{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NM\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-bears-ears-national-monument", "Heinrich Statement On Bears Ears National Monument", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Bears Ears National Monument\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on President Obama's designation of the Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah:\u00a0\r\n\"The Bears Ears region, a spectacular landscape with its big skies and red rocks east of the Colorado River and south of Canyonlands National Park, includes thousands of historic and cultural sites with deep meaning to numerous Native American tribes. The Navajo, Zuni, Cochiti, Ute Mountain Ute, Hopi, Uintah and Ouray Ute, and many others should be proud of the years of tireless work they committed to making this day possible. They raised their voices about how closely tied the Bears Ears region is to their people and told the stories of the legacy left in the canyons and on the mesas by their ancestors. Bears Ears is sacred ground and the tribes will now have a say in the stewardship and management of it. America\u2019s public lands are part of the fabric of our democracy. I thank President Obama for recognizing the extraordinary history of Bears Ears and protecting these lands for our children and all future generations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-designation-of-bears-ears-national-monument", "Udall Welcomes Designation of Bears Ears National Monument", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Designation of Bears Ears National Monument \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, praised President Obama's decision to create the Bears Ears National Monument. The region of Southern Utah has been important for Native Americans for millennia, and it is also an area where Udall's ancestor, Jacob Hamblin, once worked to build relations between Mormon pioneers and Native American Tribes.\n\"The Bears Ears region is a spectacularly beautiful region and the ancestral home of many Southwestern Native American Tribes. Navajo, Ute, Uintah, Zuni, Hopi, and other Native American people depend on the land for traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. Yet for years it has faced the threats of looting, vandalism, and energy development. Today's action is the result of years of work by Tribal members who raised awareness of these threats and the importance of preserving the area. I want to thank all of the advocates for their tireless work to protect this important cultural landscape. It is significant that for the first time, Native American Tribes will co-manage a national monument with the federal government.\n\"I also thank President Obama, who has been a strong advocate for conservation. As a Westerner and an outdoorsman, I appreciate the work he has done to protect our most treasured places, including the Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains Desert Peaks national monuments in New Mexico. The Bears Ears and Gold Butte monuments created today in Utah and Nevada are important additions to his legacy of smart and courageous work to conserve the most special places in our landscape so they will endure for generations to come.\"\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2494", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness [press_release]", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding represents $500,000 increase over FY16; will help families, rural veterans, individuals across the state\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed $10.9 million in U.S. Housing and Urban Development grants to help New Mexico families, veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. The grants will go to communities across the state, including five new organizations and four others that did not receive funding last year. The total represents an increase of about $500,000 over last year for Continuum of Care programs.\"Everyone deserves a quality place to call home, and this funding is particularly welcome news at the holidays. The grants will help families and veterans across our state find a safe place to live, either in the form of rental assistance, supportive housing or temporary shelters,\" Udall said. \"Our goal is to end homelessness permanently, and I'm proud that several New Mexico communities are making real progress. I'm concerned that some in Washington are proposing dangerous cuts in housing assistance. These community-based grant programs are helping to end the cycle of homelessness, and I will fight as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee against any proposals that would prevent New Mexicans from getting the help they need to get back on their feet permanently.\"\"Stable housing is the foundation for economic security. These federal resources will go towards efforts to end homelessness in communities across New Mexico,\" Heinrich said. \"I am proud of the important work these local organizations do every day to connect youth, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter, lifesaving services, and pathways toward economic stability and permanent housing. I will continue fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need to help people find their way home.\"Below is a list of grant recipients by county:BERNALILLO COUNTY   Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.  / AHCH Coordinated Assessment  Renewal  $71,140Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.  / Supportive Housing  Renewal  $127,641Barrett Foundation, Inc. / Milagro Permanent Supportive Housing (Albuquerque)  Renewal  $92,028Bernalillo County / Renee's Project  Renewal  $67,892Catholic Charities / Partners in Housing   Albuquerque  Renewal  $284,170Catholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz RRH   Albuquerque  Renewal  $238,073Catholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz Services  Albuquerque  $52,350City of Albuquerque / Albuquerque CoC Planning Project  Planning  $165,858City of Albuquerque / CLNkids Rapid ReHousing Project  Renewal  $226,599City of Albuquerque / Rapid ReHousing - City of Albuquerque  Renewal  $905,261City of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - AHCH/SMHC  Renewal  $1,439,728City of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - TLS  Renewal  $457,265City of Albuquerque / Transitional Housing - City of Albuquerque  Renewal  $138,982Crossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Chronic 2016  Albuquerque  Renewal  $144,508Crossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Non-Chronic 2016  Albuquerque  Renewal  $240,627NewLife Homes, Inc. / Sundowner  Albuquerque  Renewal  $42,800St. Martin's Hospitality Center / Dual Diagnosis Outreach  Albuquerque  Renewal  $92,700St. Martin's Hospitality Center / Welcome Home  Albuquerque  New  $100,000Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Downtown @ 700 2nd  Albuquerque  Renewal  $70,510Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Homeward  Albuquerque  Renewal  $167,653Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Pathways Supported Housing Program  Albuquerque  Renewal  $147,442Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Sevagram Supportive Housing  Albuquerque  Renewal  $229,599Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Frank Gray House  Albuquerque  Renewal  $157,383Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Mesa House  Albuquerque  Renewal  $109,233Catholic Charities / Sandoval SHP  Albuquerque  Renewal  $205,915Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Chuska Permanent Supportive Housing  Albuquerque  New  $63,234SANTA FE COUNTY  New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Albuquerque Coordinated Assessment System 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $25,000Casa Milagro Inc. / Supportive Housing Program  Santa Fe  Renewal  $101,001City of Santa Fe / Siringo Senior Permanent Housing Program  Renewal  $40,164New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Balance of State Coordinated Assessment 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $55,786New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS (1) 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $29,603New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS Expansion (2) 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $134,111New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM501 CoC Planning Project 2016  Santa Fe  Planning  $143,885Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Casa Cerrillos Permanent Housing for Homeless Disabled 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $74,098Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Sonrisa Family Supportive Living Program 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $64,403Santa Fe Community Housing Trust / Shelter Plus Care Renewal  2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $139,961The Life Link / Life Link Eastern New Mexico  Santa Fe  Renewal  $178,511The Life Link / Life Link La Luz PRA  Santa Fe  Renewal  $240,966The Life Link / Life Link S+C AB  Santa Fe  Renewal  $418,814The Life Link / Life Link S+C C  Santa Fe  Renewal  $132,059The Life Link / Life Link S+C D  Santa Fe  Renewal  $112,000The Life Link / Life Link S+C E  Santa Fe  Renewal  $45,129Youth Shelters and Family Services / Rapid Rehousing for