consumption is for water and wastewater services each year. That's about 5 to 6 billion kilowatts, and $4 billion dollars a year in costs. That is a lot of energy - and a lot of money.

Talk to the water management professionals in your state. They will tell you that these costs add up. Quickly. The energy-water nexus is one that cannot be ignored.

The Energy Committee has been engaged in the water-energy nexus for some time, both under Senator Bingaman and continuing under Senator Wyden's leadership.

Water and wastewater utilities are typically the largest consumers of energy in towns and cities, often accounting for 30 to 40 percent of total energy consumed. As ratepayers, we all pay those bills.

And inefficient systems don't just cost money. They waste huge amounts of water - as much as 6 billion gallons per year is lost. Let me repeat that: 6 billion gallons of water a year. Wasted. That is enough water to serve 10 of the largest cities in this country - or the entire state of California.

To continue this practice while the Southwest and other regions are facing extreme drought is ridiculous, and in some of our communities it's downright dangerous.

We can do better, and we have to. Efficiency of U.S. water and wastewater pumping facilities is about 55 percent. But for a new well-designed pumping facility it's 80 percent.

Consider this: If water and wastewater utilities could reduce energy use by just 10 percent, it would save about $400 million annually.

My amendment calls for $15 million dollars to support smart water system pilot projects - supporting innovation and the kind of investments today that will pay off tomorrow.

Our amendment is fully offset. This is not about adding costs. It is about reducing the costs for ratepayers.

So I believe this amendment is worthy of bipartisan support. We have support from almost every major water utility association and from the technology industry. It should be included on any amendment list.

Putting innovation to work in three to five cities is a first step. The program will be jointly managed by the Department of Energy and the EPA to create incentives for public-private partnerships - lowering the cost of innovation, applying best practices to the public and private sectors, to eventually benefit communities across the entire country.

I also plan to introduce a second, more ambitious amendment to improve the water efficiency of our homes - to save water and to lower costs for American families. The average family of four in our country uses 400 gallons of water every day. My amendment will provide funds to states, local governments and utilities to implement incentives and rebates for consumers to purchase water-efficient products and landscaping.

In addition, the amendment will authorize the EPA WaterSense program, similar to the Energy Star program, to enable WaterSense to improve and expand its labeling system for water efficient appliances, plumbing fixtures and landscaping and new homes.

My amendment also establishes a grant program called "Blue Bank," providing water and sewer utilities with grants for important investments in climate change adaptation, including advanced water supply management, modification of infrastructure, improved planning, and water efficiency and reuse.

Finally, I will offer an amendment for a Renewable Electricity Standard to get to 25 percent renewable electricity by 2025. The first legislation I introduced as a U.S. senator was to create a national RES. The time is right to put this idea back on the table.

Renewables are a crucial part of our energy mix. A national RES will create thousands of jobs that cannot be outsourced and will help revitalize rural America. It has worked in over half the states in the country by guaranteeing a market for wind and sun and other clean energy sources.

Renewable energy is a key partner of energy efficiency in a modern energy system. They are often installed side-by-side, increasing the payback in energy savings and reducing emissions and fighting climate change.

Our nation needs a "Do It All, Do It Right" energy policy to address global climate change and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil - those are big threats - but also a big opportunity. We can create a clean energy economy that leads the world in producing the jobs of the future.

Whenever I can, I travel the state to hear from New Mexicans firsthand. Over the last month, as Congress held its annual state work period, I had the opportunity to visit with constituents and community leaders throughout the state. We talked about ways I can help New Mexico through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and we followed up on many projects that are helping create jobs and grow our economy.

During our visit to the Eastside, I met with constituents, local officials, military leaders, veterans and rural economic development supporters to talk about the work we are doing in Roosevelt, Curry, De Baca and Guadalupe counties.

I first toured a lab at the Eastern New Mexico University Agriculture Department with Dr. Darron Smith, to follow up on research for which I helped secure funding. Dr. Smith and his students are researching renewable algae-based feed for cattle, which could have economic benefits for New Mexico's rancher and dairy communities.

Following the meeting, I was proud to officially cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of my new Eastside office - my fifth field office in New Mexico, serving residents in Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt and Union counties. We had a great turnout at the event in the Roosevelt County Enterprise Center, and I look forward to serving residents of the Eastside through this new office.

The next day, we drove up to Clovis for a tour of the veterans' community based outpatient clinic (CBOC) to discuss veterans' care and telehealth technology. I watched a live demonstration showing how veterans in Clovis can get care from doctors and nurses at the VA center in Amarillo, TX. I have been a strong supporter of using telehealth technology to serve rural veterans. It's a revolutionary way to ensure residents of our rural communities can get the care they need without having to travel long distances.

From the VA clinic, we headed over to Cannon Air Force Base, where I met with Cannon's new commander, Colonel Tony Bauernfeind, and visited with military servicemen and women there. I also got to see first-hand the construction taking place to support military families, and talk about how I can further support the mission of the 27th Special Operations Wing through my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The remainder of our Eastside trip took place in sunny De Baca and Guadalupe Counties. I met with Fort Sumner Irrigation District leaders about my legislation to transfer the title for water works on the Pecos River from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to the Fort Sumner Irrigation District. Water and drought are some of the most important issues we are facing in New Mexico, and meetings like this will help me make sure local communities get the resources they need from the federal government.

In Santa Rosa, we celebrated the opening of a the long-awaited Guadalupe Family Practice, a dental clinic serving residents in Guadalupe County. In 2010, the community received a federal block grant from the USDA Rural Development program, which I have long supported to provide economic opportunity and critical services to New Mexico's rural communities.

We are making progress on the Eastside, but we have work ahead to create more good-paying jobs and grow our economy. I want to thank everyone for their hard work and hospitality in each community I visited, and look forward to working even harder for your priorities in Washington.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, announced that airports in Albuquerque and Santa Fe will receive a combined $7.5 million for taxiway improvements. The funding will pay for critical repairs and an expansion of infrastructure.

Albuquerque International Sunport will receive $5 million in grant support for a project to rehabilitate Taxiway A. Santa Fe Municipal Airport will receive $2.5 million in grant support for a project to build a new taxiway. Both projects are funded under the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, authorized by federal aviation legislation passed by Congress. The Sunport is the state largest airport with commercial flights to a variety of destinations. Santa Fe Municipal Airport restarted commercial airline service in 2009.

"These infrastructure projects will help put New Mexicans back to work while also making our airports safer and more efficient," Udall said. "Air travel is critically important to New Mexico's businesses - and especially its tourism economy - to bring visitors from around the country and the world to the Land of Enchantment. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I'm proud to support programs to ensure our airports have the funding they need for maintenance and expansions and to help grow our state's economy."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), spoke before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in support of the nomination of New Mexico native Michael Connor to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department.

A Las Cruces native and NMSU graduate with degrees in engineering and law, Connor currently serves as Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. He previously ran the Interior Secretary's Indian water rights office before moving to the U.S. Senate as counsel to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee under former Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), who served as the committee's chairman and ranking member.

For video of Udall at the hearing, click here. 

The following are Udall's remarks as delivered to the committee:

It's an honor to speak after Senator Bingaman. I think that when Senator Bingaman expresses an opinion about an employee who worked for him for eight years, it's very important to take that into consideration

Mike Connor is somebody who has incredible integrity. He has the capacity to work across the aisle. You all on this committee have seen that when Chairman Bingaman was in place. It's an important thing to have somebody like that, who understands the Hill, who understands how things work in Congress, to be in these administrative positions.

I would just say in his job at BOR, that Mike Connor has held, water is an absolutely critical issue for the nation and to the West, and he is focused like a laser beam on the issue.

Many of the issues we have in the West, as some of the Western senators know, revolve around disputes - tribal disputes, state and federal. And Mike Connor has been somebody who's brought to the table the idea that you can resolve these disputes - you can implement settlements. And I've seen him in our home state of New Mexico, with Senator Bingaman, do that on a regular basis. We've had some very, very good tribal settlements, and they've mediated some very tough environmental disputes.

We all know, in terms of water, we're going to have this overlay of climate. You look at the big basins in the West and there's going to be less water. Mike is on top of that. He understands the issue, and I think he will work with us to find commonsense solutions. I couldn't agree more with Senator Bingaman.

I compliment Secretary Jewell for her choice. I think he's the ideal person to carry out the duties of deputy secretary of the Interior, and I would recommend him most highly.

We all know infrastructure projects like roads, dams and bridges, are important to keep our New Mexico communities and businesses strong, but we want to ensure they're done right without wasting taxpayer dollars, polluting rivers and streams or harming historic artifacts.

Since 1970, the National Environmental Protection Act has helped us strike that balance. The process can be improved, however, and that's what we discussed in a Senate Environment & Public Works Committee hearing this week, held at my request.

NEPA was created to ensure the environmental consequences of federal projects are fully evaluated before decisions are made, saving taxpayer dollars and preventing waste. It also makes sure that the public has a voice in decisions that affect the health, safety and economic well-being of millions of Americans.

Legitimate concerns have been raised about whether NEPA is working as effectively as it could, and there have been efforts to roll back some of NEPA's provisions in order to help streamline the process for approving federal projects. I pushed for a hearing about it because I want to make sure we're making thoughtful, careful decisions.

I'm eager to work with my colleagues in both parties to find solutions. We must continue making sure the NEPA process is followed correctly but also work to move infrastructure development forward in a way that will truly increase efficiencies and promote smarter projects.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham sent two joint, bipartisan letters asking the president to act quickly on the state of New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo's requests for disaster assistance from the severe July floods.

Storms in the period from July 19-28 caused flooding and other damage in communities across New Mexico, with some of the worst effects seen in the Central Rio Grande Valley including Bernalillo, Sandoval, Socorro and Valencia counties and the Cochiti, Kewa (Santa Domingo), San Felipe and Sandia Pueblos. The Santa Clara Pueblo, which is downstream of land damaged in the Las Conchas fire of 2011, also experienced severe flooding. As a result, the state and the Santa Clara Pueblo have each asked for a federal disaster declaration, which would provide federal assistance for restoration, debris removal and cleanup.

In their letters - one on behalf of the state and the other on behalf of Santa Clara Pueblo - the lawmakers urged President Obama to "take prompt action" on the requests for aid. The lawmakers added that severe floods in the last week have compounded the damage, causing multiple community evacuations, further public infrastructure damage, landslides and damaged homes across the state.

"It is our understanding that FEMA Region 6 has already started to carry out Preliminary Damage Assessments in several counties. We appreciate this quick action and would encourage the agency to continue its work with communities in New Mexico, including the tribal communities that have been severely impacted," the lawmakers wrote.

"We...encourage you to carefully and quickly assess Governor Martinez's major disaster declaration request," they added. "Further, we ask for your continued attention to the more recent and extreme flooding in New Mexico, and request your expedited assessment of related disaster requests."

In the case of Santa Clara Pueblo, the lawmakers wrote, "In light of the ongoing losses and possible long-term impacts from flooding during the time period of July 19-21, 2013, we would request your expedited attention to Santa Clara Pueblo's request for disaster designation and assistance."

Copies of the letters regarding the disaster assistance requests from the state and the Santa Clara Pueblo can be found below.

9-18-13 Letter to President Obama on Santa Clara FEMA Request by Tom Udall

9-19-13 Letter to President Obama on Federal Disaster Declarations in New Mexico by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, U.S. Senator Tom Udall submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record recognizing the tremendous contributions of Hispanic Americans in New Mexico and across the country:

"Mr. President, September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to remember and to celebrate the integral role of Hispanic Americans in the economy, culture and identity of our nation.

"In New Mexico, we enjoy a rich Hispanic heritage that goes back over 400 years. Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, was founded a decade before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanics of any state. From the Spanish colonists to immigrants from Latin America, the Hispanic community has informed our history, our art and our sense of who we are as a people.

"New Mexico is blessed with a blend of cultures and backgrounds like nowhere else. Our state is called the Land of Enchantment, not just for the beauty of our landscapes, but also for the vibrant diversity of our culture.

"The annual Spanish Market in Santa Fe is the largest exhibition of traditional Spanish Colonial and Hispanic art in the United States.

"New Mexico is home to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which is the fastest growing cultural institution in our state. The Center, located in Albuquerque, is a guardian of Hispanic arts, culture and humanities, reaching people throughout the world.

"Like America as a whole, the Hispanic community is itself diverse, representing a rich mosaic of nationalities and backgrounds. Its values of family, faith and hard work are the values that unite all of us as Americans and New Mexicans, and make us both more compassionate and stronger. Indeed, the story of Hispanics is a vital part of the American narrative - of overcoming hardship, of sacrifice, persevering and helping one another.

"During times of war and peace, at home and abroad, the Hispanic community has been a rich part of the fabric of the American story. From the time of the Revolutionary War, Hispanics have fought and died for our freedoms. Forty-one have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military honor our nation can bestow. And Hispanics continue to contribute in communities throughout the nation - in business, in education and the arts, and at every level of government service. Their talents and sacrifices are integral to our past, and crucial to our future.

"The late Dennis Chavez from New Mexico was the first American-born Hispanic to be elected to the U.S. Senate. He was a trailblazer for the people of New Mexico and for the Hispanic community. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and to represent such a diverse state.

"This month, as we celebrate the historic achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans, we should also remember the challenges we face and dedicate ourselves to meeting those challenges. With comprehensive immigration reform, and working together for vital education, health care and economic development initiatives, let us commit ourselves to ensure that Hispanic families in New Mexico and across the nation have an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, delivered the following response to the administration's proposed limits on carbon pollution from new power plants:

"Global warming is not just a problem of the future; it's one of the greatest economic and public health challenges of today. We've seen the impacts in New Mexico and across the arid West. Taking steps to reduce carbon pollution will fight climate change, while helping to create jobs and keep our air and water clean.

"Today's announcement, which was required by the landmark Clean Air Act, is about reasonable, common-sense solutions that will protect our children and future generations. It will help lay the foundation for the energy economy we deserve - cleaner, more efficient, and worthy of the most advanced country in the world."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, welcomed the news that the U.S. Department of Transportation will make immediately available $2 million in emergency relief funds to help New Mexico cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by the severe storms this month.

"Communities across our state are cleaning up from devastating floods, and many are facing expensive repairs to roads and bridges and other public infrastructure that is critically important in their daily lives," Udall said. "We have many weeks and months of cleanup ahead. I'm very glad that the DOT is making available an initial pool of emergency funds, and I'm committed to doing everything I can to ensure the federal government keeps its pledge to provide the resources and assistance New Mexico needs to help make our communities whole again."

Earlier this week, Udall and the entire New Mexico congressional delegation wrote letters to the president supporting requests by the state and Santa Clara Pueblo for disaster assistance related to severe storms in July. The lawmakers also urged the president to work with the state and tribal governments to ensure a full and prompt response to the September storms.

According to the U.S. DOT, repairs from the September storms are so far estimated to be at least $9 million. The number is expected to increase as officials continue to assess the damages

The initial $2 million will be provided through the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program. It will be used to reimburse the state for emergency work. Roads and bridges in counties and tribal jurisdictions across the state were washed out or severely damaged, including a section of I-40 about 30 miles west of Albuquerque, where a sinkhole formed. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Udall is a strong supporter of emergency assistance to states and local and tribal governments.

According to the U.S. DOT, FHWA will provide additional funds in the future as permanent repairs are identified and cost estimates are completed.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, announced that he has called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately address N.M. claims processing errors highlighted in a recent report by the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (VA OIG). Numerous problems were found at the Albuquerque VA Regional Office (VARO), including that the office incorrectly processed 40 percent of the disability claims reviewed, and incorrectly processed 10 of 28 traumatic brain injury claims.

The findings "represent a level of service well below the expectations of New Mexico veterans," Udall wrote in a letter to VA Under Secretary for Health Robert Petzel.

Udall has repeatedly urged the VA to work quickly to reduce the backlog in disability claims by veterans. He met with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki earlier this year to discuss the department's plans to improve the processing of benefit claims nationwide. Incorrect processing, such as what the VA OIG found in the Albuquerque VARO, leads to an increase in appeals, which exacerbates the backlog.

"The claims processing crisis within the VA has been a great disservice to our veterans returning home after over a decade of war," Udall wrote in his letter. "Reports such as this do not increase confidence that the VA is ready to turn a corner on the issue, but they are necessary to ensure that VARO and the VA can take the strides needed to provide our veterans with the services they have earned and that I - and all America - expect of the VA."

The VA OIG's report identified specific recommendations to fix the problems found in the Albuquerque VARO.

Udall called on the VA to immediately implement these recommendations and report back on the outcome. "I look forward to an update on the implementation of these recommendations and will continue to work with the VA to further the goal of reducing the claims backlog facing our veterans," Udall wrote.

The full text of the letter is available below.

Letter to VA on VA Regional Office in Albuquerque by Tom Udall

Visiting with New Mexicans is one of the most important ways I stay in touch with our state's priorities. Earlier this month, I traveled to Western New Mexico to get an update about programs we've been working on together and to hear about ways I can continue to be a good partner, particularly on the issues of rural development, expanding broadband access and improving health care.

