WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall has been nominated to serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The appointment compliments his work on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the U.S. Helsinki Commission) and the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
"I look forward to contributing to the vital policy discussions in the Foreign Relations Committee to advance America's interests at home and abroad," said Udall. "I have the utmost respect for the Chairman Kerry and Ranking Member Lugar and am pleased to have a voice in the committee challenged with tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, including the war in Afghanistan, our expanding relationship with China, and sustainable development."
"I'd like to welcome Tom Udall to the Committee. I've worked closely with Tom on the issue of climate change and I'm glad that I'll now get to work with him on a regular basis," said Chairman John Kerry. "Tom is conscientious and insightful, traits that will serve this Committee well."
Said Ranking Member Richard Lugar, "I'm encouraged that Senator Tom Udall has found a seat on the Foreign Relations Committee where he can assert even more leadership on issues such as arms control and security in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I look forward to working with him."
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is tasked with helping to develop and influence our nation's foreign policy. The committee shapes foreign policy of broad significance, influences matters of war and peace and assists in the negotiation of treaties. For more information on the committee, visit http://foreign.senate.gov.
In addition to his appointment to the Foreign Relations Committee, Udall will continue to serve on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Rules and Administration.