Homeless Youth in Santa Fe FY16  Renewal  $139,613DO\u00d1A ANA COUNTY  Abode Inc / Abode Permanent Housing Project  Las Cruces  Renewal  $53,915City of Las Cruces, New Mexico / S+C Community Housing Connection III  Renewal  $70,702La Casa, Inc. / La Casa Rapid Rehousing  Las Cruces  Renewal  $119,873Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection I  Las Cruces  Renewal  $113,204Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection II  Las Cruces  Renewal  $98,074Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Coordinated Assessment SSO  Las Cruces  Renewal  $93,090Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program  Las Cruces  Renewal  $110,969Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program II  Las Cruces  New  $110,000Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Sue's House Permanent Housing for Chronically Homeless Women  Las Cruces  Renewal  $51,437TAOS COUNTY  Community Against Violence, Inc. / Community Against Violence DV/SA Housing Project   Taos  Renewal  $139,702DreamTree Project, Inc. / Casitas Transitional Living Program  Taos  Renewal  $109,425DreamTree Project, Inc. / Taos Rehousing  Taos  Renewal  $120,632Northern Regional HA  Taos  HUD-VASH Tenant Based  15 vouchers  $89,134SANDOVAL COUNTY  County of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permanent Supportive Housing B 2016  Renewal  $132,606County of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permenent Supportive Housing A 2016  Renewal  $241,060SOCORRO COUNTY  El Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care I (2016)  Socorro  Renewal  $335,064El Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care II (2016  Socorro  Renewal  $90,620GRANT COUNTY  El Refugio, Inc. / Rapid Re-housing 2016  Silver City  New  $56,780El Refugio, Inc. / Transitional Housing Project 2016  Silver City  Renewal  $65,725SAN JUAN COUNTY  People Assisting the Homeless / PATH PSH 2016  Farmington  New  $43,760San Juan County Partnership / SJCP-PSH  Farmington  Renewal  $120,361San Juan County Partnership / SJPartnership PH  Farmington  Renewal  $132,035SAN MIGUEL COUNTY  Samaritan House Inc / Samaritan House - Permanent Housing  Las Vegas  Renewal  $122,350VALENCIA COUNTY  Valencia Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence / La Vida Nueva  Los Lunas  Renewal  $112,934", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2495", "Udall: 'Washington Republicans' Plan to Repeal the ACA Would be a Public Health, Economic and Jobs Disaster' for NM [press_release]", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: 'Washington Republicans' Plan to Repeal the ACA Would be a Public Health, Economic and Jobs Disaster' for NM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the impact that repealing Obamacare would have on New Mexico families and the state's economy:\n\"Before the Affordable Care Act, New Mexico had one of the nation's highest percentages of people without health insurance. For tens of thousands of citizens, everything but emergency health care was mostly out of reach. Today, thanks to the ACA, that number has been cut in half and continues to improve -- 360,000 New Mexicans gained coverage after the ACA was implemented and Medicaid was expanded. I have heard from countless people who are relieved that for the first time in their lives, they can see a doctor without worrying about going broke. And while our state's overall economy has lagged, the ACA has been an economic driver for New Mexico. Seven of the top 10 fastest-growing job categories in the state are in the health care field, and overall, one in five jobs is related to health care.\n\"For those concrete, measurable reasons, I strongly believe that Washington Republicans' plan to repeal the ACA would be a public health, economic and jobs disaster. Repeal threatens to eliminate health care access for tens of thousands of New Mexicans and cost our state $2.2 billion in lost funding annually by 2019. Even more shockingly, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans have no plan to protect people or replace it. New Mexico did the right thing by expanding Medicaid and setting up a state health insurance exchange, and all New Mexico leaders should speak with a unified voice in saying that recklessly repealing the ACA would cause serious damage to New Mexico families and our economy.\"\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20161227180343/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=2493", "Season's Greetings [blog]", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThis holiday season, as we gather together with family and friends and count our blessings, it is important that we remember our brave men and women in the military who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Many of our troops are spending the holiday season far away from home, serving American interests and values overseas. New Mexico and America are enormously grateful for everything that our service members and their families do on our behalf, and I know you'll join me in keeping them in your thoughts.\n Watch my holiday message to our troops deployed at home and abroad. \nIt is my honor and privilege to serve New Mexico as U.S. Senator, and I am humbled every day by the opportunity I have been given to fight for New Mexicans in Washington D.C.\nJill and I wish you and yours safe holidays and a happy new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-109-million-in-grants-to-help-nm-end-homelessness", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFunding represents $500,000 increase over FY16 Will help families, rural veterans, individuals across the state\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed $10.9 million in U.S. Housing and Urban Development grants to help New Mexico families, veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. The grants will go to communities across the state, including five new organizations and four others that did not receive funding last year. The total represents an increase of about $500,000 over last year for Continuum of Care programs.\r\n\"Everyone deserves a quality place to call home, and this funding is particularly welcome news at the holidays. The grants will help families and veterans across our state find a safe place to live, either in the form of rental assistance, supportive housing or temporary shelters,\" Udall said. \"Our goal is to end homelessness permanently, and I'm proud that several New Mexico communities are making real progress. I'm concerned that some in Washington are proposing dangerous cuts in housing assistance. These community-based grant programs are helping to end the cycle of homelessness, and I will fight as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee against any proposals that would prevent New Mexicans from getting the help they need to get back on their feet permanently.\"\r\n\u201cStable housing is the foundation for economic security. These federal resources will go towards efforts to end homelessness in communities across New Mexico,\" Heinrich said. \"I am proud of the important work these local organizations do every day to connect youth, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter, lifesaving services, and pathways toward economic stability and permanent housing. I will continue fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need to help people find their way home.\u201d\r\nBelow is a list of grant recipients by county:\r\nBERNALILLO COUNTY\u00a0\r\nAlbuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. \u00a0/ AHCH Coordinated Assessment\r\nRenewal\r\n$71,140\r\n\r\nAlbuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. \u00a0/ Supportive Housing\r\nRenewal\r\n$127,641\r\n\u00a0\r\nBarrett Foundation, Inc. / Milagro Permanent Supportive Housing (Albuquerque)\r\nRenewal\r\n$92,028\r\n\u00a0\r\nBernalillo County / Renee's Project\r\nRenewal\r\n$67,892\r\n\u00a0\r\nCatholic Charities / Partners in Housing\u00a0\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$284,170\r\n\u00a0\r\nCatholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz RRH\u00a0\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$238,073\r\n\u00a0\r\nCatholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz Services\r\nAlbuquerque\r\n$52,350\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / Albuquerque CoC Planning Project\r\nPlanning\r\n$165,858\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / CLNkids Rapid ReHousing Project\r\nRenewal\r\n$226,599\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / Rapid ReHousing - City of Albuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$905,261\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - AHCH/SMHC\r\nRenewal\r\n$1,439,728\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - TLS\r\nRenewal\r\n$457,265\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Albuquerque / Transitional Housing - City of Albuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$138,982\r\n\u00a0\r\nCrossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Chronic 2016\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$144,508\r\n\u00a0\r\nCrossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Non-Chronic 2016\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$240,627\r\n\u00a0\r\nNewLife Homes, Inc. / Sundowner\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$42,800\r\n\u00a0\r\nSt. Martin's