I had a great visit in the small community of Pine Hill, near Gallup, where I learned more about how local leaders are using their talents and traditions to create jobs and encourage healthy lifestyles.

With help of a $50,000 federal community development grant I supported, the Oso Vista Ranch Project is working with Native Foods and the El Morro Valley Cooperative to establish a small blue corn processing facility, a Ramah Navajo farmer's market and educational workshops that include training on growing native vegetables and making native foods.

I was excited to celebrate the Oso Vista office expansion and tour one of the community farms to see the excellent results coming out of these projects. I look forward to ensuring they can expand by helping them access federal resources like the USDA Rural Development program. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, I'm proud to champion USDA's programs to strengthen our rural communities.

During my visit, I also heard about plans to expand broadband Internet access. I've been a leading advocate for expanding broadband in rural areas and on tribal lands like Ramah Navajo because no matter where you live, you should have access to the Internet. Expanding broadband is key to economic development and would also expand education and health care services to community members - like distance learning and real-time classroom connections at NMSU-Grants, which would help create jobs and lower unemployment. Broadband would also allow the Pine Hill Clinic to connect with doctors from UNM Hospital. Using telehealth technology, field health workers and EMTs can better serve the community.

Improving health care in Indian Country is another important priority of mine, and I was pleased to cohost a health care workforce roundtable at UNM-Gallup. I joined local health care experts to talk about ways we can create partnerships to strengthen education and career pipelines and help meet the demand for health care jobs in Western New Mexico.

As health care reform takes effect, the demand for health care jobs will increase. Through these partnerships, we can put people to work while improving health care services across New Mexico.

Smart investments and close collaboration in places like Pine Hill and in Gallup are empowering Native American and rural communities. I'm so proud of the work that local leaders are doing. By continuing to work together, we can build stronger, healthier communities.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, announced that he is joining a bipartisan group of senators in cosponsoring a bill to protect military pay in the event of a government shutdown.

The Military Pay Protection Act, which is based on a similar proposal introduced in January, would ensure the nation's military families, including National Guard units assisting in disaster recovery, and critical Defense Department civilian workers, would not see a delay in their paychecks if the government were to shut down.

"Our military men and women put their lives on the line for our safety and security," Udall said. "The least we can do is ensure they aren't harmed financially by the dysfunction in Washington."

Earlier today, Udall delivered a speech on the Senate floor and spoke to reporters in a news conference call about the impact the looming government shutdown would have in New Mexico.

Watch Udall's speech HERE.
Audio of the press conference call is available HERE.

Udall expressed his frustration with how much time and money are being wasted as federal agencies in New Mexico and across the country prepare for a possible shut down.

"I'm pretty tired of these threats, and I know New Mexicans are too," Udall said. "I'm doing everything I can to prevent this from happening again."

New Mexico has about 27,000 federal civilian employees, more military members, and thousands of other contractor employees. If the government shut down, even for a short time, thousands of employees would be sent home from agencies, including the military bases, national parks and monuments. Veterans' benefits and military pay could be delayed. And Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers, currently in New Mexico tallying damage from the September storms, could be affected.

Udall added that as a member of the Appropriations Committee, he's working to find common ground with his colleagues not only to move past threats to shut down the government, but to pass full appropriations bills rather than temporary spending measures.

"I'm optimistic we can avoid a shutdown, but Congress can't keep governing like this. Funding the government in short-term bursts is doing real damage our economy and our communities," Udall said. "The countless small business contractors that do work for the federal government need certainty - employers don't hire for 75 days."

Additionally, the future of some federal work is in jeopardy if Congress can't pass regular appropriations. In New Mexico, for example, the success of Sandia National Laboratories' B-61 life extension program, which is a vital part of the nation's stockpile stewardship program, depends on our national labs receiving the funding they need to carry out their mission.

"I've been working with Energy Secretary Moniz to discuss ways we can keep the B-61 program on track - as a matter of national security," Udall said. "And as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I'm talking with my colleagues constantly to try to find common ground. I'm urging Congress to think about the taxpayers and work together to move past these fights."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced his support for a new bipartisan bill to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and ensure Americans' rights to free speech and freedom from unreasonable searches are protected.

"The National Security Agency's mission is to protect our nation from foreign threats, and I support that goal, but it is becoming clear that millions of Americans' communications are being swept up in their dragnet," Udall said. "I have been concerned about the potential for abuse of these programs for years. We need to take action to ensure we're safeguarding Americans' constitutional rights as we protect our national security."

The FISA law, as well as Patriot Act provisions that broadened FISA authorities, are the legal basis for the surveillance activities of the National Security Agency (NSA). These intelligence programs have come under increasing scrutiny following revelations of that the NSA was conducting widespread surveillance of U.S. citizens' telephone and online communications and violating privacy protections.

The authority to collect intelligence under FISA is currently approved by the special FISA court, which meets in secret and issues secret opinions. Only one side is represented before the FISA court - the government.

If enacted, the Intelligence Oversight and Surveillance Reform Act would:

• Prohibit bulk collection of Americans' phone records; 
• Prohibit bulk collection of Americans' online communications records, including email; 
• Create a Constitutional Advocate to argue against the government when the FISA court is considering significant legal and constitutional questions;
• Give law-abiding citizens the ability to challenge the government's claims that this surveillance is constitutional in court;
• Provide subpoena authority to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, an independent oversight board created following the 9/11 Commission.

Earlier this year, at a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall challenged the director of the NSA to become more transparent about the surveillance programs. Udall also led a bipartisan push to ask for an independent investigation of these programs by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), which was fully constituted in May with the Senate confirmation of the board's chairman.

As chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the PCLOB, Udall included $4.1 million in the fiscal year 2014 legislation for the board. These resources, $3.2 million above the fiscal year 2013 enacted level, will enable the PCLOB to hire staff and pursue its mission without delay.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall delivered the following statement after voting with the majority of the Senate to prevent a shutdown of the federal government:

"Today the Senate voted on the side of common sense. It's now up to the U.S. House of Representatives to determine whether to follow through with its threat to hold the federal government hostage over a political fight that was settled in the last election.

"I'm tired of these ultimatums, and I know New Mexicans are too. Lurching from one potential shutdown to another is a dysfunctional way to govern. It's harmful to the economy and to middle class families. It erodes our national security and hurts military families. And it's devastating to the morale of the public employees in New Mexico and across the country who work hard and keep our nation safe. 

"The American people expect better from us. It's time for Congress stop playing partisan games and start working together for all Americans."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall wrote a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Edith Ramirez, asking her to take "aggressive action" to investigate and prevent telephone scams targeting utility customers in New Mexico.

Over 130 N.M. utility customers have been targeted so far. Some have lost of thousands of dollars in the telephone scams, in which callers threaten to disconnect electric service unless the customer sends money via prepaid card or online payment. The scammers are using a practice known as caller ID "spoofing," in which the telephone call appears to originate from the utility company. In one disturbing case, a customer was allegedly threatened to pay or face an "explosion." Another customer was defrauded of $4,000.

"Given the nature and scale of this problem, I urge the Commission to use direct outreach methods to warn businesses and consumers about this fraud," wrote Udall, who serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which oversees and funds the FTC.

Many of the victims have been customers of PNM Resources (PNM), the parent company of Public Service Company of New Mexico and the largest utility in the state. The utility has warned its customers through a variety of methods.

Udall said that the PNM customers who have been targeted so far include restaurant owners, who received calls during busy times.

"Taken by surprise, a manager or small business owner might make a quick payment to avoid losing power. One restaurant happened to have had a previous late utility payment and unfortunately was defrauded of $1,500 in the scam," Udall wrote.

Udall, who previously served as New Mexico State Attorney General and as a federal prosecutor, has long worked to crack down on telemarketing scams and consumer fraud. He wrote that the scams could violate several federal laws designed to protect against telemarketing and consumer fraud and abuse. Moreover, he wrote, claiming to be a utility company representative and using caller ID "spoofing" to con people could violate the Truth in Caller ID Act.

"I therefore ask that the Commission investigate these telephone scams and take aggressive action to protect New Mexico consumers," Udall wrote.

A copy of the letter is available HERE.

The text of the letter follows:

Dear Chairwoman Ramirez,

I am writing to request that the Federal Trade Commission take action to prevent telephone scams affecting utility customers in New Mexico and across the country.

The scam involves telephone callers claiming to be from a utility company and then employing a variety of techniques to defraud customers. Some threaten customers with disconnecting electric service to their home or business. The scam artist instructs them to send money via prepaid card or online payment service before their power is shut off. The scammer's caller ID appears to originate from the utility company, a practice known as "spoofing." In a more sinister case, a customer was allegedly threatened to send payment or face an "explosion."

PNM Resources (PNM), the parent company of Public Service Company of New Mexico, is the largest electric utility in our state. PNM recently contacted the Commission with information that the company gathered about such scams targeting businesses and individuals. More than 130 PNM customers have been targeted so far, including some who unfortunately lost money in the scam. According to PNM, the frauds generally involve payments of a few hundred dollars, but one business paid about $4,000. Those targeted include restaurants during busy times, such as during lunch service. Taken by surprise, a manager or small business owner might make a quick payment to avoid losing power. One restaurant happened to have had a previous late utility payment and unfortunately was defrauded of $1500 in the scam.

PNM has warned customers through the media, bill inserts, and social media. Some victims have filed reports with local police. Yet given the nature and scale of this problem, I urge the Commission to use direct outreach methods to warn businesses and consumers about this fraud.

These scams could constitute violations of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C 45). The use of intimidation and threats of shutting off power to a home or business to carry out these scams could also violate rules promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act (15 U.S.C. 6101-6108). Moreover, claiming to be a utility company representative and using caller ID "spoofing" to help con people could violate the Truth in Caller ID Act (47 U.S.C. 227(e)).

I therefore ask that the Commission investigate these telephone scams and take aggressive action to protect New Mexico consumers.

Thank you for your consideration and reply. I look forward to working with you on this important consumer protection issue.

Sincerely,


Tom Udall
United States Senator

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on the latest attempt by the U.S. House of Representatives to push the nation to a government shutdown:

"Shutting down the government over an issue that was settled in the last election isn't leadership, it's political gamesmanship at its worst.

"A shutdown would cause hardship for thousands of people in New Mexico, hurt our already struggling economy, and delay military pay and veterans' benefits. It would be an insult to the workers at New Mexico's labs, military bases, and national parks and monuments. And it would come at a time when communities across our state desperately need disaster assistance to recover from the recent floods.

"The American people are rightly disgusted with the partisan games they see out of Washington. There's still time for the House to come to an agreement. I hope reason will prevail among my House colleagues, and they will stop holding the nation hostage for their political gain."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement:

"The majority of the Senate has once again agreed to a measure that would keep the government running, protect our economic recovery, ensure our military families and veterans get timely pay and benefits, and prevent us from sending tens of thousands of workers home without pay. A government shutdown would only hurt New Mexico at a time when we're still trying to build our economy and recover from widespread flooding and storm damage. Whether the government stays open now falls to the House of Representatives. I hope House Republicans put the greater good of the country ahead of politics and choose the reasonable and responsible path forward."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement:

"A small minority of extremists in the Republican party is now holding the entire country hostage over a law that has cleared the Congress and the Supreme Court, and survived a presidential election. Insisting on a government shutdown to prove a point isn't leadership, it's a temper tantrum, and the American people are rightly disgusted. In New Mexico, the impacts of a shutdown will be felt immediately as our civilian employees are sent home from military installations, national parks and forests close to tourists, and countless other services are halted. If the shutdown lasts several days or weeks, the impacts will ripple through our state's economy, hurting thousands of people in communities from Lordsburg to Los Alamos. The House could end this stalemate at any time. If there were a vote in the House on the bill that has twice cleared the Senate, it would pass in the House. I urge House Republicans to pass the Senate bill so we can focus on our priorities: rebuilding our economy and getting the American people back to work."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham are working to ensure that federal workers in New Mexico are not financially hurt in the long-term by the federal government shutdown.

New Mexico is home to roughly 27,000 federal workers, and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employ an additional 18,000 New Mexicans.

All four lawmakers are strong supporters of the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act to ensure federal employees, furloughed through no fault of their own during the government shutdown, will be paid when the government reopens. Luján and Lujan Grisham voted for the bill, which passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday. In the Senate, Udall and Heinrich are cosponsors of the same measure. All four lawmakers also supported a bill, which has been signed into law, ensuring members of the military will be paid during the shutdown.

Additionally, the N.M. lawmakers sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz, urging him to ensure employees at New Mexico's national laboratories are compensated if they are furloughed as a result of the government shutdown.

In their letter to Moniz, the lawmakers note that although workers at SNL and LANL are contract employees, "they are subject to much of the same uncertainties as their colleagues in the federal workforce."

"Congress clearly intends that those workers who provide such vital services for our nation should be insulated from the effects of a protracted shutdown," the lawmakers wrote.

"The Department of Energy can certify to the labs that it is an ‘allowable cost' for them to use their appropriated dollars to compensate their employees for back pay due to any furloughs caused by a shutdown," the lawmakers continued. "Due to the tremendous economic uncertainty currently faced by the laboratories' workforce, we urge you to certify as soon as possible that back pay will be allowable upon the restoration of government functions. The employees of our nation's national laboratories deserve to know that they will be fully compensated for their service to our nation."

Sandia officials announced today that they will be forced to begin to shut down and furlough much of the lab's workforce by Oct. 21 if the budget impasse is not resolved. LANL officials also have told employees that the lab has a limited ability to stay open in the government shutdown.

Udall and Heinrich both voted for a clean funding compromise bill, which has twice passed the Senate. If the House of Representatives were to pass this bill, the president would sign it and the government would reopen, preventing thousands of lab employees from being furloughed. Luján and Lujan Grisham have signed a letter to Speaker John Boehner calling on him to immediately allow a vote on the Senate-passed clean funding compromise.

The following is the text of the lawmakers' letter to Moniz:

Secretary Moniz:

We write today to call your attention to the many New Mexicans who work at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories who have been adversely affected by the continuing budget impasse in Congress and the resulting shutdown. As you know, these labs are essential to our nation's national security as well as its scientific and research capabilities. Their workforce is comprised of many of the smartest scientists, engineers, and researchers in our country, all of whom have devoted their careers to serving and protecting our nation.

This government shut down risks betraying these men and women who have made personal sacrifices for our collective security and technological advancement. While lab employees work for the contractors who manage the labs, they are subject to much of the same uncertainty as their colleagues in the federal workforce. While neither of the New Mexico NNSA laboratories have yet announced a need to furlough their workforce, a number of my constituents have written to our offices or contacted us directly to share the stress of potentially being furloughed from the labs and missing out on a needed paycheck.

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, which would compensate all federal employees who would not otherwise receive their full salaries due to the shutdown. President Obama has declared that he supports the legislation and his office writes,

"Federal workers keep the Nation safe and secure and provide vital services that support the economic security of American families. The Administration appreciates that the Congress is acting promptly to move this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to the bill's swift passage."

The overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation demonstrates the clear Congressional desire that the federal workforce should not be adversely impacted by the shutdown nor should they shoulder the burden of its resulting uncertainty. While the employees of New Mexico's national laboratories are not included within the bill's specific terms, Congress clearly intends that those workers who provide such vital services for our nation should be insulated from the effects of a protracted shutdown.

It is our understanding that the Department of Energy can certify to the labs that it is an "allowable cost" for them to use their appropriated dollars to compensate their employees for back pay due to any furloughs caused by a shutdown. Due to the tremendous economic uncertainty currently faced by the laboratories' workforce, we urge you to certify as soon as possible that back pay will be allowable upon the restoration of government functions. The employees of our nation's national laboratories deserve to know that they will be fully compensated for their service to our nation.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), issued the following statement on the Senate vote to end the government shutdown:

"Reason has finally prevailed in Congress, and we have a bipartisan agreement that will enable us to re-open the government, pay our bills and begin to restore the damage the shutdown caused to our economy. I'm also pleased the agreement includes a provision I fought for that will ensure retroactive pay for federal workers in New Mexico and across the country who were furloughed through no fault of their own.

"I hope we've reached a turning point for Congress that will result in greater bipartisan cooperation. No matter who is in charge, no party should hold the country hostage to make a political point. I'm relieved to return to focusing on strengthening our country and our economy, and finding a sustainable, long-term solution to our nation's finances."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today announced that the budget agreement to end the government shutdown will provide additional funding over the previous fiscal year's levels for a number of programs important to New Mexicans. The bill - a continuing resolution to fund the government through Jan. 15 - was passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president late Wednesday night.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Udall successfully fought during the negotiations over the bill to increase resources for veterans, wildfire restoration and public defenders, among others. The additional funding will provide badly needed help for programs that have been hindered by across-the-board sequestration cuts. The bill also ensures retroactive pay for federal employees who were furloughed during the shutdown through no fault of their own, a measure both senators fought to include.

Additionally, Udall secured enough resources for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to allow it to adequately function for the first time since it was created in the wake of the Patriot Act. The board was intended to be an independent watchdog over executive branch surveillance activities, ensuring Americans' constitutional rights are balanced with counter-terrorism efforts, but was never adequately funded. Udall fought to give the board resources to hire staff, and he has urged it to investigate the many recent reports of the widespread domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens by the National Security Agency.