Hospitality Center / Dual Diagnosis Outreach\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$92,700\r\n\u00a0\r\nSt. Martin's Hospitality Center / Welcome Home\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nNew\r\n$100,000\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Downtown @ 700 2nd\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$70,510\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Homeward\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$167,653\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Pathways Supported Housing Program\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$147,442\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Sevagram Supportive Housing\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$229,599\r\n\u00a0\r\nTherapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Frank Gray House\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$157,383\r\n\u00a0\r\nTherapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Mesa House\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$109,233\r\n\u00a0\r\nCatholic Charities / Sandoval SHP\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nRenewal\r\n$205,915\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Chuska Permanent Supportive Housing\r\nAlbuquerque\r\nNew\r\n$63,234\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSANTA FE COUNTY\r\nNew Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Albuquerque Coordinated Assessment System 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$25,000\r\n\u00a0\r\nCasa Milagro Inc. / Supportive Housing Program\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$101,001\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Santa Fe / Siringo Senior Permanent Housing Program\r\nRenewal\r\n$40,164\r\n\u00a0\r\nNew Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Balance of State Coordinated Assessment 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$55,786\r\n\u00a0\r\nNew Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS (1) 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$29,603\r\n\u00a0\r\nNew Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS Expansion (2) 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$134,111\r\n\u00a0\r\nNew Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM501 CoC Planning Project 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nPlanning\r\n$143,885\r\n\u00a0\r\nSaint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Casa Cerrillos Permanent Housing for Homeless Disabled 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$74,098\r\n\u00a0\r\nSaint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Sonrisa Family Supportive Living Program 2016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$64,403\r\n\u00a0\r\nSanta Fe Community Housing Trust / Shelter Plus Care Renewal \u00a02016\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$139,961\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link Eastern New Mexico\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$178,511\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link La Luz PRA\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$240,966\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link S+C AB\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$418,814\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link S+C C\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$132,059\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link S+C D\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$112,000\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Life Link / Life Link S+C E\r\nSanta Fe\r\nRenewal\r\n$45,129\r\n\u00a0\r\nYouth Shelters and Family Services / Rapid Rehousing for Homeless Youth in Santa Fe FY16\r\nRenewal\r\n$139,613\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDO\u00d1A ANA COUNTY\r\nAbode Inc / Abode Permanent Housing Project\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$53,915\r\n\u00a0\r\nCity of Las Cruces, New Mexico / S+C Community Housing Connection III\r\nRenewal\r\n$70,702\r\n\u00a0\r\nLa Casa, Inc. / La Casa Rapid Rehousing\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$119,873\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection I\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$113,204\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection II\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$98,074\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Coordinated Assessment SSO\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$93,090\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$110,969\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program II\r\nLas Cruces\r\nNew\r\n$110,000\r\n\u00a0\r\nMesilla Valley Community of Hope / Sue's House Permanent Housing for Chronically Homeless Women\r\nLas Cruces\r\nRenewal\r\n$51,437\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nTAOS COUNTY\r\nCommunity Against Violence, Inc. / Community Against Violence DV/SA Housing Project\u00a0\r\nTaos\r\nRenewal\r\n$139,702\r\n\u00a0\r\nDreamTree Project, Inc. / Casitas Transitional Living Program\r\nTaos\r\nRenewal\r\n$109,425\r\n\u00a0\r\nDreamTree Project, Inc. / Taos Rehousing\r\nTaos\r\nRenewal\r\n$120,632\r\n\u00a0\r\nNorthern Regional HA\r\nTaos\r\nHUD-VASH Tenant Based\r\n15 vouchers\r\n$89,134\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSANDOVAL COUNTY\r\nCounty of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permanent Supportive Housing B 2016\r\nRenewal\r\n$132,606\r\n\u00a0\r\nCounty of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permenent Supportive Housing A 2016\r\nRenewal\r\n$241,060\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSOCORRO COUNTY\r\nEl Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care I (2016)\r\nSocorro\r\nRenewal\r\n$335,064\r\n\u00a0\r\nEl Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care II (2016\r\nSocorro\r\nRenewal\r\n$90,620\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nGRANT COUNTY\r\nEl Refugio, Inc. / Rapid Re-housing 2016\r\nSilver City\r\nNew\r\n$56,780\r\n\u00a0\r\nEl Refugio, Inc. / Transitional Housing Project 2016\r\nSilver City\r\nRenewal\r\n$65,725\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSAN JUAN COUNTY\r\nPeople Assisting the Homeless / PATH PSH 2016\r\nFarmington\r\nNew\r\n$43,760\r\n\u00a0\r\nSan Juan County Partnership / SJCP-PSH\r\nFarmington\r\nRenewal\r\n$120,361\r\n\u00a0\r\nSan Juan County Partnership / SJPartnership PH\r\nFarmington\r\nRenewal\r\n$132,035\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSAN MIGUEL COUNTY\r\nSamaritan House Inc / Samaritan House - Permanent Housing\r\nLas Vegas\r\nRenewal\r\n$122,350\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nVALENCIA COUNTY\r\nValencia Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence / La Vida Nueva\r\nLos Lunas\r\nRenewal\r\n$112,934", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/season-and-039s-greetings", "Season's Greetings", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Season's Greetings \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDear Friend,\nThis holiday season, as we gather together with family and friends and count our blessings, it is important that we remember our brave men and women in the military who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Many of our troops are spending the holiday season far away from home, serving American interests and values overseas. New Mexico and America are enormously grateful for everything that our service members and their families do on our behalf, and I know you'll join me in keeping them in your thoughts.\n Watch my holiday message to our troops deployed at home and abroad. \nIt is my honor and privilege to serve New Mexico as U.S. Senator, and I am humbled every day by the opportunity I have been given to fight for New Mexicans in Washington D.C.\nJill and I wish you and yours safe holidays and a happy new year.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-and-039washington-republicans-and-039-plan-to-repeal-the-aca-would-be-a-public-health-economic-and-jobs-disaster-and-039-for-nm", "Udall: 'Washington Republicans' Plan to Repeal the ACA Would be a Public Health, Economic and Jobs Disaster' for NM", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: 'Washington Republicans' Plan to Repeal the ACA Would be a Public Health, Economic and Jobs Disaster' for NM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the impact that repealing Obamacare would have on New Mexico families and the state's economy:\n\"Before the Affordable Care Act, New Mexico had one of the nation's highest percentages of people without health insurance. For tens of thousands of citizens, everything but emergency health care was mostly out of reach. Today, thanks to the ACA, that number has been cut in half and continues to improve -- 360,000 New Mexicans gained coverage after the ACA was implemented and Medicaid was expanded. I have heard from countless people who are relieved that for the first time in their lives, they can see a doctor without worrying about going broke. And while our state's overall economy has lagged, the ACA has been an economic driver for New Mexico. Seven of the top 10 fastest-growing job categories in the state are in the health care field, and overall, one in five jobs is related to health care.