"Keeping our trust to veterans who served and those who serve today, protecting our communities from wildfire, ensuring justice for all citizens, preserving our constitutional rights - those are basic functions New Mexicans expect from their government. I was proud to fight for New Mexico priorities," Udall said. "That being said, I share New Mexicans' frustration that Congress couldn't agree on a bill to fund the government for more than three months. We're holding back our economic recovery by lurching from crisis to crisis, and I'm pushing for Congress to do better."

Temporary funding bills that continue across-the-board sequestration cuts are hurting New Mexico families, and taking a toll on the economy and our national defense. For example, without a long-planned increase in funding, Sandia National Laboratories will not be able to meet critical milestones for the B61 life extension project. The president's stockpile stewardship program, carried out by our national labs, is important for our national security and for maintaining the long-term capabilities of the national labs.

"New Mexico families know responsible budgeting requires planning and investments," Udall said. "It's time to put middle-class families and our economy first and replace the across-the-board sequestration cuts with a sound budget strategy that will strengthen our nation's economy and help businesses create good-paying jobs."

"This additional funding will help provide important services New Mexicans rely upon and will help our state with necessary fire restoration projects," Heinrich said. "Our economy desperately needs long-term stability. I hope that the bipartisan agreement reached Wednesday, and the willingness shown by reasonable minds to work together, will mark the end of governing by manufactured crises and open the door to broader budget discussions. We must replace damaging across-the- board cuts that are a drag on our economy with smarter spending cuts and revenues and continue to bolster the middle class."

The Continuing Resolution provided additional funding for (nationwide levels):

• Veterans - $294 million over last fiscal year to reduce the backlog in claims that have left veterans waiting years for benefits they have earned.

• Wildfire - $636 million to repay accounts for the cost of fighting wildfires in 2013. The bill also extends authority that expired on Sept. 30, for the U.S. Forest Service to contract with public or private entities to perform forest restoration and timber projects.

• Public defenders - $26 million over last fiscal year for court-appointed public defenders, a program that has been especially hard hit by sequestration.

• Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board - $2.3 million over last fiscal year to enable the privacy board to finally hire staff and perform its duties.

Last week, I was proud to return to New Mexico to deliver the keynote address at a special U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony in Albuquerque.

It was an inspiring ceremony, held at the South Broadway Cultural Center. Having fulfilled the requirements to become citizens, 68 New Mexicans — representing 29 countries – took the oath of allegiance to our country.

New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment not just because of our beautiful landscapes but because of our people. We have a blend of cultures like nowhere else, and we celebrate our diversity and treasure our immigrant traditions.

Throughout our history, immigrants have contributed to our country in many ways. They have helped defend our freedoms - even when they did not always fully enjoy those freedoms themselves. They are each a part of the heritage – and promise – of America. Their hard work and sacrifice help create better lives for others, and their character speaks to the best of our traditions and values.

Their character also speaks to why we need comprehensive immigration reform. Too many people are left out of our system because it is broken. I was glad that we in the Senate came together in a strong bipartisan fashion to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill earlier this summer. I hope the House of Representatives will take it up soon, so more individuals, like those we celebrated last week, can enjoy the full benefits of citizenship after working so hard and contributing so much to our nation.

Citizenship is a great privilege - and a great responsibility. We know that in our system, democracy does not always run smoothly, and we have seen unfortunate evidence of that in recent weeks. My message to the new citizens was the same as to all Americans: "Make your voice heard. You work hard, and you deserve a government that works just as hard for you."

I congratulate all of our new citizens and look forward to their continued contributions to New Mexico and our nation.

FARMINGTON, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall congratulated the Navajo Nation for its work to build an ultra-fast broadband network during a visit Monday to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) data center. Udall helped the Navajo Nation leverage a $32 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant in 2010 to expand broadband Internet across its land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Udall has been a leading advocate for expanding broadband and has worked for many years to add more access to tribal communities across the state.

"Broadband access opens doors for rural communities, enabling people to access education, health and job opportunities that were once out of reach. I was proud to help secure the $32 million broadband grant to allow the Navajo Nation to bridge the digital divide on tribal lands, and I'm impressed with how they have seized the opportunity," Udall said. "Through hard work, the NTUA is building a broadband platform to help create jobs while providing critical Internet services for Indian Country."

Udall met with NTUA officials and employees of the data center as he toured the new tier 3 complex, which uses state-of-the-art technology enabling "cloud computing" services that provide secure, uninterrupted server storage for businesses, agencies and non-profit organizations. For photos of the tour, click here.

"It was wonderful to have Senator Udall visit our facility. By being here he could see exactly how much progress has been made," said Deenise Becenti of NTUA Public Affairs. "It was also a great opportunity to demonstrate what can be done for people throughout the Navajo Nation when resources like this are made available. From the beginning, NTUA has worked toward the end goal that will place the Navajo Nation as a leader for broadband technology across Indian Country."

The NTUA data center is just one example of leveraging new broadband infrastructure to improve economic growth and quality of life on the Navajo Nation. The project funds helped build one of the first and largest Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless broadband networks in the country and deployed 550 miles of new fiber-optic cable and "aerial fiber" covering more than 15,00 square miles across New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, where more than 60 percent of residents lack basic telephone service.

The project provides quality, high-speed broadband and mobile service to more than 30,000 households and 1,000 businesses, covering approximately 70 percent of the Navajo Nation, enabling access to new public health and educational opportunities for the first time on Navajo lands.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced they have sent two joint, bipartisan letters to President Obama, urging him to respond quickly to separate requests for disaster assistance for the state of New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo.

The state and the Pueblo are asking the federal government for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged between Sept. 9 and Sept. 22. During that time, historic, record-breaking rain across New Mexico - which followed severe storms and floods in July - caused catastrophic flooding and damage in about two-thirds of the state. Two people were killed and numerous others evacuated during the rainstorms, and the Red Cross opened shelters in several counties.

Across the state, flooding and landslides washed out roads and bridges, and several communities in Catron, Eddy and Sierra counties were completely isolated. Water control facilities in numerous counties were damaged, including many historic acequias, as well as drinking water systems in McKinley and Cibola counties. Significant damage also occurred on federal facilities, among them the Los Alamos National Lab site and the Gila National Forest's Catwalk Trail, which was completely destroyed.

So far, 42 percent of the state's counties have already declared disasters or emergencies, and more are anticipated. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has spent the last several weeks evaluating the scope of the damage.

"In light of the ongoing losses and possible long-term impacts from this extreme weather, we would request your expedited attention to the State of New Mexico's request for disaster designation and assistance," the delegation wrote. "The result of the September storms and flooding has been community evacuations, public infrastructure damage, landslides, and damaged homes throughout the state.... We appreciate this quick action to assist the state."

The lawmakers also urged prompt action for Santa Clara Pueblo, which made a separate disaster request. The Pueblo, which is downstream of land damaged in the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, has experienced severe flooding caused by runoff over the burn scar for several years. Rains in July and again Sept. 13-16 exacerbated the damage. The Pueblo lost water control facilities in the Santa Clara Canyon, and roads, bridges and homes were damaged.

"All of the safety infrastructure built to deal with monsoonal rains causing flooding off of the 2011 Las Conchas Fire burn scar was destroyed as a result of severe rain and the associated flood event," the lawmakers wrote. "Four dams acting as the primary means to control water in Santa Clara Creek leading to the Pueblo's residential area were completely destroyed, and roads, bridges, and community facilities experienced significant damage.... In light of the ongoing losses and possible long-term impacts from these flooding events, we would request your expedited attention to the Santa Clara Pueblo's request for disaster designation and assistance."

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall welcomed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) decision to endorse the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Conservation Plan (RWP).

Udall has been a leading supporter for the groundbreaking, five-state effort to conserve the habitat of the lesser prairie-chicken, which was proposed for listing as a "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The FWS endorsement is an important step toward protecting the species and minimizing the economic impacts of any listing under the law. The agency is expected to make a determination in March 2014 about whether to list the species.

"This is very good news for the many private citizens, companies and public land management agencies who have worked together for years to find a collaborative solution to protecting the lesser prairie-chicken habitat. New Mexico landowners and industry need certainty, and with the FWS endorsement today, we are nearing a positive final decision," Udall said.

"Listing a species under the law should be based on the best available science and done only if other conservation methods fall short," Udall continued. "I've been a strong supporter of this cooperative approach, which I think will be successful for the lesser prairie-chicken, landowners and industry. And I believe it can serve as a model for how to work collaboratively to conserve habitat for other species."

The RWP, which would increase protection for the lesser prairie-chicken, has received widespread bipartisan support from stakeholders in the five affected states: New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. According to the FWS, the plan is consistent with criteria proposed last May for conserving the species. Under the plan, landowners would receive financial incentives to voluntarily manage their lands to benefit the species. The RWP also includes a strategy to conserve the lesser prairie-chicken habitat throughout its range.

In New Mexico, many private landowners and have already coordinated with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have worked with permit and lease holders on Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA) and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAA). The Center of Excellence in Carlsbad has been successfully managing these agreements to ensure habitat for both the lesser prairie chicken and the sand dune lizard is maintained in almost 2 million acres throughout New Mexico. These agreements provide a safe harbor for those enrolled to continue previously agreed upon operations and conservation activities regardless of the outcome of any listing decision.

WASHINGTON - As Americans continue to experience technical difficulties with federal and state health insurance enrollment, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich called on U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to extend the open enrollment period to give Americans more time to obtain health insurance coverage.

"As long as these substantial technology glitches persist, we are losing valuable time to educate and enroll people in insurance plans," the senators wrote, along with eight of their colleagues, in a letter to Sebelius. "Our constituents are frustrated, and we fear that the longer the website is not functional, opportunities for people to log on, learn about their insurance choices, and enroll will be lost."

The letter, sent today, states that if the technological glitches persist with healthcare.gov, an extended open enrollment deadline "will give consumers critical time in which to become familiar with the website and choose a plan that is best for them."

Udall said: "I was proud to support the ACA to ensure millions of New Mexicans and Americans across the country can get affordable health care coverage, but the law isn't perfect, and we should be willing to work to make any improvements needed. The president has said the computer glitches in the enrollment system are unacceptable, and I support his efforts to fix the system. In the meantime, I'm joining my colleagues in urging the president to use his authority to ensure individuals aren't penalized for lack of coverage if technical problems prevent them from enrolling."

Heinrich said: "These technical glitches delay thousands of New Mexicans from enrolling in affordable health care coverage, which is unacceptable. An extension would give families time to properly evaluate plans and select a choice that is right for them. The Affordable Care Act has already yielded numerous benefits, and I'll continue working with my colleagues to ensure every family in New Mexico has access to quality and affordable health care."

In addition to Udall and Heinrich, the letter was signed by: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Mark Begich (D-AK); Mark Pryor (D-AR); Mary Landrieu (D-LA); Kay Hagan (D-NC); Dianne Feinstein (D-CA); Mark Udall (D-CO); Michael Bennet (D-CO).

The full text of the letter follows:

Dear Secretary Sebelius:

When fully implemented, the Affordable Care Act represents a bold step forward in reforming our nation's health care system. It has the potential to improve the quality of care we all receive and provides the opportunity for millions of Americans to purchase quality, affordable health insurance.

The newly created federal and state health insurance marketplaces are intended to allow consumers the opportunity to compare health insurance options and find a plan that fits their needs and their budgets. For three years, we have been eagerly waiting for the launch of these marketplaces. However, now that the marketplaces are open, we have become discouraged and frustrated with the problems and interactions that are occurring with the Affordable Care Act's federally-administered website, healthcare.gov.

As long as these substantial technology glitches persist, we are losing valuable time to educate and enroll people in insurance plans. Our constituents are frustrated, and we fear that the longer the website is not functional, opportunities for people to log on, learn about their insurance choices, and enroll will be lost.

Given the existing problems with healthcare.gov and other state-run marketplace websites that depend on the federally-administered website, we urge you to consider extending open enrollment beyond the current end date of March 31, 2014. Extending this period will give consumers critical time in which to become familiar with the website and choose a plan that is best for them. Individuals should not be penalized for lack of coverage if they are unable to purchase health insurance due to technical problems.

The Affordable Care Act has already had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans; seniors are now paying less for their prescription drugs, critical preventive care services are available for free and important work is being done to improve the quality of care we receive. Americans will now have the opportunity to receive tax credits to purchase quality health insurance, and starting in January 2014, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny health coverage because of a pre-existing condition or drop coverage if someone is sick.

We appreciate your efforts to fully implement this law and look forward to working with you to accomplish that goal. Thank you for considering our requests to extend the open enrollment period if the healthcare.gov substantial technology glitches continue.

WASHINGTON - Ahead of the first public meeting of the Senate and House 2013 Farm Bill conference committee, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a coalition of 38 of his colleagues in urging the conferees to fight against harmful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The senators also urged the negotiators to reject all eligibility changes that would prevent millions of children, seniors and families facing a constant struggle against hunger from accessing nutritious food and hundreds of thousands of low-income children from accessing free school meals.

For a copy of the letter, click HERE.

The 2013 Farm Bill conference committee members are working on a compromise between the two different pieces of legislation passed by the Senate and House earlier this year. In June, the Senate passed a Farm Bill, which included $4.5 billion in cuts to the SNAP program, while the House passed legislation last month with even steeper cuts, slashing $40 billion over 10 years.

In the letter to Farm Bill conference committee members, the senators wrote, "While we support efforts to improve the integrity of the SNAP program, we encourage conferees to reject all SNAP eligibility changes designed to erect new barriers to participation, preventing millions of seniors, children and families from accessing food assistance. The eligibility changes also will mean an additional 280,000 children would lose free school meals because children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for school meals."

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income families, and provides economic benefits to communities. Funding cuts to SNAP and changes to SNAP eligibility would prevent millions of struggling families from accessing food assistance. These changes would have devastating economic effects in New Mexico, where over 20 percent of people participate in SNAP.

In New Mexico, more than 78 percent of SNAP participants in are in families with children, and 22 percent of participants are in families with elderly or disabled members. Over half of SNAP participants - 51 percent - are working families. Benefits average $1.42 per individual, per meal, and within this limited budget, parents struggle to provide healthy, nutritious meals for themselves and their family.

"SNAP provides a safety net that allows our most vulnerable population to fulfill their fundamental human need for food. This program helps struggling families to put groceries on their tables when faced with financial troubles. Nearly half of those who receive SNAP benefits in New Mexico are children, and cuts to this program pose a threat to their health and their futures," Udall said. "Cuts to SNAP will hit New Mexico families hard, and Congress must not balance its budget on the backs the most vulnerable individuals within our communities."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that President Obama has declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo for the severe storms and flooding from Sept. 9-22.

The declaration means the president has ordered federal aid to help state and local recovery efforts. The assistance will be available on a cost-sharing basis for damage to public infrastructure in Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Eddy, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, and Torrance counties. Federal funding will also be made available on a cost-sharing basis to assist with hazard mitigation statewide. A similar declaration was made for Santa Clara Pueblo, which made its own request for public assistance.

New Mexico's lawmakers on Oct. 22 jointly urged the president to respond quickly to separate requests for disaster assistance for the state of New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo. Historic, record-breaking rain across New Mexico during the September storms caused catastrophic flooding and damage in about two-thirds of the state.

"I want to thank the president for responding to our requests on behalf of the state and Santa Clara Pueblo," said Udall, who toured storm damage in hard-hit Catron County last week. "This assistance is badly needed in communities that sustained severe damage to roads, bridges, dams and other structures. I saw the damage firsthand, and I appreciate this quick action to assist the state and Santa Clara Pueblo. I'm going to keep working to ensure the federal government fulfills its obligations to help with restoration in New Mexico's communities."

"I am pleased that President Obama has taken action and quickly responded to our requests for federal disaster assistance for the state and Santa Clara Pueblo," Heinrich said. "Last month's severe storms and devastating floods caused community evacuations, landslides, and damaged critical infrastructure around the state. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the president to ensure that every community across New Mexico affected by severe flooding receives the assistance they need to rebuild and recover."

"Since the first days of the flooding, my office has been actively working with affected communities," said Pearce. "Today's declaration opens up key resources to help New Mexico recover and move forward. My office is continuing to offer support to communities and individuals impacted by the flooding, and I remain committed to assisting in any way I can."

"I am pleased the President acted to make a disaster declaration for the State of New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo. This important declaration will make New Mexico and Santa Clara Pueblo eligible for vital funds to assist with critical repairs in the wake of severe storms and flooding that impacted communities across our state, as well as efforts to prepare for future emergencies," Luján said.

"This declaration will provide federal resources to supplement the efforts of those on the ground who have been working day and night to recover and rebuild following September's devastating storms," Lujan Grisham said. "I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues in New Mexico's congressional delegation to help secure this important aid."

Across the state, flooding and landslides washed out roads and bridges, and several communities in Catron, Eddy and Sierra counties were completely isolated. Water control facilities in numerous counties were damaged, including many historic acequias, as well as drinking water systems in McKinley and Cibola counties. Significant damage also occurred on federal properties, among them the Los Alamos National Lab site and the Catwalk Trail in the Gila National Forest, which was washed out.

The Santa Clara Pueblo, which is downstream of land damaged in the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, has experienced severe flooding caused by runoff over the burn scar on multiple occasions in the years following the fire. Rains in July and again Sept. 13-16 exacerbated the damage. The Pueblo lost water control facilities in the Santa Clara Canyon, and roads, bridges and homes were damaged.

WASHINGTON - Continuing their push for legislation to set a threshold for renewable electricity production, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mark Udall (D-CO) today introduced a bill to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) that would create jobs, reduce pollution and save consumers money.

By requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2025, the bill would encourage the growth of U.S. renewable energy that reduces our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, helps hold down utility rates and boosts private investments in state economies.

Tom and Mark Udall, who are first cousins, first introduced a similar initiative in 2002 while members of the U.S. House of Representatives. They eventually built a coalition in the House and won passage of an RES amendment in 2007. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008, they have continued the fight in hopes of finally passing a national RES into law.

"The global clean energy race is increasingly competitive, and our bill is the best way to help America take the lead and build a thriving clean energy economy," Tom Udall said. "A national RES will get America running on homegrown clean energy, create almost 300,000 new jobs and help revitalize our rural communities - all while fighting global warming. I've long fought for a ‘do it all, do it right' energy strategy, and a national RES is a critical part of maximizing our country's energy potential."

"Clean energy creates jobs, spurs innovation, reduces global warming and makes us more energy independent. This common-sense proposal would extend Colorado's successful effort to expand the use of renewable energy alongside natural gas and coal to the entire nation," Mark Udall said. "I was honored to lead the effort to institute a renewable energy standard in Colorado and am proud to join with Sen. Tom Udall to bring this policy to the nation."

The senators' legislation would create the first national threshold for utilities to provide a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable resources, including wind, solar, biomass and hydrokinetic energy. The bill would set a 6 percent requirement by 2014, followed by gradual increases thereafter to meet the 25 percent by 2025 goal.

Studies show a national RES would:

• Create an additional 274,000-297,000 jobs. Over 50 percent of these jobs would be created in the manufacturing sector.

• Save consumers almost $100 billion on their utility bills by 2030.

• Provide $13.5 billion to farmers, ranchers and other landowners in the form of lease payments, creating new economic activity in rural communities across the United States.

• Add $11.5 billion in new local tax revenues. These revenue streams improve the lives of residents and revitalize their communities.

• Suppliers can meet the federal requirements by purchasing credits from other entities that have obtained credits by producing renewable energy. The RES also allows utilities to bank credits for four years and to borrow credits from up to three years in the future. Municipal and other publicly owned power plants and rural electric co-ops would be exempted from the requirements.

• Including New Mexico and Colorado, a total of 29 states and the District of Columbia, representing over half of the U.S. electricity market, already have renewable generation standards with various timelines and targets. This legislation does not pre-empt states that have stronger standards.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are backing legislation that seeks to restore Americans' privacy rights by ending the government's dragnet collection of phone records and requiring greater oversight, transparency, and accountability with respect to domestic surveillance authorities.

"In 2001, I voted against the Patriot Act because I believed it was hastily written and had the power to undermine the constitutional rights of our citizens. Unfortunately we now know that those concerns were justified - government surveillance under the law is far broader than the American people believe is acceptable," said Udall. "I have long fought for increased transparency and true reforms to our surveillance programs and the secret courts created under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. We can protect our national security and our constitutional rights, and the USA FREEDOM Act is an important step toward striking that balance."

"New Mexicans value their independence and their right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution," said Heinrich, who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. "We can and must balance the government's need to keep our nation safe with protecting our civil liberties. But recent revelations and declassified documents have shown the American people that the balance is off. We need to end the bulk collection of law-abiding Americans' private records and focus on targeting terrorists. I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to restore the fundamental rights to be both safe and free."

The USA FREEDOM Act would end the dragnet collection of Americans' phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and ensure that other authorities cannot be used to justify similar dragnet collection. The bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance under the FISA Amendments Act.

The bill includes other significant privacy and oversight provisions, provides for the creation of a Special Advocate to focus on the protection of privacy rights and civil liberties before the FISA Court, and requires more detailed public reporting about the numbers and types of FISA orders that are issued.

The USA FREEDOM Act was introduced today by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and also cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

The USA FREEDOM Act has the diverse support of groups ranging from the National Rifle Association to the American Civil Liberties Union. A companion bill in the House has more than 70 bipartisan cosponsors.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich cosponsored a resolution to designate October 2013 as "National Work and Family Month." This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Senate recognizing this public awareness campaign. The Senators are hopful that the resolution passes today.

"Effective work-life balance programs are essential to productive workplaces, and to building the long-term workforce necessary to grow our nation's economy," said Sen. Udall. "I'm proud to cosponsor this resolution because workplace flexibility ensures that parents can care for their families without sacrificing a good job. When employers and employees work together, our economy is strengthened."

"Allowing workers to balance both work and family leads to increased productivity, healthier families, and makes good business sense," said Sen. Heinrich. "When employers provide their workers with an environment that supports commitments to children and caring for loved ones, everyone wins. Business practices like family and medical leave and paid sick days, childcare, and workplace flexibility help keep New Mexico's economy and community strong and thriving. I'm proud to cosponsor this resolution and will continue to support work-life balance policies that reflect the demands facing today's workforce."

"National Work and Family Month" is a national campaign led by WorldatWork's Alliance for Work Life Progress designed to encourage employers, employees and communities across the nation to identify and discuss mutually beneficial work-life programs and policies. The month of October was first designated as "National Work and Family Month" in 2003.

SANTA FE, NM - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Congressman Ben Ray Luján celebrated the restored access to the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant's cemetery. On Saturday, October 26, Luján along with staff from the two senators' offices joined the heirs to the land grant to mark the determination of the boundary for the cemetery that had inadvertently been considered part of Chama River Canyon Wildness Area since 1978.

"The history and culture of San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant are an important part of our state's heritage, and the land grant's cemetery was never intended to be a part of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. I was proud to help facilitate an administrative agreement between the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant heirs and the Forest Service, and I'm pleased that we were able to find a common-sense solution that respects and honors the land grant's history, culture and traditions," Senator Udall said. "This weekend, work on a path to the cemetery was begun, marking a historic moment for the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant and the broader community. The gathering celebrated our collaboration, and it demonstrated what good can come when the federal government and our communities form partnerships and work for a common solution. I hope to continue to work with land grant communities and federal agencies to find sound solutions to historic conflicts."

"The San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant has a long and storied history in northern New Mexico and I am encouraged by this homegrown, collaborative effort to ensure that the community can better access the cemetery," said Senator Heinrich. "I am grateful to the members of the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant, the U.S. Forest Service, and the local conservation community for working together to find this innovative solution."

"I am so pleased that years of hard work and cooperation have paid off as the heirs to the land grant will now be able to care for the cemetery and have increased access to land that has been a part of their history and heritage," said Congressman Luján. "This was an historic moment that honors not only the past history of the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant, but the present and future as well. The land grant heirs represent an important piece of the fabric of New Mexico and their culture and traditions are part of what make New Mexico such a special place. This was a collaborative effort and an example of what we can achieve when we all work together."

The San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Wilderness Society also hailed the restored access of the cemetery to the land grant.

"Saturday was an historic day in the history of the land grant, as so many people came together to celebrate and contribute to the effort to construct a trail that will enable greater access to the cemetery," said Leonard Martinez, President of the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant Association. "The widened path will allow the elderly of the merced to climb to the cemetery where their ancestors were buried over a century ago."

"The collaborative effort that took place to come to this win-win situation was unprecedented. The Forest Service looks forward to working with this and other land grants in the future on projects that help honor their rich history and traditions," said Maria Garcia, Forest Supervisor, Santa Fe National Forest.

"The Wilderness Society was proud to support this effort to clarify the status of the cemetery for the descendants of the San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant," said Michael Casaus, New Mexico State Director of The Wilderness Society. "This collaboration proves that when we focus on our shared values, we can work together to find solutions that result in protections for our land, culture and way of life."

The San Joaquin del Rio de Chama Land Grant is made up of descendants of the 39 original heirs to whom the land grant was given in 1806 by the Spanish Crown. The land grant is recognized as a political subdivision by the State of New Mexico. In 2011, Rep. Luján began working with the land grant in an effort to seek increased access to its traditional cemetery that, at the time, was assumed to lie inside of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness Area bordering the boundaries of the historic land grant. Senators Udall and Heinrich later joined the effort, providing critical assistance that resulted in successfully restoring access to the cemetery for the land grant heirs.

For more than three decades, the land grant could not make necessary changes and improvements to maintain the cemetery's old graves and religious sites, and did not have motorized access. As a result of discussions with the congressional offices, the land grant heirs, and the U.S. Forest Service, a review of the maps outlining the wilderness boundary was conducted, and it was discovered that the wilderness boundary was never fully completed and surveyed. As a result, the cemetery was improperly included in the wilderness area. After realizing the mapping error, the Forest Service agreed that the wilderness boundaries should exclude the cemetery from the area without the need for congressional legislation that would have slowed the process. On Saturday, the land grant heirs marked their expanded access to the cemetery and began work to establish a new path to the cemetery for the families of those who established the settlement generations ago.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.V.), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today released the following statements after the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies released a report concluding there is little to no medical evidence that youth equipment protects against risks of concussions. At Rockefeller and Udall's urging, the IOM studied how best to protect young athletes from sports-related concussions so parents and coaches can make informed decisions about how to keep athletes safe.

"Playing sports is an important part of growing up and of the culture of New Mexico's communities," Udall said. "But parents deserve to know how safe their children's safety equipment really is. While we can't reduce every risk, we should do everything we can to stop misleading advertising that gives parents a false sense of security. I'm glad to see today's report, which provides a level of unbiased and authoritative information on this issue. I hope we will be able to build on this information to ensure young athletes in New Mexico and around the country are competing in the safest environments possible."

"Concussions are a very serious and often heartbreaking health issue for our children and teenagers," Rockefeller said. "This latest study adds to the mounting evidence against sports equipment manufacturers that claim their products reduce the risk of concussions. These claims are profoundly dishonest to our young athletes, parents and coaches. We all want our children to experience the challenges, excitement and health benefits that come from playing sports. But athletes and their parents need to be fully informed of the risks and should never be given a false sense of safety."

Rockefeller and Udall introduced the Youth Sports Concussion Act, S. 1014, to protect youth athletes from the dangers of concussions by curbing false advertising claims and encouraging improvements to equipment safety standards. The bill is supported by major sports leagues and players' associations, high school and college sports associations, pediatricians, scientists, and several consumer groups.

The legislation was introduced after the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing in October 2011 on sports equipment marketing and concussions. During the hearing, it was revealed that sports equipment manufacturers have repeatedly made claims that their equipment "prevents concussions" or "reduce the risk of concussions" without scientific evidence to back those claims.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall renewed his call for the U.S. Senate to reform its rules after Republicans yet again blocked progress by filibustering qualified presidential nominees: U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Patricia Millett to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Udall has said since 2009 that a permanent change in the Senate rules - including by requiring a talking filibuster - is the only way to ensure the Senate will work for the American people again.

At the beginning of this Congress, Republicans agreed to filibuster nominees only under "extraordinary circumstances." Yet the pattern of obstruction continued. In July, after months of Republican stalling and delay, the Senate finally reached an agreement to confirm several long-blocked nominees and stop abusing the rules for partisan gain. Udall said today's filibusters show the Senate is right back in the same dysfunctional situation.

He issued the following statement:

"The pattern of ‘obstruct and delay' has returned as the norm in the U.S. Senate with today's filibuster of two highly qualified nominees. It proves once again the need to reform the Senate's rules.

"Mel Watt and Patricia Millett deserved an up-or-down vote. Yet rather than debating and working out a path forward, the opposing senators blocked the nominations. Their actions show they didn't want more debate, they wanted to block qualified nominees. New Mexicans - all Americans - expect better from the U.S. Senate.

"I have said for a long time: The Senate is broken. I called for changes in the Senate rules at the beginning of this Congress, but we didn't do enough. And now we're right back in the same dysfunctional situation. I'm going to keep fighting for a talking filibuster and other changes to end the tyranny of the minority."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, chairman of Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, which oversees the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), warned consumers about a sophisticated telephone scam directed at taxpayers throughout the country. 

According to the IRS, victims of this scam are told they owe money to the IRS, and that it must be paid immediately through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If victims of the scam refuse to comply with the caller's directions, the scammers threaten victims with consequences such as arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver's license. Some of the scammers employ a practice known as caller ID "spoofing," in which the call appears to have originated from the IRS. Scammers may also send victims emails from fake IRS addresses, corroborate the scam with additional calls pretending to be the police or Department of Motor Vehicles, or have personal information about their intended victims, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number.

Udall expressed his concern over these scams, and encouraged taxpayers to exercise caution when providing personal and financial information solicited via telephone or electronic media.

"Phone scams like these are becoming too common -- scammers catch people when they're vulnerable, con people using false caller IDs, and threaten and intimidate. As chairman of the subcommittee, and a former Attorney General and federal prosecutor, I will continue to work with the IRS to prevent these crimes," said Udall. "Taxpayers across the country have been targeted. I encourage New Mexicans to be on alert. If you receive a call like this, report the incident so law enforcement can stop the perpetrators before they target others."

Further information on the IRS recommended steps regarding this scam can be found here.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today issued the following statement after the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) cleared an important procedural step in the U.S. Senate, winning a bipartisan filibuster-proof 61 votes for the first time in history and moving a significant step closer to passage:

"Today the Senate has taken an important step toward protecting LGBT Americans from workplace discrimination. Clearing this procedural hurdle with a bipartisan vote shows the progress we've made in the Senate and in our country.

"I am proud to be a cosponsor of ENDA because New Mexicans and all Americans should be able to work without fear of being harassed, being denied a promotion or losing their jobs just because of who they are.

"This bill is about fairness, and it strikes the right balance between job protections while providing certain exemptions for small businesses and religious organizations. I look forward to the debate this week, and hope we end up with another historic, bipartisan vote to pass this important legislation."

The bill to ban workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity likely faces one more procedural step requiring 60 votes to end debate. The Senate is expected to vote on final passage later this week.

New Mexico's economic growth depends on the success of women.

On Thursday, November 14, I'm hosting the Women's Career Success Conference with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to help women in New Mexico improve their job skills and enhance their careers.

The conference will bring together area employers, nonprofit organizations and federal agency officials to offer personalized skill-building opportunities for women to strengthen their competitiveness in the workforce.

The event is free, but space is limited, so I encourage you to register at tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess or by calling my Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791.

If you are a woman looking to start your own business, needing help improving your résumé, or simply considering a career change, I invite you to join my office for this exciting conference.

Highlights of the Women's Career Success Conference include:

- breakout sessions with HR professionals who can offer resume and cover letter writing tips
- interviewing tips, mock interview practice, and dressing for success
- a computer skill session, including online job search tips and help navigating USAjobs.gov
- resources on what it takes to start a successful small business - from creating a business plan and securing business loans, to utilizing a community commercial kitchen to start a food production business

For more information and to register for this free event visit tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess

Special thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Development Office, the South Valley Economic Development Center, The Loan Fund, WESST, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and local employers for helping me put together this great event.

P.S. - If you know someone who might also benefit from this workshop, please forward this invitation by sharing it on Facebook or Twitter.

On 11/14 I'm proud to host #womenssuccess conference w/@AHCC_BEOC to help #NM women enhance their careers. Join us @ http://t.co/8zijsvm6d9

— Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) November 5, 2013

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Office of U.S. Senator Tom Udall is hosting a Women's Career Success Conference with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. 

The Women's Career Success Conference will bring together businesses, nonprofit organizations and federal agency officials to help women in New Mexico learn how to enhance their careers and increase their competitiveness in the job market.

Space is limited, so women interested in attending are asked to register at tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess, or by calling Udall's Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791. The conference will be held at the Hispano Chamber of Commerce building located at 1309 4th St SW in Albuquerque.

The Women's Career Success Conference features area businesswomen and entrepreneurs sharing their stories, discussing the unique challenges they faced and offering insights on how to achieve economic empowerment. It will also offer training programs and personalized skill-building opportunities.

Participants will select from two targeted tracks - Jobs or Business.

The Job Track will focus on helping those who are searching for employment or looking to advance in their current fields. Sessions will include one-on-on help from HR professionals on résumé and cover letter writing and interviews skills. Additional sessions will also be available to help participants hone their computer skills. Attendees interested in applying for a job with the federal government can participate in a session on navigating employment through USAJobs.gov.

The Business Track will offer assistance to participants interested in starting their own small business and will include discussions on how to create a business plan, secure business loans and grants, and utilizing local resources, such as a community commercial kitchen to start a food production business.

The Women's Career Success Conference is hosted by Sen. Udall and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Development Office, the South Valley Economic Development Center, The Loan Fund, and WESST.

This is the second women's career success conference hosted by Udall. More than 60 women participated last year.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today issued the following statement after he voted to support the Employment Non-Discrimation Act known as ENDA. The bill, which bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, passed the Senate by a 64-32 vote.