\n\"For those concrete, measurable reasons, I strongly believe that Washington Republicans' plan to repeal the ACA would be a public health, economic and jobs disaster. Repeal threatens to eliminate health care access for tens of thousands of New Mexicans and cost our state $2.2 billion in lost funding annually by 2019. Even more shockingly, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans have no plan to protect people or replace it. New Mexico did the right thing by expanding Medicaid and setting up a state health insurance exchange, and all New Mexico leaders should speak with a unified voice in saying that recklessly repealing the ACA would cause serious damage to New Mexico families and our economy.\"\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-109-million-in-grants-to-help-nm-end-homelessness", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce $10.9 Million in Grants to Help NM End Homelessness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding represents $500,000 increase over FY16; will help families, rural veterans, individuals across the state\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed $10.9 million in U.S. Housing and Urban Development grants to help New Mexico families, veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. The grants will go to communities across the state, including five new organizations and four others that did not receive funding last year. The total represents an increase of about $500,000 over last year for Continuum of Care programs. \"Everyone deserves a quality place to call home, and this funding is particularly welcome news at the holidays. The grants will help families and veterans across our state find a safe place to live, either in the form of rental assistance, supportive housing or temporary shelters,\" Udall said. \"Our goal is to end homelessness permanently, and I'm proud that several New Mexico communities are making real progress. I'm concerned that some in Washington are proposing dangerous cuts in housing assistance. These community-based grant programs are helping to end the cycle of homelessness, and I will fight as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee against any proposals that would prevent New Mexicans from getting the help they need to get back on their feet permanently.\" \"Stable housing is the foundation for economic security. These federal resources will go towards efforts to end homelessness in communities across New Mexico,\" Heinrich said. \"I am proud of the important work these local organizations do every day to connect youth, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter, lifesaving services, and pathways toward economic stability and permanent housing. I will continue fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need to help people find their way home.\" Below is a list of grant recipients by county: BERNALILLO COUNTY   Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.  / AHCH Coordinated Assessment  Renewal  $71,140 Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.  / Supportive Housing  Renewal  $127,641 Barrett Foundation, Inc. / Milagro Permanent Supportive Housing (Albuquerque)  Renewal  $92,028 Bernalillo County / Renee's Project  Renewal  $67,892 Catholic Charities / Partners in Housing   Albuquerque  Renewal  $284,170 Catholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz RRH   Albuquerque  Renewal  $238,073 Catholic Charities / Proyecto La Luz Services  Albuquerque  $52,350 City of Albuquerque / Albuquerque CoC Planning Project  Planning  $165,858 City of Albuquerque / CLNkids Rapid ReHousing Project  Renewal  $226,599 City of Albuquerque / Rapid ReHousing - City of Albuquerque  Renewal  $905,261 City of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - AHCH/SMHC  Renewal  $1,439,728 City of Albuquerque / Rental Assistance - TLS  Renewal  $457,265 City of Albuquerque / Transitional Housing - City of Albuquerque  Renewal  $138,982 Crossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Chronic 2016  Albuquerque  Renewal  $144,508 Crossroads for Women (formerly Human Rights Advocacy) / Crossroads Non-Chronic 2016  Albuquerque  Renewal  $240,627 NewLife Homes, Inc. / Sundowner  Albuquerque  Renewal  $42,800 St. Martin's Hospitality Center / Dual Diagnosis Outreach  Albuquerque  Renewal  $92,700 St. Martin's Hospitality Center / Welcome Home  Albuquerque  New  $100,000 Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Downtown @ 700 2nd  Albuquerque  Renewal  $70,510 Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Homeward  Albuquerque  Renewal  $167,653 Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Pathways Supported Housing Program  Albuquerque  Renewal  $147,442 Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Sevagram Supportive Housing  Albuquerque  Renewal  $229,599 Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Frank Gray House  Albuquerque  Renewal  $157,383 Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. / Mesa House  Albuquerque  Renewal  $109,233 Catholic Charities / Sandoval SHP  Albuquerque  Renewal  $205,915 Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico / Chuska Permanent Supportive Housing  Albuquerque  New  $63,234 SANTA FE COUNTY  New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Albuquerque Coordinated Assessment System 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $25,000 Casa Milagro Inc. / Supportive Housing Program  Santa Fe  Renewal  $101,001 City of Santa Fe / Siringo Senior Permanent Housing Program  Renewal  $40,164 New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / Balance of State Coordinated Assessment 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $55,786 New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS (1) 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $29,603 New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM HMIS Expansion (2) 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $134,111 New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness / NM501 CoC Planning Project 2016  Santa Fe  Planning  $143,885 Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Casa Cerrillos Permanent Housing for Homeless Disabled 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $74,098 Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation / Sonrisa Family Supportive Living Program 2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $64,403 Santa Fe Community Housing Trust / Shelter Plus Care Renewal  2016  Santa Fe  Renewal  $139,961 The Life Link / Life Link Eastern New Mexico  Santa Fe  Renewal  $178,511 The Life Link / Life Link La Luz PRA  Santa Fe  Renewal  $240,966 The Life Link / Life Link S+C AB  Santa Fe  Renewal  $418,814 The Life Link / Life Link S+C C  Santa Fe  Renewal  $132,059 The Life Link / Life Link S+C D  Santa Fe  Renewal  $112,000 The Life Link / Life Link S+C E  Santa Fe  Renewal  $45,129 Youth Shelters and Family Services / Rapid Rehousing for Homeless Youth in Santa Fe FY16  Renewal  $139,613 DOA ANA COUNTY  Abode Inc / Abode Permanent Housing Project  Las Cruces  Renewal  $53,915 City of Las Cruces, New Mexico / S+C Community Housing Connection III  Renewal  $70,702 La Casa, Inc. / La Casa Rapid Rehousing  Las Cruces  Renewal  $119,873 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection I  Las Cruces  Renewal  $113,204 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Community Housing Connection II  Las Cruces  Renewal  $98,074 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Coordinated Assessment SSO  Las Cruces  Renewal  $93,090 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program  Las Cruces  Renewal  $110,969 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Mesilla Valley Rapid Rehousing Program II  Las Cruces  New  $110,000 Mesilla Valley Community of Hope / Sue's House Permanent Housing for Chronically Homeless Women  Las Cruces  Renewal  $51,437 TAOS COUNTY  Community Against Violence, Inc. / Community Against Violence DV/SA Housing Project   Taos  Renewal  $139,702 DreamTree Project, Inc. / Casitas Transitional Living Program  Taos  Renewal  $109,425 DreamTree Project, Inc. / Taos Rehousing  Taos  Renewal  $120,632 Northern Regional HA  Taos  HUD-VASH Tenant Based  15 vouchers  $89,134 SANDOVAL COUNTY  County of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permanent Supportive Housing B 2016  Renewal  $132,606 County of Sandoval / Sandoval County Permenent Supportive Housing A 2016  Renewal  $241,060 SOCORRO COUNTY  El Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care I (2016)  Socorro  Renewal  $335,064 El Camino Real Housing Authority / Shelter Plus Care II (2016  Socorro  Renewal  $90,620 GRANT COUNTY  El Refugio, Inc. / Rapid Re-housing 2016  Silver City  New  $56,780 El Refugio, Inc. / Transitional Housing Project 2016  Silver City  Renewal  $65,725 SAN JUAN COUNTY  People Assisting the Homeless / PATH PSH 2016  Farmington  New  $43,760 San Juan County Partnership / SJCP-PSH  Farmington  Renewal  $120,361 San Juan County Partnership / SJPartnership PH  Farmington  Renewal  $132,035 SAN MIGUEL COUNTY  Samaritan House Inc / Samaritan House - Permanent Housing  Las Vegas  Renewal  $122,350 VALENCIA COUNTY  Valencia Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence / La Vida Nueva  Los Lunas  Renewal  $112,934", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2492", "Following Reports that President-elect