"Today I was proud to join my colleagues in a strong bipartisan vote to approve the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Our nation was founded on the promise of fairness and equality, and passing this legislation reaffirms the Senate's commitment to those values.

"In New Mexico, we are proud of our diverse people and also our work ethic, and we believe individuals should be judged on their ability to do their job and their performance, not by anything else. We also have a strong history of protecting human rights, which is why we've had a similar state nondiscrimination law on the books for 10 years.

"The private sector also knows how important it is to have anti-discrimination policies in place to attract top talent in the workforce. As we continue growing our economy, we must make sure everyone has an opportunity to earn a living and support their families without fear of being fired, harassed or denied a promotion just because of who they are and who they love. The House of Representatives now has an opportunity to do the same, and I hope they will put politics aside and vote on it soon."

LOS LUNAS, N.M. - With the abuse and trafficking of prescription drugs on the rise in New Mexico and across the country, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today announced that he has introduced a bill to fight prescription drug abuse and misuse and improve treatment options to help addicted patients.

Udall unveiled the Increasing the Safety of Prescription Drug Use Act during an event he organized at First Choice Community Health in Los Lunas to discuss efforts in New Mexico to prevent prescription drug abuse and improve treatment options. New Mexico has one of the highest drug overdose rate in the nation, with 40 percent of those overdoses caused primarily by prescription drugs. Udall's event brought together members of the local medical and law enforcement communities to discuss strategies they're using and the challenges they still face.

"Prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and it's leading to addiction and death. More people die now from prescription drugs like oxycodone, morphine and methadone than from illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine," Udall said. "With this shift, the drug epidemic has moved from the streets to our medicine cabinets, and - all too often - into the hands of our children. I'm committed to working with local law enforcement and health providers in New Mexico, as well as officials and experts across the country, until we stop this epidemic."

The Increasing the Safety of Prescription Drug Use Act would expand medical education training and use of timely data to ensure that patients receive prescriptions safely and legally. The bill would strengthen monitoring techniques for existing high-risk prescriptions - such as by expanding the reach of a prescription drug database across states - and implement new measures to prevent prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands. Increased patient assessment would help refer potentially addicted patients to treatment. The bill would also foster partnerships between the U.S. Heath and Human Services (HHS) and state and local governments to increase ongoing opportunities for proper medication disposal. New Mexico has piloted many of the initiatives in the bill, which could expand these efforts nationally.

Udall continued, "Access to high quality prevention services and effective prescription drug monitoring programs is critical to prevent and combat prescription drug abuse. Events such as the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day have shown success in removing unused, unsafe, expired drugs from the streets, but we must do much more to combat this crisis. I am proud to stand up for the overall health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across New Mexico and the nation."

The full text of S. 1657, The Increasing the Safety of Prescription Drug Use Act, can be found below:

The Increasing the Safety of Prescription Drug Use Act by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján announced that more than $2.8 million in federal assistance relief is being made available to Santa Clara Pueblo through the Public Assistance Grant Program to assist with the installation of debris collection structures. As a result of a disaster declaration in August of 2012 in response to severe flooding from June 22 to July 12, 2012, the pueblo was made eligible for funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Senator Udall, then-Senator Jeff Bingaman, and Rep. Luján wrote letters in support of Santa Clara and the State's request for a disaster declaration to assist the pueblo.

"I am very glad to see this funding finally come to Santa Clara Pueblo. The Las Conchas fire caused significant damage that has been compounded by serious floods over two years," Udall said. "Santa Clara Pueblo had to wait too long for assistance, so it is very good to be able to announce this funding to help them rebuild and recover."

"The Las Conchas Fire left lasting scars that have continued to impact Santa Clara Pueblo over the past few years," Luján said. "These vital funds will help the pueblo move forward with critical efforts to recover from flooding that occurred last summer, as well as more recent flooding that has impacted the community."

Santa Clara Pueblo will receive $2,841,759 that will allow the pueblo to take emergency protective measures and install temporary structures to collect debris resulting from flooding. These structures will reduce the flow of large vegetative and rock debris being washed down the side canyons leading to the main Santa Clara Creek Canyon.

Santa Clara Pueblo, which is downstream of land damaged in the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, has experienced severe flooding caused by runoff over the burn scar on multiple occasions in the years following the fire. These federal funds will be made available to State of New Mexico administrative agents, who will then distribute the money to Santa Clara Pueblo.

Today is a special day to remember the men and women of our armed forces who've fought to keep our nation free. On Veterans Day, I'm honored to join New Mexicans and all Americans in paying tribute to these heroes.

We have a proud tradition of U.S. military service in New Mexico dating back to the Civil War. This service includes the Navajo Code Talkers. The Defenders of Bataan. Those who fought in Europe and the Pacific to stop fascism, who held the line in Korea, who endured jungle warfare in Vietnam and who braved the deserts of Iraq.

We also remember those who are still serving. Our troops overseas wake up far from home, away from their families, to stand the watch and do the job they promised to do.

As we remember their sacrifices, let us never forget the debt of gratitude we owe them - not just today, but every day.

Our veterans have kept their promise to the nation, and we must keep ours. Keeping that promise is not just an obligation, it is a privilege.

That's why I was proud to sponsor the Burn Pits Registry Act to provide vital research and specialized care to veterans exposed to environmental hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan. The act was signed into law earlier this year and the VA is now in the process of finalizing the registry, and I will continue making sure it becomes a reality for the servicemen and women, and their families, who have fought so hard for it.

As I travel our state, I also hear about the challenges our rural veterans face in getting health care. Challenges of long distances, of turnover doctors and nurses, and of struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues. I have taken these voices to top administration officials in Washington and will soon introduce a bill to help veterans living in rural and highly rural areas get better care. None of our veterans-including over 6 million living in rural areas-should be left behind.

I will also continue pushing to speed up the disability claims process for veterans. They have been kept too long waiting for care, and that has to change.

As long as I have the privilege of representing our veterans, I will never stop working to ensure they receive the benefits they have earned, and the support they deserve.

To all the veterans in New Mexico and those serving around the world, and to your families, thank you for your courage and your sacrifice.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall commemorated Veterans Day in Truth or Consequences, where he participated in a ceremony at the State Veterans' Home to honor and remember New Mexico's veterans.

"Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause from the rush and chaos of our daily lives, to pay tribute to the heroes among us, and those no longer with us," Udall said. "Our veterans and their families deserve our gratitude and respect not just today, but every day. These men and women have sacrificed deeply to keep America safe and uphold freedom within our great nation, and I will never forget our sacred responsibility to provide them with the support they deserve."

Udall delivered the keynote address in the ceremony at the Veterans' Home, a nursing facility serving veterans. In his speech, he thanked veterans for their sacrifice for the freedoms and security we enjoy. He also discussed a bill he will introduce later in the month as part of his continued efforts to support veterans. The bill would expand health care access for veterans living in rural areas.

When Udall initially took office as a Senator, the first piece of legislation he successfully passed was an amendment to the Recovery Act that expanded tax incentives for employers who hired recently returned veterans. From this early piece of legislation on, Udall has continued his commitment to veterans, and fought to ensure that they return home from service to the benefits they have earned and the support they deserve.

Udall strongly supported the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, which provides veterans a full four-year college education. He introduced the Burn Pits Registry Act, which was signed into law earlier this year and helps veterans exposed to environmental hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also cosponsoring legislation to extend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a bipartisan bill to help veterans transition their specialized skills to civilian jobs and renew tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed veterans, particularly our wounded warriors.

"America's commitment to supporting our veterans must be as strong as their commitment to defending our freedom," Udall said. "Today we honor military veterans past and present, and are reminded of the heroism and sacrifice that forever indebts us to these true patriots."

The following are his remarks as prepared for delivery at the ceremony:

Thank you for inviting me to share a few words with you. First, I want to thank the New Mexico State Veterans' Home for hosting us today. It is great to be here with you.

The Veterans' Home says it best: "As a team, we proudly serve those who already have." When it comes to our veterans, that's exactly what we should be - a team. Working together and honoring those who defend our freedoms.

Today, we remember the heroes among us and those who are no longer with us. They deserve our thanks. They deserve our respect. Not just today, but every day. For their courage and for their sacrifice. So, first, to all our veterans here today, and to their families - thank you.

We have a proud tradition of military service in our state. The Navajo Code Talkers. The Defenders of Bataan. With us today is one of the survivors of Bataan - Julio Barela, who I understand is 98 years old.

As many of you know, Julio was a member of the Army's 200th Coast Artillery Regiment. He was with the 1800 New Mexicans who defended Bataan and Corregidor.

During World War II, the courageous defenders of Bataan helped rally our nation. The Japanese attack on the Philippines in December of 1941 came just hours after Pearl Harbor. Julio and his fellow soldiers were outnumbered and out supplied. But for four months they fought on, and they bought the Allies time to regroup.

They fought till the last possible moment, and then they faced the infamous Bataan death march - three and a half years of horrific conditions in captivity. They were, and always will be, an inspiration to all of us.

Julio, thank you for your service.

On Veterans Day, we remember all the men and women who served to keep our nation free - who fought in Europe and the Pacific to stop fascism, who held the line in Korea, who endured jungle warfare in Vietnam and who braved the deserts of Iraq.

We also remember those who are still serving - in Afghanistan and - in other parts of the world. Every day, they wake up far from home, both at sea and in faraway lands. And every day, they stand the watch, and they do the job they promised to do.

Last month, I attended a naturalization ceremony in Albuquerque. That was a great occasion, watching these new citizens take their oaths, and seeing the pride on their faces. They were new citizens not just because of an oath, or a piece of paper, but, because of an idea - the idea of freedom. We are all citizens because of our veterans - because of the men and women who fought for, and some who died for, our country.

Our veterans have valiantly gone where few would tread. But few truly know the burden they-and their families-have borne. We must always remember the debt we owe them. Our veterans honored their commitment and kept their promise, and we must keep ours.

Keeping our promise to veterans is not just an obligation - it is a privilege.

I was proud to sponsor the Burn Pits Registry Act because of the veterans who increased awareness about their exposure to toxic waste from burn pits. This act was signed into law earlier this year. The VA is now in the process of finalizing the registry to help veterans exposed to environmental hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan and provide vital research and specialized care.

As I travel our state, I also hear from many of our rural veterans about the special challenges they face in getting health care. Challenges of long distances, of turnover of doctors and nurses, and of struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues. It is because of their voices that, later this month, I will introduce a bill to help veterans living in rural and highly rural areas so they get the health care they need. None of our veterans-including over 6 million living in rural areas-should be left behind.

Congress should also renew and extend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. This is good for our economy and good for our communities. We are strengthened by the skills and talents of veterans. It is not just up to Congress though - our businesses should continue to seek out and hire veterans.

I will also continue to push to speed up the disability claims process for veterans. Too often, they are kept waiting for far too long, and that has to change.

We have a solemn duty to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and the support they deserve.

In April, I was honored to present the medals of the late Marcelino Gonzales to his family. Marcelino was a Korean War veteran. He wrote me a letter last year. He was very ill, and he said, "I do not know how much time I have left, and would like to see my medals before I pass...I would be so grateful for your assistance in helping me receive the medal that is owed me to share with my family."

Mr. Gonzales was a trusted leader in his company - taking the point position during patrols, making sure there were no bombs or ambushes and protecting his fellow soldiers. Mr. Gonzales sought the medals he had earned. Not just for himself, he wanted them for his family. His medals were one last gift to his family.

He was proud of his service, and he wanted his family to have that legacy of his life. That is the kind of courage we celebrate today, and that is the kind of generosity that is the honor of our country.

We should always strive to be worthy of the sacrifice of our veterans - of brave Americans like Marcelino Gonzales and Julio Barela and all the veterans here with us today. They are true patriots and we are forever in their debt.

Thank you, and God bless you.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the passing of former GOP party chairman John Dendahl:

"John and I worked together for many years, and although we didn't always share the same views, we shared a love for New Mexico and for public service. I will remember John warmly for his dedication to politics and his convictions, as well as his sharp and effective communication style. Jill and I have him and his family in our thoughts."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall decried yet another Republican filibuster of a highly qualified presidential nominee: Cornelia "Nina" Pillard, to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The D.C. Circuit is often considered "the second most important court in the land" because it hears some of the nation's most complex cases, yet Republicans refuse to allow confirmation votes on nominees to the three vacancies on the 11-seat court.

At the beginning of this Congress, Republicans agreed to filibuster nominees only under "extraordinary circumstances." Yet the pattern of obstruction has resumed. Just last month, Republicans blocked confirmation votes on two other qualified nominees, U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and Patricia Millett, to serve on the D.C. Circuit.

Udall has said since 2009 that a permanent change in the Senate rules - including by requiring a talking filibuster - is the only way to ensure the Senate will work for the American people again.

He issued the following statement:

"Once again the United States Senate is unable to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to advise and consent on key judicial and executive nominations because members of one party are refusing to allow a vote on a highly qualified presidential nominee. Senate Republicans aren't filibustering Nina Pillard's nomination out of concern with her qualifications, but to obstruct for their own political gain. It's time to return the Senate to a functioning body.

"Denying these qualified nominees an up-or-down vote is an abuse of the Senate Rules and contrary to the Republican leadership's commitment to reserve the filibuster for ‘extraordinary circumstances.' The Senate needs to break this Republican blockade one way or another if we have any hope of moving beyond government by dysfunction."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he has introduced a bill to reduce the leading cause of water pollution nationwide, while creating jobs and supporting infrastructure and neighborhood redevelopment. 

Polluted stormwater runoff is caused when rain or snow flows over roads, roofs, parking lots and other surfaces, picking up toxic chemicals and sediment and carrying them to rivers and streams. The Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2013 would encourage the use of innovative and economic approaches to manage and reduce such pollution and restore natural surfaces, such as permeable pavement, natural drainage features, and green roofs. These newer approaches can be more cost-effective than traditional stormwater infrastructure projects, which use large amounts of concrete and steel infrastructure to collect runoff and rapidly move it downstream. The investments would also create jobs and stimulate the economy.

In New Mexico, improvements to reduce stormwater runoff could better protect communities during major storms, such as the downpours this summer, which caused serious flooding and damage to roads, bridges and levees. During the storms, areas that had made improvements to reduce flooding, including the recent bosque redevelopment projects, were spared significant damage.

"New Mexicans know how precious clean water is, and they know our country is near a crisis point when it comes to how we manage our water," Udall said. "During this summer's floods across New Mexico, recent bosque restoration projects helped manage Rio Grande flows and protected our communities. Our bill provides a cost-effective alternative to reduce the leading cause of water pollution and help communities across the country relieve pressure on aging infrastructure, reduce flooding and create more green spaces, which provide natural filters for pollution. Best of all, it would help create jobs and stimulate the economy at the same time."

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill has four primary objectives. It would:

• Promote innovative stormwater infrastructure to states, local governments, and the private sector.

• Make investments so that communities can implement their own stormwater projects.

• Create up to five Centers of Excellence throughout the United States to conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing management practices for stormwater control and management that are tailored specifically to each region.

• Promote public-private partnerships to create jobs in the design and construction of innovative stormwater control infrastructure.

The bill is supported by the following organizations: American Forests, American Planning Association, American Rivers, American Society of Landscape Architects, Green For All, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Recreation and Park Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Water Environment Federation.

The people of the Philippines and the surrounding area have been in my thoughts as they cope with the devastation created by Typhoon Yolanda, also known as Typhoon Haiyan. The storm created widespread flooding, landslides, storm surges and sustained winds that wreaked a terrible toll across the central Philippines. 

My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims in this tragedy, and the survivors who have lost their homes or otherwise been impacted, as well as their families in New Mexico and around the world. I will do whatever I can to support the ongoing humanitarian aid efforts and assist in future reconstruction efforts as the Philippines and the surrounding areas begin to recover from this disaster.

In the wake of this tragedy, I have joined several of my colleagues in signing a Senate Resolution to express support for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines and the surrounding region. The United States government's response to this tragedy so far has included over $37 million in aid, and military and civilian personnel have deployed to the Philippines to provide assistance and coordinate relief efforts.

The United States and the Philippines share a long tradition of mutual support and cooperation. The resolution supports the efforts of the government of the Philippines to lead and coordinate assistance to help people and begin reconstruction efforts. It also supports the ongoing efforts of the U.S. government, as well as the international community and private citizens.

The United Nations World Food Program has estimated that 2.5 million people will need food assistance in the aftermath of the typhoon, and hundreds of thousands of evacuees require temporary shelters and emergency relief supplies. If you would like to make a donation to support the relief efforts, please visit http://manila.usembassy.gov/disaster-assistance.html for information on how to contribute.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall again made the case for meaningful reform of the Senate rules, which he says is needed to end partisan gridlock and restore debate. Udall spoke on the Senate floor after a series of qualified presidential nominees for key positions were blocked by filibusters. He was joined by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), who has been a partner in advocating rules reform over the past several years. For video of Udall's remarks and the exchange with Merkley, click here.

In just the last four weeks, Republicans have filibustered Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and three nominees to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: Patricia Millett, Nina Pillard and Robert Wilkins.