Trump's Cabinet Nominees are Slow-Walking Full Disclosure of Key Information, Senate Democratic Ranking Members Say Process Shouldn't Move Forward Before all Documents are Turned Over & Reviewed [press_release]", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2016\n\t\t\t Following Reports that President-elect Trump's Cabinet Nominees are Slow-Walking Full Disclosure of Key Information, Senate Democratic Ranking Members Say Process Shouldn't Move Forward Before all Documents are Turned Over & Reviewed \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Following reports that President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominees have not yet provided the relevant Senate Committees with important documentation, such as a completed financial disclosure statement, ethics agreement signed by the Office of Government Ethics, and more ahead of their confirmation hearings, the Democratic Ranking Members of 16 committees in the United States Senate today issued the following joint statement of principles for vetting the president-elect's nominees:  \u00a0  Statement of Principles for Vetting Cabinet Nominees of President-elect Donald J. Trump:  \u00a0  \"The United States Senate has a rich, bipartisan tradition of vetting nominees to the President's Cabinet. We hope to continue that tradition with our colleagues in the Republican Majority because the American people are entitled to a fair and open consideration process for all executive nominations. Therefore, a Cabinet nomination should only proceed to a mark-up in Committee if:  \u00a0  - The nominee has cleared an FBI background check  \u00a0  - The nominee provides a completed financial disclosure statement and ethics agreement signed by the Office of Government Ethics  \u00a0  - The nominee has satisfied reasonable requests for additional information and Members have time to review that material.\"  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Tom Carper  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Judiciary  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill  Ranking Member, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Patty Murray  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Bill Nelson  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Jack Reed  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Armed Services  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Budget  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Jon Tester  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Tom Udall  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Mark Warner  Ranking Member, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence  \u00a0  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Finance\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-and-heinrich-announce-funding-to-sandia-national-labs-for-crop-technologies-that-will-save-water-and-decrease-carbon-emissions", "Udall and Heinrich Announce Funding to Sandia National Labs for Crop Technologies that will Save Water and Decrease Carbon Emissions", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall and Heinrich Announce Funding to Sandia National Labs for Crop Technologies that will Save Water and Decrease Carbon Emissions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 22, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that Sandia National Laboratories will receive $2.4 million to identify crops that take in less water, reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer, trap carbon deep in the soil, and improve soil quality.\r\nThe project is being funded through one of the newest programs of the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the Rhizosphere Observations Optimizing Terrestrial Sequestration (ROOTS). ROOTS seeks to respond to the growing problem of soil \u201ccarbon debt\u201d by advancing crops that are better able to capture carbon from the atmosphere and store them in their root systems and the surrounding soil. Advances in agriculture have resulted in a ten-fold increase in crop yield over the past century. But that increased yield has contributed to reduced soil quality, diminishing its ability to support healthy crops over time -- increasing the need for water and pollution-heavy fertilizer. Sandia's project is one of 10 selected for funding through ARPA-E's ROOTS program, which altogether will receive $35 million to develop crops that could improve soil quality, reduce the reliance on fertilizer, use less water and generate less carbon pollution, making future agriculture more productive and resilient from climate change and drought. Sandia\u2019s team will focus on developing sensor technologies and data analytics and modeling to more easily and accurately measure crop and soil conditions.\r\n\"Farmers and anyone else who relies on water and weather know that New Mexico is in the bull's eye when it comes to the impacts of climate change. It's imperitive that we take steps to reduce global warming, while also developing ways to adapt -- including getting the most out of every drop of water. This innovative research at Sandia will help future farmers in New Mexico and around the world by developing crops that are stronger in drought conditions, less reliant on fertilizer, and that actually reduce carbon emissions,\" Udall said. \"I'm proud of the leading work that Sandia Labs and the rest of the Department of Energy are doing to learn more about how we can adapt to our changing environment and reduce the impact of climate change. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll keep fighting for funding to cutting edge research at ARPA-E and other DOE science programs that support work at New Mexico's national labs and research universities.\"\r\n\"New Mexico\u2019s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in our economy. Challenges resulting from climate change such as long-term drought, water shortages, and higher average temperatures have made farming and raising livestock increasingly difficult,\" said Heinrich. \"This research could lead to improved varieties of drought-tolerant sorghum grasses that have the potential to help ranchers adapt to drought stress. I am proud to see this $2.4 million investment in Sandia\u2019s research, which has incredible potential to help us advance soil and water conservation. This is another example of the innovative research and development conducted at our national labs. When the ingenuity at our national labs creates vital new technologies, it drives our state\u2019s economy forward.\"\r\nThe release from the ARPA-E can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-volunteer-at-roadrunner-food-bank-and-highlight-new-resources-to-fight-opioid-epidemic", "Heinrich To Volunteer at Roadrunner Food Bank And Highlight New Resources To Fight Opioid Epidemic", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Volunteer at Roadrunner Food Bank And Highlight New Resources To Fight Opioid Epidemic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -\u00a0U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M),\u00a0will be at\u00a0in Albuquerque today, Wednesday, December 21,\u00a0to volunteer at the Roadrunner Food Bank and highlight the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides critically needed new resources for New Mexico and other states struggling to treat and prevent the growing prescription opioid abuse epidemic.\u00a0\r\nThis morning at 9 a.m., Senator Heinrich and members of his staff will volunteer at Roadrunner Food Bank to prepare food for holiday distribution. Roadrunner is the largest food bank in New Mexico and helps 70,000 hungry New Mexicans each week. Senator Heinrich will also receive a briefing on Roadrunner's new energy storage project with representatives from Affordable Solar and the Roadrunner staff.\u00a0\r\nIn the afternoon at 1:30 p.m., Senator Heinrich will receive training on opioid and heroin overdose prevention and host a roundtable. Senator Heinrich will announce critical funding opportunities that will be available to New Mexico and discuss the ongoing opioid crisis with first responders, law enforcement, and local elected officials. Senator Heinrich will be joined by U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Damon P. Martinez.\r\n***Press interested in attending should RSVP to press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578***\r\nAlbuquerque - Wednesday, December 21, 2016\r\nWHAT:\u00a0\u00a0Roadrunner Food Bank Volunteer and Solar Tour WHEN:\u00a0 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE:\u00a0\u00a05840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109\r\nWHAT:\u00a0\u00a0Opioid and Heroin Overdose Prevention Training and Roundtable WHEN:\u00a0\u00a01:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.\u00a0 WHERE:\u00a0\u00a0Endorphin Power Company, 509 Cardenas Dr SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87108", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-proposes-bill-require-opioid-producers-pay-treatment", "Lujan Grisham Proposes Bill to Require Opioid Producers to Pay for Treatment, Prevention, Research", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham introduced legislation today to create a permanent source of funding for opioid treatment, prevention and research.\nThe Heroin and Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act would require opioid producers and manufacturers to pay 1-cent for every milligram of opioids they produce. The tax would generate about $2 billion in revenue a year to expand access to substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, as well as fund new research on combating the opioid epidemic.\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic has killed too many people, ripped too many families apart, and destroyed too many communities,\u201d Rep. Lujan Grisham said. \u201cOur law enforcement agencies and health care providers are already overburdened and stretched to their limits. People are dying because they do not have the help they need. My bill will help fund the programs necessary to fight this epidemic.\u201d\u00a0\nThe revenue will be used to:\u00a0\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Research better strategies to treat addicts, prevent opioid addiction, and develop new pain management techniques;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Establish new addiction treatment and sober living facilities;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Recruit and increase reimbursement for certified mental health providers who provide substance abuse treatment in underserved communities;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Improve prescription drug monitoring programs;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Expand access to long-term residential treatment programs for addicts; and  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Create an opioid take-back program.\u00a0\nTo read the text of the bill, click here.\nFacts about opioid abuse:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a078 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Last year, New Mexico had the second highest overdose death rate in the country.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Nationwide opioid overdose deaths increased by 210% from 1999 to 2014.\nThis past summer, Congress passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). While this was an important first step, millions continue to suffer because there is not enough funding to combat the crisis. Without funding these programs, more parents will have to bury their children, and more children will be left parentless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nm-delegation-welcomes-final-passage-protect-patrimony-resolution", "NM Delegation Welcomes Final Passage of PROTECT Patrimony Resolution Condemning Trafficking of Stolen Tribal Cultural Items", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the members of New Mexico's U.S. Senate and U.S. House delegation hailed final passage of the Protection of the Right of Tribes to stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional (PROTECT) Patrimony Resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 122). The bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce and cosponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich in the Senate, Representatives Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n and Michelle Lujan Grisham in the House. It condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items and calls for several measures to be implemented to help identify and stop the illegal trafficking of Tribal cultural patrimony and secure repatriation of exported items to the rightful native American owners. The PROTECT Patrimony Resolution was approved by the House, then amended and passed in the Senate in September and passed again in its final form by the House before it adjourned this week.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"Sacred Tribal cultural items are not art, they are essential to the history, cultures and traditions of Native American communities. They deserve respect at all levels of government,\u201c said Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"With this resolution, Congress is telling the federal government that it must make it a priority to understand the scope of the problem, stop the illegal theft and sale of Tribal cultural items and consult with Tribes in the effort to crack down on this practice. While this resolution is a strong message to the federal government, we still have work to do, including changing the law to ensure the penalties match the crime. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Senator Heinrich's STOP Act, which would increase the penalties and give Tribes a seat at the table in the effort to protect sacred items and patrimony, and as vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I will continue to push for passage of that legislation and to do whatever I can to ensure that stolen Native patrimony is returned to its rightful owners.\"  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe cultures, religions, and histories of the tribal people that have lived on the land for thousands of years are deeply embedded in what it means to be New Mexican,\u201d said Pearce. \u201cWithout the preservation, protection, and teaching of these histories, New Mexico and our nation will be fundamentally different. Despite a number of laws designed to combat the illegal theft and sale of these items, they are still lost to the highest bidder far too often. We can do more, and we must do more. Just in the last few years, multiple tribes within New Mexico have been the victim of these illegal practices. Despite national and international law opposing the practice, the tribes I represent have had religious symbols, artifacts, and remains illegally taken and placed on auction blocks in France. While not well known, it is a practice we should all want to end. However, we cannot afford to blindly introduce more legislation that will add bureaucratic or duplicative layers on our enforcement system and may cause these artifacts to be lost forever. What we need, and what this resolution creates, is a comprehensive audit of what is working within our current system, what is broken, and what is the best path forward to ending this horrific practice that sees essential pieces of Native American culture and history being stolen and sold. I thank my colleagues in Congress for working with me on this initiative. Most importantly, agreement of this resolution would not have been possible without tribal leaders\u2019 nationwide coming together to raise awareness. This is a true instance of Congress responding to the will and demands of the people.\"\n\u201cSacred tribal artifacts connect Native communities to their history and help tribes preserve their cultural heritage and pass on traditions to future generations,\" Heinrich said. \"This resolution is an important step in the effort to bring attention to the widespread illegal trafficking of sacred items, and I commend Senator Udall for his leadership. I will continue fighting to pass my bipartisan bill, the STOP Act, to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking tribal cultural patrimony. We need to take all possible action to condemn the theft of tribal cultural artifacts and repatriate stolen culturally significant items to their rightful owners.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cWhen a Tribal cultural item is stolen and auctioned off, it is disrespectful and desecrates the religion of our Native American brothers and sisters,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThe theft, export and sale of these items has a profound effect on Tribal Nations and their people. To preserve these cultures and sacred practices, we must protect against these thefts. I am a proud cosponsor of the PROTECT Patrimony Resolution and will continue to advocate for the protection against the desecration of sacred sites and artifacts.\u201d \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI am proud that the New Mexico delegation came together with tribal leaders to combat this immoral and criminal behavior,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"While we should celebrate this example of productive government-to-government collaboration, Congress needs to do more to ensure that these sacred objects are safely returned and placed under tribal custody.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tTribal cultural items have immense historical, traditional and cultural importance to Native American culture\u2014yet these items continue to be taken from Native Americans and sold in black or public markets in violation of federal and tribal laws. When Tribal cultural items are exported internationally to avoid these laws, Native Americans encounter extraordinary difficulty in stopping their sale and securing their repatriation. This resolution emphasizes federal agencies\u2019 responsibility to consult and work with Native Americans to stop the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items, and has received support from Tribal leaders across New Mexico and America, including the National Congress of American Indians and the All Pueblos Council of Governors.