At the beginning of this Congress, Republicans agreed to filibuster nominees only under "extraordinary circumstances." Yet the pattern of obstruction has continued. In July, after months of Republican stalling and delay, senators finally reached an agreement to confirm several long-blocked nominees and stop abusing the rules for partisan gain. But, Udall said, the last series of filibusters show the Senate is right back in the same dysfunctional situation.

"New Mexicans - all Americans - are tired of the gridlock in Washington. They're tired of endless filibusters and political games," Udall said after his speech. "When it comes to confirmations, historically, the Senate has used the filibuster only in extreme cases. With these last three D.C. Circuit nominees there hasn't even been a pretext for blocking their confirmation. Republicans are refusing to move forward on any nominees to the D.C. Circuit period. That's unprecedented obstruction, not advise and consent."

Udall has said since 2009 that a permanent change in the Senate rules - including by requiring senators to actually make their argument by speaking on the floor during filibuster - is the only way to ensure the Senate will work for the American people again.

"We've tried to compromise, we've tried working out agreements, but each time they've gone right back to the same obstructionist tactics," Udall said. "They've demonstrated that 'gentleman's agreements' aren't enough - we need to actually change the rules to make any real difference."

The following are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:

I began calling for rules reform four years ago. I said the Senate was a graveyard for good ideas. I am sorry to say that little has changed. The digging continues.

Unfortunately, we are back where we started, and - I regret to say - in record time. We need real Senate rules reform. We needed it at the beginning of this Congress, and we need it now.

Americans are tired with the gridlock and dysfunction in Washington. Filibusters. Shutdowns. Hyper-partisan attacks.

Americans want reform in the way their government operates. More cooperation. More transparency. Less partisanship. More problem solving.

This week was one more example of why we need reform. Judge Robert Wilkins was a well qualified to serve on the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He deserved an up or down vote. Instead? Another filibuster.

He is the fourth nominee to that court to be trampled on by the minority. Not because he is unqualified, not because of any failing on his part, but because a democratic president nominated him. For some, that is enough - that is all it takes to tell an eminent American to go home.

First it was Caitlin Halligan in March. Then Patricia Millett last month. Followed by Nina Pillard last week. And now Robert Wilkins. Each of them exceptional. Every one of them distinguished nominees. Each would be a credit to the Court of Appeals.

So, number four, and counting. In baseball, three strikes and you are out - not so in the Senate.

This isn't just about rules. It is about having a Senate that works - not one that buckles under the weight of filibusters.

The partisan games continue, and the game has gone on long enough, because the losers are the American people.

Senators Merkley, Harkin and I proposed to change the rules at the beginning of this Congress - rules changes that were fair, that reined in the abuse and that protected the minority.

We were very clear: we called for a talking filibuster and we argued that if the minority wants to continue debate-which is what voting against cloture is-they should actually have to stand on the floor and debate.

Instead, a compromise was reached. The two leaders agreed to "work together to schedule votes on nominees in a timely manner by unanimous consent, except in extraordinary circumstances."

The Minority Leader said, "On the subject of nominations, Senate Republicans will continue to work with the majority to process nominations, consistent with the norms and traditions of the Senate."

That was the agreement, and it has not been kept.

In July, we had another showdown on confirmations. All qualified candidates. All prepared to serve. But, nominated by a democratic president, or asked to lead agencies the other side doesn't like: the Department of Labor, EPA, and the Consumer Financial Protection Board - all blocked.

Once again, we looked at changing the rules with a simple majority - to restore the Senate's ability to function. We had a historic meeting in the Old Senate Chamber, and we reached another compromise.

I was hopeful for the outcome. There was feeling on both sides that things had to change and that we needed to change the way we do business. We confirmed several nominees.

But here we are again - back on the filibuster merry go round and getting nowhere. Four months later, the same debate. The same partisan games, with qualified nominees denied an up or down vote.

And not just judicial nominees, but, also Congressman Mel Watt - blocked from leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The only "extraordinary circumstance" has been continual obstruction. This is not the norms and traditions of the Senate - it is the failure of partisan politics.

In fact, it wasn't long ago that Republicans were the first to say so. During the Bush administration they were up in arms. Why? Because 10 judicial nominations had been blocked. Ten. That number seems quaint now, but it was enough for Republicans.

Here's what the Republican Policy Committee said in 2005:

"This breakdown in Senate norms is profound. There is now a risk that the Senate is creating a new, 60-vote confirmation standard. The Constitution plainly requires no more than a majority vote to confirm...Exercising the constitutional option in response to judicial nomination filibusters would restore the Senate to its longstanding norms and practices governing judicial nominations, and guarantee that a minority does not transform the fundamental nature of the Senate's advice and consent responsibility. This approach, therefore, would be both reactive and restorative."

...restore the Senate to its longstanding norms and practices. It would be difficult to state the case more clearly.

One of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle said we should be careful what we wish for - that majority rule could backfire. We might get more Justice Scalias.

Well, that is exactly the point. The Constitution does not give me the right to block a qualified nominee, no matter who is in the White House.

The real "norms and traditions" of the Senate honor that principle.

Some of us may disagree with Justice Scalia on judicial philosophy. But he was a qualified nominee. He received an up or down vote, and he was unanimously confirmed.

Likewise, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the former ACLU general counsel, was considered liberal. Many on the other side may have disagreed with her views, but there was no filibuster. She was confirmed by a vote of 96 to 3.

A minority in the Senate should not be able to block qualified nominees on either side of the aisle. That is not advise and consent - it is obstruct and delay.

The people elect a president. They give him or her the right to select a team to govern and to appoint judges to the federal bench. If those nominees are qualified, they deserve an up or down vote. That is how our democracy is intended to work.

That is the mandate of our Constitution. That is the real tradition of the Senate. That's the way it's supposed to work - and has worked that way in the past.

My dad was secretary of the Interior for President Kennedy. He later told me, "Tom, I had my whole team in place the first two weeks." In place, ready to serve the American people in two weeks. The president's team - his team to choose, so long as they are qualified to do the job.

My colleague on the other side is right - the winds can change. And let's be candid - neither side is 100 percent pure. Both sides have had their moments of obstruction and no doubt had their reasons at the time.

But I don't think the American people care much about that. They don't want a history lesson or a lesson in parliamentary procedure. They want a government that's fair, that's reasonable and that works.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement honoring the Native American Code Talkers who helped win World War I and II. The Code Talkers were recognized in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol. Members of the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos are among those to receive recognition for their contributions. Navajo Code Talkers were recognized in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in 2001.

"It was an honor to celebrate the tremendous contribution by Native American Code Talkers. Today we awarded the highest congressional honor to these veterans who helped us develop a code so strong it couldn't be cracked. I'm proud to represent these veterans, who include members of the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos in New Mexico - many of whom, along with their families, joined us at the ceremony.

"It is often said that America's diversity makes her strong. And during two world wars, this country's cultural diversity contributed to American military strength in a very real and concrete way. We owe a debt of gratitude to these veterans. Their patriotism and honor make us proud."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he has introduced several amendments to a major national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets Department of Defense spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. Udall's five amendments include measures to fight unemployment and homelessness among veterans by improving access to education and life skills training for service members; help increase collaboration between the labs, nonprofits and foundations by streamlining the process the national labs must follow to accept grants; and facilitate technology transfer from the national labs to the marketplace.

Helping Service Members Transition to Civilian Life
Udall's two amendments on service member education would assist military men and women transitioning back to civilian life. The first would take steps to prevent homelessness among veterans helping them get improved financial skills education while they are still in active duty. The second would expand eligibility for post-9/11 educational assistance for members of the Reserve and National Guard.

"Many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are finding it difficult to move from military life to civilian life, and too many are struggling to find a job and falling into homelessness. On any given day, one in every five people experiencing homelessness is a veteran. According to a recent study, one of the causes is a lack of basic money management skills or an understanding of how to budget and avoid scams. We can and must do better for our service members - these are skills that should be taught before they leave active duty," Udall said. "My amendments would ensure the Department of Defense has the tools to provide better education, training and life skills to help service members make a smooth transition to civilian life, avoid homelessness, and build successful careers."

Prevention of veteran homelessness: Udall's amendment calls for a review and, if necessary, a revision of the current efforts by the military to prepare both enlisted and commissioned members of the armed forces with basic financial management tools. It requires the Defense Department (DOD) to consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and public and private organizations dedicated to financial skills education in reviewing and revising these requirements.

Expanded eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill: Under current law, members of the National Guard and Reserve who haven't accumulated 24 months of non-entry-level training aren't eligible for full benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Udall's amendment would change the way training time is counted for the purpose of educational benefits for Guard and Reservists who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Those who have served on the front lines deserve to have the same GI Bill benefits earned by our active duty forces.

Standing up for New Mexico's National Labs
Udall introduced three amendments to help strengthen Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories and boost the state's economy by helping the labs diversify the work they do and by encouraging tech transfer.

"New Mexico's national labs are critical to our national security, and they provide a vital economic foundation for our state. Especially in the wake of sequestration budget cuts, we must keep them strong and nimble. My amendments would reduce bureaucratic red tape so it's easier for the labs to partner with nonprofits and foundations - and so nonprofits and foundations can more easily draw on the expertise at the labs to advance the public good," Udall said.

"In addition, Los Alamos and Sandia labs produce some of the most innovative research and technology, but we need to make it easier to move that cutting-edge research and technology from the lab bench to the marketplace," Udall continued. "I believe that improving tech transfer is one of the keys to growing a premiere high-tech industry in New Mexico, and I've been proud to champion this effort. My amendment was developed with input from the labs and investor community in New Mexico. It would facilitate ways to help the Department of Energy, the labs, entrepreneurs, industry, the investment community and nonprofits work together."

Tech Transfer: Udall's amendment would improve the collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the national labs and the private sector. The creation of an industry-focused technology transfer working group is critical to building a two-way dialogue between our national labs, which innovate, and those in industry who can develop and deploy new technologies in the market. The amendment also includes enhanced annual tech transfer accountability reporting. The new working group will convene regularly to encourage innovation, and the enhanced reporting will track annual progress.

Diversifying Work at our Labs: Udall's amendment would encourage the efforts of foundations and nonprofits to utilize the expertise of research and development grants at the national labs. Currently, competing federal regulations between the DOE and the Internal Revenue Service make it difficult for the national labs to work with and receive grants from foundations and other nonprofits. This amendment would resolve the conflict between these federal regulations, empowering our lab directors to waive overhead costs and enabling the labs to do additional work in the public interest. In the past, organizations such as the Gates Foundation have worked collaboratively with the labs to advance research on HIV/AIDS, and this amendment would help them and others conduct similar work with less red tape in the future.

Recognizing the importance of B61 LEP: Udall's amendment, cosponsored by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), would establish that it is the sense of Congress that further delays to the B61 life extension program would have unacceptable effects on the reliability of the nation's nuclear deterrent. The B61 LEP is an important part of the president's stockpile stewardship program and is carried out in large part by Sandia and Los Alamos national labs.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement after the Senate voted 52-48 to change its rules and end filibusters on presidential executive and judicial nominations, except to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Udall has led the effort to reform the Senate's rules since he was elected in 2009. His argument throughout has been that a permanent change in the Senate rules - including by requiring a talking filibuster - is the only way to ensure the Senate will work for the American people again. He said the Senate's action today is a strong step forward.

"Today's vote to change the rules is a victory for all Americans who want to end obstruction and return to a government that works for them. Americans sent us here to get things done, but in recent years, the minority has filibustered again and again - not to slow action out of substantive concerns, but for political gain. Any President-Democrat or Republican-should be able to make their necessary appointments.

"This change finally returns the Senate to the majority rule standard that is required by the Constitution when it comes to executive branch and judicial nominees. With this change, if those nominees are qualified, they get an up or down vote in the Senate. If a majority is opposed, they can reject a nominee. But a minority shouldn't be able to delay them indefinitely. That is how our democracy is intended to work.

"New Mexicans - all Americans - are tired of the gridlock in Washington. The recent filibuster of three D.C. Circuit nominees over the last four weeks wasn't the beginning of this obstruction. It was the final straw in a long history of blocking the president's nominees. Doing nothing was no longer an option. It was time to rein in the unprecedented abuse of the filibuster, and I'm relieved the Senate took action today."

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed news that President Barack Obama has nominated Damon P. Martinez to be the next United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.

Martinez has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2001 and currently supervises the Organized Crime and Gang Section in Albuquerque. He is highly experienced in cases concerning national security and anti-terrorism, immigration and narcotics.

The senators recommended Martinez for the position of U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico in an April 26, 2013, letter to President Obama.

"Damon Martinez is an excellent public servant with a distinguished career in law enforcement, and I want to thank the president for following our recommendation to nominate him for this important post," Udall said. "I have no doubt Damon is up to the important challenge of enforcing federal laws in New Mexico and will make a fine U.S. Attorney for the District."

"Damon Martinez's record of public service in New Mexico and commitment to justice will make him an outstanding U.S. Attorney," Heinrich said. "I have no doubt that he will distinguish himself in this position, as he has throughout his career. I'm pleased with President Obama's selection and look forward to supporting Damon's nomination."

Martinez began his career as a federal prosecutor in the Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office and transferred to Albuquerque in 2005. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's office, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico, and held the positions of legislative director and legislative assistant for then-Congressman Udall and U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, respectively.

Martinez is an Albuquerque native and graduate of St. Pius X High School. He holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. He was also a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve until 2009, when he transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. Martinez currently holds the rank of Major.

U.S. Attorneys serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General. They are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. Each U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the U.S. within his or her particular jurisdiction.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement announcing his cosponsorship of a resolution to designate Nov. 30, 2013, as "Small Business Saturday" and to increase awareness of the importance of locally owned small businesses. On Saturday, Udall will visit Albuquerque small businesses to talk to owners and shoppers about the important role small business plays in our economy.

"Small businesses have been the economic foundation of communities across America since our nation's beginning, and they remain a driving force behind our economy. Today, small businesses in New Mexico are almost 96 percent of our state's employers, and employ over half of our private-sector workforce. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'm working hard to implement policies that create opportunities for small businesses to grow, get access to capital and hire new workers.

"The upcoming holiday season presents a real opportunity to support our locally owned businesses. That's why I have cosponsored a resolution in the Senate to designate the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, 2013, as Small Business Saturday. Historically, the weekend following Thanksgiving is the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. As we approach the holiday season this year, I encourage you to join me in shopping at our locally owned businesses. I wish all New Mexicans a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving and - for our small business owners, a prosperous Small Business Saturday."

Small businesses have been the foundation of our communities since our nation's beginning, and today they are a driving force behind our economy. Small businesses in New Mexico are almost 96 percent of our state's employers, and employ over half of our private-sector workforce.

That's why I co-sponsored a resolution in the Senate to designate the Saturday after Thanksgiving - Nov. 30, 2013 - as Small Business Saturday. It's a day to support the family- and locally-owned businesses that keep New Mexico's Main Streets strong.

I've had the pleasure of visiting a lot of small businesses this year in New Mexico. Businesses like bigbyte.cc, which is providing incubator space to grow our state's high-tech workforce; Solano's Boot and Western Wear in Raton, which has been providing quality service in Northeastern New Mexico for more than 50 years; and El Dorado Biofuels, which is developing "Jalgae" to help fuel our transportation needs with home grown resources right here in New Mexico.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'm working hard to implement policies that create opportunities for small businesses to grow, get access to capital and hire new workers, and I'm proud to be doing this on a bipartisan basis.

We can all play a part in helping New Mexico's business community prosper. To show your support, I hope you'll consider supporting a small business in your community this weekend. You can help right now by spreading the word on Facebook, or on Twitter.

I wish all New Mexicans a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving and - for our small business owners, a prosperous Small Business Saturday.

On Sat, I'll be supporting #SmallBiz in #NM. RT & join me 4 #SmallBizSat/#SmallBusinessSaturday http://t.co/t4VCFHCBSW

— Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) November 27, 2013

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced federal funding to help develop a new high-tech business district in Albuquerque.

STC.UNM, the technology-transfer and economic-development arm of the University of New Mexico (UNM), will receive a $1,498,048 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to go toward the purchase of property to be developed into an innovation center between downtown Albuquerque's central business district and the University of New Mexico. The City of Albuquerque has committed more than $2 million to the project and the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union has also committed $3 million.

Acquiring the property is the first piece of Innovate ABQ, a collaborative initiative that brings together the research powers of UNM and New Mexico's government, education, and business communities to develop an innovation center that will be a catalyst for new companies, grow existing ones, and attract more out-of-state business to the state.

"New Mexico is leading the way in research efforts that we can channel into building a high-tech economy," said Udall. "This innovation center will serve as an incubator to help new entrepreneurs take advantage of innovative research and turn it into a successful business."

"Innovation and technology drive New Mexico's economy and our contributions to the nation," said Heinrich. "This investment in Innovate ABQ will help to foster industry partnerships that will boost job creation and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses in New Mexico. I look forward to working with each partner in this collaborative effort to ensure this innovation center becomes a reality."