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSpecifically, the resolution:\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t- Condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items;  \n\t- Calls on the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, in consultation with Native Americans, including traditional Native American religious leaders, to take affirmative action to stop the practices and secure repatriation of Tribal cultural items to Native Americans;  \n\t- Supports the ongoing efforts of the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to determine the scope of illegal trafficking in Tribal cultural items domestically and internationally, and to identify, in consultation with Native Americans, steps to end illegal trafficking and export of cultural items, and secure repatriation to the appropriate Native Americans;  \n\t- Supports the development of explicit restrictions on the export of Tribal cultural items; and", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujan-lujan-grisham-announce-passage-bipartisan-measure", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan, Lujan Grisham Announce Passage of Bipartisan Measure to Expedite Gold King Mine Spill Recovery", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that a bipartisan measure to expedite reimbursements to Tribal, local and state governments for costs incurred in responding to the Gold King Mine spill has passed both Houses of Congress as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The amendment \u2014 authored by Senators Udall and Heinrich on the Senate side and introduced by Luj\u00e1n on the House side, and supported by all four of the lawmakers \u2014 forces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the date to reimburse governments for their emergency response efforts, directs the EPA to quickly address claims filed by individual farmers, and authorizes the EPA to coordinate with governments and pay for water monitoring efforts.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Gold King Mine blowout has had devastating consequences for Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico, spilling millions of gallons of toxic, contaminated wastewater and leaving these communities with millions of dollars in bills for critical emergency response, environmental cleanup efforts, and lost income,\u201d said Udall, the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \u201cThe enactment of our bipartisan measure to expedite the Gold King Mine recovery is a victory for local governments and individuals grappling with the steep economic and environmental toll of the spill. With passage of this important amendment, we will compel the EPA \u2013 which has only reimbursed a fraction of the costs incurred by affected parties \u2013 to move expeditiously to make right this exceedingly costly disaster. Our amendment directs the EPA to reimburse Tribal, state and local governments for their essential emergency response activities, and it tells the EPA to speed up the process of addressing claims filed by individual farmers affected by the spill. In addition, the measure ensures that the EPA will coordinate with governments to pay for necessary water monitoring. While this amendment represents important progress, I will continue to fight to hold the EPA accountable for its reimbursements, and I will use my position on the Appropriations Committee to help secure the funding needed for adequate water safety monitoring.\"\n\u201cThe Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico are still recovering from of the Gold King Mine spill in part because of the unacceptable pace of reimbursement to those impacted by this terrible incident. This measure will ensure that state, local, and Tribal governments will be fully reimbursed for their emergency response costs, and establishes a long-term water quality monitoring program in cooperation with local stakeholders,\" said Heinrich. \"We must also take action to reform outdated policies in order to clean up the hundreds of thousands of similarly contaminated mines across the West and Indian Country that are leaking toxins into our watersheds. We shouldn\u2019t wait for more disasters to strike. Western communities deserve full and complete protection of their water, land, and livelihoods. Our nation owes it to these communities to clean up these sites once and for all.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThe devastation caused by the Gold King Mine spill took a toll on farmers, businesses, and families, and has left state, local, and tribal governments facing unexpected cleanup and recovery costs,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cToday, Congress took action to address the financial burden placed on communities in northern New Mexico through an expedited claims process. In addition, this bill authorizes vital long-term water quality monitoring. I am proud to work with Senators Udall and Heinrich on this issue, and I remain committed to holding the EPA accountable and ensuring our communities are made whole.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased we were able to move this funding along to finally reimburse the affected communities, and just as important, to implement a more robust effort to monitor the quality of the water,\u201d Lujan Grisham said. \u201cI appreciate the leadership in the delegation for ensuring the EPA is held accountable for helping these communities recover from this disaster.\u201d\nOn August 5, 2015, an EPA-supervised crew released 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater into Cement Creek while working at the Gold King Mine in Colorado, contaminating the water in both the Animas and San Juan rivers that flow into New Mexico and across Navajo Nation. While the EPA notified the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation on Dec. 8 of claims that it is reimbursing and denying, the state and Tribal governments now have the option of challenging the denials and can also argue for claims made after the Oct. 31, 2015, date that the EPA used as a cut-off for eligible reimbursements. The provision allows for claims through Sept. 9, 2016, when the Gold King Mine District in Colorado officially became a superfund site. The delegation will also review any claims denied for lack of documentation and urge the EPA to reimburse reasonable claims. Previously, the EPA had determined that it would reimburse claims only through Oct. 31, 2015, the date that the agency ended its emergency response work. The amendment further requires the EPA to pay out all costs eligible for reimbursement.\nIn addition to directing the EPA to process reimbursements to governments, the amendment includes a Sense of Congress that the agency should receive and process individual claims for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act. So far, the EPA has not reimbursed any residents harmed by the spill.\nFinally, the amendment authorizes the EPA to implement a water quality monitoring program in conjunction with state, Tribal and local governments, and to reimburse them for their expenses so far. Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing the EPA's budget, successfully included an amendment in the fiscal year 2016 budget directing the EPA to fund independent water quality monitoring, and he has worked to ensure funding for such projects going forward. So far the EPA has dedicated $2.6 million towards this effort but more is needed in future years. This new measure will set the policy in stone and lay the groundwork for further funding to guarantee these efforts are continued as long as necessary to protect drinking water, irrigation water, and public health downstream of the Gold King Mine spill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrichndaaannouncement", "Heinrich Announces Funding For Innovative STEM Education Program At KAFB And Other Key Advancements In Annual Defense Authorization", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Announces Funding For Innovative STEM Education Program At KAFB And Other Key Advancements In Annual Defense Authorization\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Dec. 20, 2016) --\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced $25 million in authorized funding for the continuation of the nationwide STARBASE program, which motivates fifth\u00a0grade students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through hands-on learning in collaboration with military installations. The program in New Mexico is based at Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) La Luz Academy where scientists, engineers, and military volunteers from AFRL and other Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) organizations apply abstract principles to real world situations by giving students interactive demonstrations on the use of STEM in different settings and careers.\r\n\"We need more New Mexico students who are passionate about STEM to fill the in-demand jobs at our national labs and military installations,\" said Sen. Heinrich. \"STARBASE is a highly effective program that strengthens the relationships between the military, communities, and local school districts. The program at AFRL's La Luz Academy exposes students to STEM at a critical age and puts them on the path to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.\"\r\nThe announcement was made at KAFB where Senator Heinrich was joined by Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director of AFRL Directed Energy; Ronda Cole, Director of La Luz Academy; and Dr. Chaouki Abdallah, University of New Mexico\u00a0Provost.\r\nSenator Heinrich toured La Luz Academy and met with students who have participated in the STARBASE program. The STARBASE program at La Luz Academy is geared toward students who are historically under-represented in the STEM fields and allows them to participate in a 25-hour hands-on curriculum where they solve scientific challenges related to aerospace.