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the following statement on the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela:

"I'm deeply saddened to hear of Nelson Mandela's passing. His inspiring personal fight to overcome oppression and his lifetime of crusading for justice transformed a nation and changed the world for the better. He taught that freedom and peace are best achieved through education and respect for everyone in society. We will best celebrate Mandela's life by honoring those lessons long into the future."

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall welcomed the president's "Presidential Memorandum," challenging federal agencies to nearly triple their renewable energy consumption to 20 percent by 2020. Udall, who has led the effort to set a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025, issued the following statement:

"The United States should lead the world in clean energy jobs, innovation and in efforts to fight global warming. A national RES is critical to get us there. Today, by challenging federal agencies -- together the nation's largest consumer of energy -- to lead by example, the president is taking a strong step in the right direction. I think we can do even more, and I welcome the president's action, which will help make the case for a strong national RES that would create hundreds of thousands of jobs, generate new home-grown sources of clean energy and revitalize our rural communities."

Udall has long advocated a "do it all, do it right" energy policy, and he emphasizes the need to produce traditional energy sources, such as oil and gas, as well as renewables, such as biofuel, solar and wind. On Oct. 29, Udall, along with his first cousin Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, introduced an RES bill, which experts have said could create almost 300,000 jobs. The two have advocated for RES legislation since 2002. They successfully built a coalition of support and passed a version of the bill as an amendment in the U.S. House in 2007. They have continued the fight in the U.S. Senate, introducing RES legislation every Congress since 2008.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Office of U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is hosting an additional Women's Career Success Conference at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The Women's Career Success Conference will bring together businesses, nonprofit organizations and federal agency officials to help women in New Mexico learn how to enhance their careers and increase their competitiveness in the job market.

Space is limited, so women interested in attending are asked to register at tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess, or by calling Udall's Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791. The conference will be held at CNM's Workforce Training Center located at 5600 Eagle Rock Avenue NE in Albuquerque.

This is the third women's career success conference hosted by Udall. Last month's conference at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 60 women; because of the overwhelming response, Udall's office organized an additional conference.

The Women's Career Success Conference features area businesswomen and entrepreneurs sharing their stories, discussing the unique challenges they faced and offering insights on how to achieve economic empowerment. It will also offer training programs and personalized skill-building opportunities.

Participants will select from two targeted tracks - Jobs or Business.

The Job Track will focus on helping those who are searching for employment or looking to advance in their current fields. Sessions will include one-on-on help from HR professionals on résumé and cover letter writing and interviews skills. An additional session will also be available to help participants with WorkKeys. Attendees interested in applying for a job with the federal government can participate in a session on navigating employment through USAJobs.gov.

The Business Track will offer assistance to participants interested in starting their own small business and will include discussions on how to create a business plan, secure business loans and grants, utilizing local resources, and marketing.

The Women's Career Success Conference is hosted by Sen. Udall and Central New Mexico Community College, with special thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Development Office, ACCION, WESST and local employers for their participation.

Last month, I was pleased to host the Women's Career Success Conference to help women in New Mexico advance their careers.

Because of the overwhelming response from you, I'm hosting another conference on Thursday, December 12, at CNM's Workforce Training Center in Albuquerque.

Limited space is still available, so I invite you to register today at tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess or by calling my Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791.

If you are a woman in New Mexico and you haven't attended a previous Women's Career Success Conference, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to access resources from fellow women about how to improve your job skills and enhance your careers.

The conference brings together area employers, nonprofit organizations and federal agency officials to offer personalized skill-building opportunities for women to strengthen their competitiveness in the workforce.

Whether you are looking to start your own business, needing help improving your résumé, or simply considering a career change, the Women's Career Success Conference can help guide you in the right direction.

Highlights of the conference include:

- breakout sessions with HR professionals who can offer resume and cover letter writing tips

- interviewing tips, mock interview practice, and dressing for success

- a computer skill session, including online job search tips and help navigating USAjobs.gov

- lessons in what it takes to start a successful small business, including creating a business plan and securing business loans, utilizing a community commercial kitchen to start a food production business, and marketing your business.

For more information and to register for this free event visit tomudall.senate.gov/womenssuccess. Special thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Development Office, ACCION, WESST, Central New Mexico Community College and local employers for their participation in this great event.

P.S. - If you know someone who might also benefit from this workshop, please forward this invitation or share it on Facebook or Twitter:

On 12/12 I'm proud 2 host #womensuccess conf 4 #NM women-join us @CNMonline's Workforce Training Ctr in #ABQ http://t.co/5UlCkuxhnS #CNM

— Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) December 5, 2013

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall praised the confirmation of Patricia Millett to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She is the first nominee to be confirmed by the Senate since changing its rules to prohibit filibusters of executive branch and judicial nominees, other than those to the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 2009, Udall has led the fight in the Senate to cut through gridlock, and he said Millett's confirmation by a vote of 56-38 is evidence that the Senate is finally working again when it comes to these important nominees.

"After years of unprecedented obstruction of the president's nominees, the Senate finally took steps last month to rein in the abuse of the filibuster - and already we're seeing the benefit of our fight to make the Senate work for all Americans," Udall said. "Patricia Millett deserved an up-or-down vote in October, but she instead became another example of a highly qualified nominee blocked purely for partisan gain. Patricia Millett's confirmation today isn't a radical move. What's radical is that the Senate is finally doing what our founders intended - exercising its advise and consent responsibilities. A majority of the body approved of Millett's confirmation, so she now heads to the federal bench."

"With today's vote of 56-38, the Senate is finally operating according to the majority rule standard required by the Constitution when it comes to executive branch and judicial nominees," Udall added. "If nominees are qualified, they get an up or down vote in the Senate. If a majority is opposed, they can reject a nominee. But a minority can no longer delay them indefinitely. This is how our democracy is intended to work."

At the beginning of this Congress, Republicans agreed to filibuster nominees only under "extraordinary circumstances." Yet the pattern of obstruction continued and many well qualified judicial and executive branch nominees were denied up or down confirmation votes.

Millett was one of four D.C. Circuit Court nominees blocked by a Republican filibuster, despite their impeccable credentials and the support of a majority of the Senate. Republicans also recently blocked the nomination of U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Udall continues to fight for further rules changes, such as a "talking filibuster," which would require senators to go to the floor make their case for blocking legislation.

Today I'm proud to introduce legislation to preserve some of our state's most iconic landscapes, while boosting the region's tourism and outdoor economy, creating jobs and improving hunting and hiking opportunities.

Our Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act would designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument on 498,815 acres to conserve to conserve and protect scenic, recreational and culturally significant land.

Designating a national monument would put the Organ Mountains and other spectacular areas of Doña Ana County on recreation maps around the world, attracting tourists to Southern New Mexico, creating jobs and bringing in millions of dollars in tourism revenue.

The Organ Mountains and surrounding area form a beautiful and iconic backdrop for Las Cruces and are beloved by New Mexicans. Our bill would help ensure local families and visitors will continue to be able to hike, hunt, and learn from the thousands of significant historic sites throughout the hills for generations to come.

The new monument would be managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and would include eight new wilderness areas. Studies estimate that designating the area a national monument would bring new visitors and business opportunities, generating $7.4 million in new economic activity annually.

At the same time, by designating a monument, we're able to conserve the land while also preserving access to existing grazing rights, releasing wilderness study areas from consideration - to give U.S. Border Patrol increased flexibility for patrols, enhancing hunting opportunities, and ensuring watershed restoration and flood control can continue.

The national monument proposal is the result of many years of research and conversations with the surrounding communities, as well as White Sands Missile Range, Fort Bliss, and the U.S. Border Patrol.

The bill conserves land in an area stretching across the Organ, Doña Ana, Potrillo, Robledo and Uvas Mountains; home to game animals, such as pronghorn sheep, quail, and deer; as well as rare plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world, including the Organ Mountains pincushion cactus.

For more information, download the fact sheet below, access the legislative text and share the infographic to spread the word about how the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Monument would help New Mexico's economy.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act:

• Boosts the economy and creates jobs. A recent study found that new visitors would generate $7.4 million in new economic activity and over $560,000 in additional local and state tax revenue each year, and create new jobs.
• Conserves wildlife habitat and enhances hunting opportunities for generations to come.
• Protects some of Southern New Mexico's most iconic vistas and preserves important landmarks and archeological and cultural resources.
• Increases flexibility for Border Patrol to conduct operations.
• Directs the completion of a watershed health assessment that will support restoration and flood prevention.
• Maintains existing grazing as part of our state's heritage.

Fact Sheet - Organ Mountains Desert Peaks Conservation Act by Tom Udall

Overview Map of the Proposed Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument by Tom Udall

Organ Mountains Area Map

Map of the Desert Peaks Complex

Map of the Potrillo Mountains Complex

Legislative Text - S. 1805 - The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich introduced legislation to preserve some of Doña Ana County's most iconic landscapes, while boosting the region's tourism and outdoor economy, creating jobs and improving hunting and hiking opportunities. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act would designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument to conserve, protect and enhance scenic, recreational and culturally significant land.

The new monument would be managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and would include eight new wilderness areas. Studies show that designating the area a national monument would bring new visitors and business opportunities, generating $7.4 million in new economic activity annually.

"Designating a national monument would put the Organ Mountains and other spectacular areas of Doña Ana County on recreation maps around the world, attracting tourists to Southern New Mexico, creating jobs and bringing in millions of dollars in tourism revenue, Udall said. "The Organ Mountains and surrounding area form a beautiful and iconic backdrop for Las Cruces and are beloved by New Mexicans. Our bill would help ensure local families and visitors will continue to be able to hike, hunt, and learn from the thousands of significant historic sites throughout the hills for generations to come."

"The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region offers outstanding cultural resources, tourism and recreational opportunities like hunting, hiking, and camping, and links us strongly to our past. For years, diverse coalitions in New Mexico have worked tirelessly for its permanent protection. By designating this natural treasure a national monument, a critical piece of our shared outdoor heritage will be protected for us now and for future generations of Americans to enjoy," Heinrich said. "I look forward to working with Senator Tom Udall and communities across New Mexico to get this done."

The bill conserves land in an area stretching across the Organ, Doña Ana, Potrillo, Robledo and Uvas mountains, home to game animals, such as pronghorn sheep and deer, as well as rare plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world, including the Organ Mountains pincushion cactus. It encompasses Broad Canyon, Sleeping Lady Hills, Rough and Ready Hills, Picacho Peak, Mount Riley, Peña Blanca and Bishop's Cap. And it contains over 5,000 archeologically and culturally significant sites, including Geronimo's Cave, Billy the Kid's Outlaw Rock, Spanish settlement sites, and numerous petroglyphs and pictographs.

The national monument proposal is the result of many years of research and conversations with the surrounding communities, as well as White Sands Missile Range, Fort Bliss, and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Importantly, the bill preserves existing grazing rights and vehicular access to 100 percent of roads leading to currently used water wells, troughs and corrals, and it enhances hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. It also strengthens border security in the region by releasing wilderness study areas within five miles of the international border, creating a buffer area for Border Patrol activities, and adding an additional road for border security purposes.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act:

• Boosts the economy and creates jobs. A recent study found that new visitors would generate $7.4 million in new economic activity and create new jobs.
• Conserves wildlife habitat and enhances hunting opportunities for generations to come.
• Protects some of Southern New Mexico's most iconic vistas and preserves important landmarks and archeological and cultural resources.
• Increases flexibility for Border Patrol to conduct operations.
• Directs the completion of a watershed restoration assessment that will support flood prevention.
• Maintains existing grazing allotments under the current rangeland management guidelines.

Fact Sheet - Organ Mountains Desert Peaks Conservation Act by Tom Udall

Legislative Text - S. 1805 - The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act by Tom Udall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators  Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today made the following statements in response to a provision included in the compromise language of the fiscal year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), released yesterday. The provision is part of a bill the New Mexico senators introduced earlier this year, which passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to strengthen the missions at White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss.

"White Sands Missile Range is a critical and valuable asset for New Mexico and for our national security, and I'm glad that that these measures to strengthen WSMR were included in this year's defense bill. This commonsense bill sets aside an enduring buffer that clarifies the boundaries and protects this unique asset from incompatible development," said Sen. Udall. "Fort Bliss needs similar protection, and we'll continue to work to ensure that the remaining portions of our bill can be passed and enacted as soon as possible."

"I am pleased that both the House and Senate came together to support this important provision for White Sands Missile Range. This expansion is critical to strengthening WSMR's vital national security mission and will further protect it from encroachment," said Sen. Heinrich. "However, I am disappointed that similar buffer zone provisions for Fort Bliss failed to advance in the House. Despite receiving broad support from the Department of Defense, Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, White Sands Missile Range, community leaders, and specifically from Fort Bliss, the House neglected to introduce and consider common sense legislation that will further protect Fort Bliss from encroachment and incompatible development. I will continue to advocate for the buffer zone provisions for Fort Bliss and encourage my House colleagues to support their passage in next year's defense bill."

The Udall-Heinrich bill was reintroduced as part of an amendment to the NDAA. House negotiators objected to the language since the Fort Bliss provisions were never introduced in the House of Representatives.

The bullets below summarize the specific land exchanges:

• White Sands Missile Range (included in NDAA) Transfers 5,100 acres of land from the BLM to the Army in order to provide a critical safety and security buffer to NASA's White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) and the Department of Defense's Aerospace Data Facility - Southwest, which are both key tenants of White Sands Missile Range;

• Fort Bliss (not included in NDAA) Transfers 2,050 acres of land in Fillmore Canyon from the Army to the BLM to create a boundary that is more clearly identifiable to the public to prevent accidental trespass onto Fort Bliss; and

• Fort Bliss (not included in NDAA) Prohibits the BLM from selling or exchanging 35,550 acres of land in order to prevent incompatible development near the Fort Bliss Dona Ana Range Complex and Training Areas that include some of the Army's premier large weapons system firing ranges and artillery firing boxes. This land will still be accessible to the public for recreation, grazing, transportation, and other existing uses.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall responded to the D.C. District Court ruling regarding the National Security Agency's phone surveillance program. Udall has long pushed for reforms that would balance national security with Americans' constitutional rights, including the USA FREEDOM Act to end the bulk collection of phone records, and two bills to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts. He has also led a bipartisan push to ask for an independent investigation of these programs by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB). He issued the following statement:

"I voted against the Patriot Act in 2001 because I believed the law would undermine the constitutional rights of our citizens. I have shared the concern many New Mexicans feel that the NSA's dragnet surveillance of telephone and email records is an indiscriminate invasion of privacy. Today's District Court ruling affirms that the bulk collection of phone records violates Americans' fundamental right to be free from unreasonable searches.

"I have said for many years that the American people deserve an open debate in which the government must make its case for its surveillance programs, including proof that archiving the phone records of nearly all Americans is keeping us safe. Our constitution guarantees a system in which the people have the right to argue their case against the government in an open forum before an independent judiciary. But until recently, this debate has been carried out primarily in a secret court in which only one side - the government's - is represented. With this case, Americans got their day in court.

"We can protect our national security without sacrificing our constitutional rights. And I hope today's ruling will prove to be an important milestone on the path toward increased transparency and comprehensive reforms to our surveillance programs, including an end to bulk phone record collection and the creation of a new privacy advocate within the secretive FISA court. "

As we close out the year, I'm proud to release a new episode of the "The Udall Update," a public access television program that provides you with an inside look at what's happening in the U.S. Senate and how it impacts life in New Mexico.

The episode includes interviews, in-depth stories and feature segments about the work I am doing in Washington on behalf of New Mexicans.

If you live in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe and Silver City you can watch "The Udall Update" on your local public access station, and anyone with Internet access can view the program online starting today.

Click here to watch a new episode of "The Udall Update."

In the "Sensible Solutions" segment, I discuss two important pieces of legislation I passed on behalf of New Mexicans, including an interview with Jayann Sepich of Carlsbad, who was the driving force behind passage of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act. The law was named after Jayann's daughter, a New Mexico State University graduate student whose tragic death in 2003 spurred passage of "Katie's Law" on the state level to collect DNA from individuals arrested for serious crimes.

I successfully fought to pass the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act at the federal level to create incentives for states to implement programs like New Mexico's, and I was honored to work with the Sepich family on this sensible solution in Congress.

The segment also features an interview with Albuquerque residents MSgt Jessey Baca and his wife Maria about our work passing the Open Burn Pits Registry Act to help patients, doctors and VA officials determine to what extent air pollution caused by open air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members.

I became an advocate for creating this registry after meeting the Bacas, who detailed Jessey's battle with a multitude of health problems believed to be associated with burn pits, and I worked hard on a bipartisan basis to get this bill signed into law for them and other veterans who were exposed.

Finally, in a segment called "Tom's Inbox," I answer a letter from a constituent in Harding County about the work I am doing to support rural New Mexico.

To find out exactly when the episode will air in your community, please contact your local public access station from the list below. Extended interviews and additional footage can also be seen online.

I hope you enjoy the latest episode.

"The Udall Update" is scheduled to air on the following channels. Please check local listings for exact air dates and times.

Albuquerque - Channels 26 & 27
Carlsbad - Channel23TV - Channel 23
Las Cruces - CLC TV - Channel 20
Los Alamos- Los Alamos PAC - Channel 8
Rio Rancho - RioVision Community Access TV - Channels 15 & 22
Santa Fe - Santa Fe Community Television - Channel 16
Silver City - Community Access Television of Silver - Channels 17, 18 & 19

Remember, if you don't have access to these stations through your TV provider you can watch the entire episode on my YouTube channel.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the first major overhaul of the government information technology (IT) procurement process in over a decade. The senators urged quick action on IT reform, announcing their bill as President Obama met with executives from tech firms to discuss ways to improve the functioning of the health care website, HealthCare.gov.

The legislation would help modernize the government's computer and technology systems, which in some cases lag far behind the private sector. In the process, the bill would also cut waste to save billions in taxpayer funds and prevent management and accountability problems that have plagued various federal IT initiatives, most recently HealthCare.gov.

"The federal government needs to be able to build cutting-edge, 21st century computer systems, but right now we are hobbled by laws written in the days of floppy disks and telephone modems," Udall said. "We have an urgent need to modernize the law and especially to incorporate flexibility and accountability. I want to make sure that in the 21st century, citizens can depend on the web to interact with their government - especially when it comes to something as serious as health care insurance or taxes. As chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to continuing to work for reforms with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle."

"Americans want an efficient and effective government. As I'm sure President Obama and White House officials heard this morning from technology executives, reforms to and increased oversight of our federal IT procurement process is critical to achieving this goal," Moran said. "The systemically-flawed rollout of HealthCare.gov is one high-profile example of IT procurement failures, but numerous more projects incur cost overruns, project delays and are abandoned altogether. These examples of waste come at a cost of billions of dollars to American taxpayers. Our bill will help the federal government transition into the 21st Century in a fiscally responsible fashion by optimizing its use of IT."

Each year, the federal government spends about $80 billion on information technology. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), at least 154 major federal IT investments totaling $10.4 billion are at risk and in need of management attention. GAO has also found that federal IT reforms such as empowering Chief Information Officers (CIOs), consolidating federal data centers, and transitioning to cloud computing services could save billions of dollars.

In July, the GAO detailed a number of problems with IT initiatives and recommended the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) work with federal agencies to better and more effectively implement the programs to save taxpayers billions of dollars. The report is available here.

Udall and Moran's bill seeks to implement many of the GAO's recommendations and eliminate duplication and waste in federal information technology acquisition and management, in part by:

• Ensuring accountability by empowering federal CIOs, elevating their role in civilian agency budget planning processes, and increasing their ability to optimize how agencies use IT.

• Improving the transparency and expanding the scope of the OMB public website, the IT Dashboard, for federal IT spending.

The bill is cosponsored by Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE), who serves with Udall and Moran on the Senate Appropriations Committee. U.S. Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) have introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a bill that would give Hispanic-serving colleges and universities increased access to a grant program designed to encourage more students to pursue historic and cultural preservation. The program is similar to one already available to historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, and nontribal colleges with a high enrollment of Native Americans or Native Hawaiians.

The Preservation Research at Institutions Serving Minorities Act of 2013 amends the National Historic Preservation Act by expanding eligibility for technical and financial assistance for preservation training and degree programs to include colleges and universities that are officially considered Hispanic-serving institutions by the U.S. Department of Education - generally schools at which 25 percent or more of the students are Hispanic or Latino.

"New Mexico has a long and rich history that includes over 500 years of Hispanic settlement, and our colleges and universities are well-positioned to take advantage of this program," Udall said. "This bill will help more students get inspired by our past and learn the skills to preserve our cultural history. Communities across our state can benefit - not only will encouraging historic preservation help us better understand our history, it's an economic development tool that can help increase tourism and create jobs."

"We are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse culture here in our country, and preserving our unique heritage is important," said Rubio. "By allowing Hispanic-serving institutions to become eligible for support to implement cultural education programs under the National Historic Preservation Act, we will ensure those who wish to learn about, preserve and remember their cultural and national heritage have the ability to do so."

More than 350 Hispanic-serving institutions across the country would benefit from the extended eligibility prescribed by the Preservation Research at Institutions Serving Minorities Act. Hispanic-serving institutions represent about 10 percent of all higher education institutions in the United States, and educate over 50 percent of Hispanic students. This bill provides Hispanic-serving institutions with comparable access to technical or financial assistance to implement preservation and training programs as institutions with high enrollments of other minority populations. In addition to Udall and Rubio, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he has cosponsored the Military Retirement Restoration Act to safeguard military retirees from a proposed 1 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) cut for working-age military retirees. This change was included in the bipartisan budget agreement the Senate is expected to clear this week. The legislation would replace the $6 billion in total expected cuts to working-age military retirees' COLAs with an estimated $6.6 billion raised by eliminating a tax loophole for domestic corporations that make use of offshore tax havens. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and is also cosponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Begich (D-AK), Mark Udall (D-CO), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

"The bipartisan budget deal replaces damaging across-the-board cuts with smarter alternatives that will support growth among small businesses, create jobs in New Mexico and across the country, support our active duty military, and avoid the devastating financial impacts of another government shutdown," Udall said. "However, a promise was made to our military retirees, and the reduction in retirement benefits for working-age military retirees undermines this promise. That is why I'm supporting the Military Retirement Restoration Act, which will reverse the 1 percent reduction in cost of living adjustments to retirees who have dedicated over two decades of their lives to protecting our freedoms. This common-sense bill will decrease the deficit by closing a tax loophole while ensuring that working-age military retirees get the retirement benefits they have earned."

Currently, companies that are incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States can claim foreign status, which helps them avoid paying U.S. taxes.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and former member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Udall has worked to support veterans throughout his career. Udall is a cosponsor of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, and has fought to protect veterans' benefits and ensure that military service members return home to the resources needed to smoothly and successfully transition into civilian life. For more information about Udall's work for veterans, click here.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the full Senate in voting for the bipartisan budget agreement, which was approved by a vote of 64-36. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly last week by a bipartisan vote of 332-94.

Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been fighting for budget certainty and an end to the devastating sequestration cuts, which have disproportionately hurt New Mexico. He issued the following statement:

"While the budget bill is not exactly what I would have written, it does two very important things for New Mexico. It rolls back sequestration's harmful cuts to national defense, the national labs, public land agencies, and many other federal installations that are critical to New Mexico's economy. It also lays out federal budgets for the next two years, providing a level of certainty that New Mexico's federal installations have said is desperately needed. I am willing to work to remedy the problematic parts of this agreement in future legislation. I have cosponsored a bill that would restore an unfair cut to working-age military retirees' cost of living adjustments, and I will continue to fight against making permanent an administrative fee on oil and gas royalties that costs New Mexico around $10 million a year.

"Without this budget measure, we face more conflict over spending and likely further job losses in New Mexico. Another short-term spending measure like those we've passed recently would lock in sequestration's economically devastating across-the-board cuts and could lead to a government shutdown in just a few short weeks. Officials at New Mexico's federal installations have assured me that not only would another round of cuts and budget dysfunction lead to layoffs, it would also negatively impact national security and likely cause irreparable harm to the government's ability to recruit and retain the best minds in science, research and management.

"You wouldn't run a successful business by lurching from crisis to crisis and budgeting a few weeks at a time - and it's no way to run a government. I'm going to continue to work toward sensible, bipartisan solutions that keep our budgets in check while maintaining our government services, and keeping our national defense strong and our economy healthy in New Mexico and around the country."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham applauded a decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court that affirms marriage equality in the State of New Mexico.

"We hold that the State of New Mexico is constitutionally required to allow same-gender couples to marry and must extend to them the rights, protections, and responsibilities that derive from civil marriage under New Mexico law," wrote Justice Edward Chávez in a unanimous 5 to 0 decision. The Court found that prohibiting individuals from marrying solely because of sexual orientation is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause in the New Mexico Constitution.

"Today's court ruling is a resounding victory for New Mexicans in all four corners who love one another and deserve to be treated equally under the law - just as our Constitution intended," said Udall. "Our country has come a long way in advancing marriage equality for all, and I am proud New Mexico is joining in that forward progress. I'm also glad the court has finally provided the legal clarity for the countless New Mexicans who have been in limbo for too long, and I congratulate all our families in New Mexico who will finally be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."

"Today is a proud day for New Mexico and a significant step forward to creating a fairer, more just society. I am thrilled that the New Mexico Supreme Court found that our constitution requires marriage equality for all our citizens," said Heinrich. "This ruling stands to strengthen New Mexico families and affirms that loving same sex couples who accept the responsibility of marriage are respected and recognized in our state. We must continue our march toward full equality for all Americans."

"Today's decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court ensures that every couple can make the personal choice of marriage," said Luján. "Marriage equality is a matter of civil rights and treating all people who are in loving and committed relationships fairly. Gay and lesbian couples make the same contributions and sacrifices that we all do, including paying taxes, owning business and caring for their families. Now everyone will be treated equally under the law."

"This is an incredible victory for New Mexico, where we believe that all families matter and that everyone deserves the same basic rights and responsibilities that only marriage provides," said Lujan Grisham. "This ruling confirms what we already know and believe - that in New Mexico, freedom means freedom for everyone. I'm thrilled that all New Mexicans now have the opportunity to marry the person they love, and I'm proud that our state is on the right side of history."

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senator Tom Udall released a new episode of "The Udall Update," a public access television program that provides the public an inside look at what's happening in the U.S. Senate and how it impacts life in New Mexico.

The 30-minute episode, which airs on Sen. Udall's YouTube channel and on public access TV throughout the state, includes interviews, in-depth stories and feature segments about the work he is doing in Washington on behalf of New Mexicans.

Viewers in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe and Silver City can contact their local public access station to find out exactly when "The Udall Update" will air. A list of those stations is included below. The episode will also appear online at http://tomudall.senate.gov/tv.

The latest episode of "The Udall Update" looks at the changes that have taken place in Congress, from Senator Bingaman's retirement to Senator Udall's appointment to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In a segment titled "Sensible Solutions," Udall discusses two important pieces of legislation he helped pass in Washington on behalf of New Mexicans.

The first segment includes an interview with Jayann Sepich of Carlsbad, who was the driving force behind passage of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act. The law was named for Jayann Sepich's daughter, a New Mexico State University graduate student whose tragic death in 2003 spurred passage of "Katie's Law" on the state level to collect DNA from individuals arrested for serious crimes.

Udall successfully fought to pass the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act at the federal level to create incentives for states to implement programs like New Mexico's.

The second "Sensible Solutions" segment features an interview with Albuquerque residents MSgt Jessey Baca and his wife Maria about their work to establish a burn pits registry for military service men and women.

Udall led the effort in Congress to pass the Open Burn Pits Registry Act after meeting the Bacas, who detailed Jessey's battle with a multitude of health problems believed to be associated with burn pits.

The registry, which is currently being designed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will be similar to the Agent Orange and Gulf War registries and will help patients, doctors and VA officials determine to what extent air pollution caused by open air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members.

The "Udall Update" concludes with a look at "Tom's Inbox" as Udall answers a letter from a constituent in Roy asking how Udall is working to support rural New Mexico.

Additional footage and information mentioned in "The Udall Update" can also be found online at http://tomudall.senate.gov/tvextras. Previous episodes can be viewed at http://tomudall.senate.gov/tv.

The "Udall Update" is scheduled to air on the following channels. Please check local listings for exact air dates and times.

Albuquerque - Channels 26 & 27
Carlsbad - Channel23TV - Channel 23
Las Cruces - CLC TV - Channel 20
Los Alamos- Los Alamos PAC - Channel 8
Rio Rancho - RioVision Community Access TV - Channels 15 & 22
Santa Fe - Santa Fe Community Television - Channel 16
Silver City - Community Access Television of Silver - Channels 17, 18 & 19

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall last night joined the Senate in overwhelmingly approving a major defense bill by a vote of 84-15. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes provisions that will support jobs and strengthen New Mexico's military bases, small businesses and federal defense installations, including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

The NDAA is critical legislation, which sets the fiscal year 2014 defense policy and directs funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs under the Department of Energy.

"The funding outlined in this bill will ensure the strength and preparedness of New Mexico's military bases and defense installations, supporting thousands of good jobs in New Mexico and keeping our nation safe," Udall said. "This bill upholds the quality of life of our service members and their families, and ensures that our military has the resources, training, technology and equipment to maintain its military readiness and remain at the forefront of developing new sources of energy."

Udall fought for several policy provisions that were included in the final legislation. Among them:

- The Los Alamos National Labs Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement Project (CMRR). This amended provision would provide LANL with the flexibility to continue to provide essential national security support and ensure that scientists and engineers have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their work safely, while addressing some of the concerns raised in response to the original CMRR proposal.

- Full funding for our national labs and a provision emphasizing that the B61 Life Extension Program (LEP) remains an important part of our nation's stockpile stewardship program and must remain fully funded and on schedule to maintain the safety, security and credibility of the nation's nuclear deterrent. The provision will help emphasize the importance of the B61 LEP to national defense in the face of efforts by some in Congress to cut funding.

- A provision to protect the White Sands Missile Range from encroachment by transferring 5,100 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the Army. The transfer would provide a critical safety and security buffer to NASA's White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) and the Department of Defense's Aerospace Data Facility - Southwest, which are both key tenants of White Sands Missile Range.

- A measure easing some restrictions on the overseas transfer of Guantanamo detainees.

- Improvements to military justice procedures to crack down on sexual assault in the military.

The NDAA authorized funding for the Department of Energy's national security programs, including full funding for the national labs to carry out their stockpile stewardship programs. Funding Senator Udall helped to secure included:

- National labs weapons activities: $7.9 billion, which was over $40 million above the president's request.
- B61 LEP: $537 million for both Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories.
- LANL TRU waste facilities: $26.7 million to help prepare LANL transuranic (TRU) waste for disposal at WIPP.
- LANL TA-55 reinvestment project second phase: $30.6 million to enhance safety and increase the life expectancy of the PF-4 facility, which is responsible for plutonium operations and other aspects of the stockpile stewardship program.
- LANL Radioactive Liquid Waste treatment facility upgrade: $55.7 million.

Senator Udall also worked to secure funding above the president's request for critical environmental cleanup programs in New Mexico:
- LANL cleanup: $234.7 million.
- Waste Isolation Pilot Plant: $219 million for cleanup. Because of Udall's efforts, the funding amount for both LANL cleanup and WIPP are increases over the numbers originally proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The NDAA also authorizes the construction of facilities critical to our nation's military and quality of life for U.S. military personnel and their families. Military construction for New Mexico's bases included approximately $148.2 million for vital projects at Kirtland, Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases, including:

- Cannon AFB: $34.1 million for an airmen and family readiness center, dormitory and satellite dining facility.
- Kirtland AFB: $30.5 million for a nuclear systems wing and sustainment center.
- Holloman AFB: $2.25 million for F-16 aircraft covered washrack and pad; $21.4 million to the Defense Logistics Agency to replace the hydrant fuel system; and $60 million for the Tri-Care Management Activity to replace the medical clinic.

Procedural gridlock prevented additional amendments Udall supported including a provision to establish a national historical park to commemorate the World War II Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb.

Udall will continue fighting for the Manhattan Project park as well as other provisions that were dropped from the final bill, including additional transfers of land to protect Fort Bliss from encroachment, and a measure that would prohibit the BLM from selling or exchanging 35,550 acres of land to prevent incompatible development near the Fort Bliss Dona Ana Range Complex and Training Areas. The training areas include some of the Army's premier large weapons system firing ranges and artillery firing boxes.

"As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight to ensure that Congress makes good on funding for these priorities," Udall said. "I am pleased that the Senate was able to come to an agreement on this bill, though I'm disappointed that some measures that are important to New Mexico were not included. This is a strong bipartisan bill that provides critical funding for our armed forces and strengthens New Mexico's military bases and defense installations, allowing them to continue contribute their essential national security work."

WASHINGTON - Where there's federal land, rural and local communities must provide government services despite being unable to obtain property tax revenue from land owned by the federal government. To offset this loss in revenue, Congress should continue annually appropriating Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to offset the cost of providing services related to public safety, housing, social services, transportation and the environment. That was the message of U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) who sent a letter today to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Interior subcommittee calling on them to fully support and fund the PILT program.

In the letter, the senators highlighted how the program provides critical funding to nearly 1,900 counties in 49 states and 3 U.S. territories to help offset losses to local governments from the presence of non-taxable federal lands. Without that funding, counties across the nation would experience incredible economic hardship, according to the senators.

"As you know, property taxes fund county governments allowing them to provide essential services such as law enforcement, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, education, and health services for local communities. A fully funded PILT program helps to offset the loss of these important revenues and fulfill the federal governments' obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land," the senators wrote.

Udall and Enzi also have concerns with the federal government trying to use a "rob Peter to pay Paul" scheme when it comes to compensating counties. Local communities should be paid what they are owed and that funding should not come at the expense of other compensation those communities receive, according to the senators.

Annual PILT payments are computed by the Department of the Interior based on the number of acres of federal entitlement land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction. The lands include the National Forest and National Park Systems, the areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, those affected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation water resource development projects, and others.

The letter was signed by fifteen additional Senators: Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mike Lee, (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

The full text of the letter can be found below.

PILT Appropriations Letter by Tom Udall