\u00a0 In New Mexico, the program has served nearly 10,000 5th grade students.\r\nDirector of La Luz Academy Ronda Cole said, \"Department of Defense STARBASE is a vital program in our community that allows us to begin laying the foundation for our future workforce by providing hands-on minds-on opportunities that introduce students to STEM concepts and career fields. This program involves students in the exploration and practical application of STEM concepts, an approach that brings meaning to the content students are learning. Research has shown that students start evaluating their interests and intellectual strengths in elementary school and by middle school they use that self-assessment to define their career aspirations.\u00a0 Department of Defense STARBASE plants the seeds for students to begin to imagine what they might become if they go on to pursue studies in STEM fields.\"\r\nSenator Heinrich also discussed giving the Department of Defense civilian on-campus recruiting authority, which enables AFRL, White Sands Missile Range, and other installations specializing in research, development, testing, and evaluation to hire from New Mexico's academic institutions.\r\n\"The long-term success of Kirtland Air Force Base can be enhanced by our college graduates, which is why I helped create a new direct-hire authority to allow Department of Defense recruiters to hire the best graduates directly from university campuses, including UNM, New Mexico Tech, and New Mexico State,\" said Sen. Heinrich. \"This measure, along with the continuation of the STARBASE program, will strengthen the STEM pipeline and ensure that New Mexicans are prepared for the jobs of the future.\"\r\nIn addition to these provisions, Senator Heinrich also highlighted $183 million for research and development of directed energy (DE) weapon systems and other key advancements he secured in the\u00a0National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to benefit New Mexico's men and women in uniform, military installations, national laboratories, and job creation throughout the state. For a full list of measures secured in the NDAA for New Mexico, click here.\r\nDirector of AFRL Directed Energy Dr. Kelly Hammett said, \"Air Force interest in DE is at an all-time high, and our senior leaders are strong advocates to develop and transition DE weapons technology as soon as technically feasible. We are trying to make that a reality by 2020. Our collaborations with UNM are strong and growing, and we are looking forward to the next step in our relationship, which is Innovate ABQ in downtown Albuquerque. We currently have cooperative research and development agreements with UNM that allow us to share equipment and personnel, and the next step is to jointly inhabit an innovation center downtown which will bring together government researchers, university faculty and students, and small business to encourage tech transfer and commercialization of dual use technologies. This is a joint venture with the Mayor and the city of Albuquerque, and we look forward to a positive impact on the city and the local economy, and appreciate the Senator and city government's support of our AFRL mission, which enable us to develop technology needed to keep the fight unfair for our men and women in uniform.\"\r\nUniversity of New Mexico\u00a0Provost Dr. Chaouki Abdallah said, \"Directed energy is a new frontier for national security research, and UNM has been a leader in that arena for more than 20 years.\u00a0 Along with our partners in the Air Force Research Lab, and at Kirtland Air Force Base, we are determined to be at the forefront of this research and to provide exciting new opportunities for students and important\u00a0career prospects with\u00a0the Department of Defense.\"\r\nThe\u00a0NDAA\u00a0sets spending levels and policies for fiscal year 2017. NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup programs including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-make-announcement-at-kafb-about-key-advancements-in-annual-defense-authorization", "Heinrich To Make Announcement At KAFB About Key Advancements In Annual Defense Authorization", "2016-12-17", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Make Announcement At KAFB About Key Advancements In Annual Defense Authorization\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 17, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -\u00a0U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M),\u00a0a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,\u00a0will be at\u00a0Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) in Albuquerque on Tuesday, December 20, at 1:30 p.m.\u00a0to announce key advancements secured in the\u00a0National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to benefit New Mexico's men and women in uniform, military installations, national laboratories, and job creation throughout the state.\u00a0Senator Heinrich helped author the legislation, which\u00a0sets spending levels and policies for fiscal year 2017,\u00a0and served on the conference committee that negotiated the final bill\r\nSenator Heinrich will announce critical funding\u00a0and new authorities\u00a0he secured\u00a0for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)\u00a0to support KAFB now and into the future. He will be joined by Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director of AFRL Directed Energy; Ronda Cole, Director of La Luz Academy; and Dr. Chaouki Abdallah, University of New Mexico\u00a0Provost. The press conference will be preceded by a tour of STARBASE at AFRL's La Luz Academy, which allows fifth grade students to participate in hands-on curriculum to solve scientific challenges related to aerospace.\r\n***Members of the press interested in attending must RSVP by calling\u00a0Kirtland Air Force Base at\u00a0505-846-5991\u00a0in advance to obtain access to the base.***\r\nAlbuquerque - Tuesday, December 20, 2016\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Tour and Photo Opportunity\u00a0at\u00a0STARBASE at AFRL's La Luz Academy\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 1:30 p.m.\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a01401 Maxwell St SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87116\u00a0\r\n\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Press Conference\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 2:15 p.m.\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a01401 Maxwell St SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87116", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2491", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision [press_release]", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) decision to award the management and operating contract for Sandia National Laboratories to National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS), a subsidiary of Honeywell International. Udall is a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Department of Energy's budget, and Heinrich serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Lujan Grisham represents the 1st Congressional District, which is home to Sandia and most of its 10,500 employees.The lawmakers issued the following joint statement:\"Throughout the contract award process, we have supported an open and fair competition, and we congratulate NTESS on its selection while also recognizing the important and valuable contributions of the labs' current leadership team. Sandia National Laboratories plays a critical role in our national security as well as New Mexico's economy and the greater Albuquerque community. This will be a time of change and adjustment for many in the Albuquerque area, and we're committed to working to ensure there is continuity and a smooth transition over the next four months and beyond.\"Sandia's success in all of its missions is dependent on its workforce, as well as the businesses, universities and many others who are an integral part of its overall operation. We urge NTESS and NNSA to continue - and strengthen - the lab's workforce recruitment and retention, as well as its relationship with local small business subcontractors, entrepreneurs, business incubators, and labor organizations. We're encouraged that New Mexico's universities are part of the Universities Research Association, which will support NTESS, and we look forward to seeing the the lab continue to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with our state's top-notch universities.\"Over the next five years, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory will need to hire as many as 5,000 employees. We want to make sure New Mexicans are prepared to make up as many of those new hires as possible. We will be working with NTESS on initiatives to help boost partnerships with New Mexico's schools and universities to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math education as well as other learning and career opportunities.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujan-grisham-comment-on-sandia-national-laboratories-contract-decision", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) decision to award the management and operating contract for Sandia National Laboratories to National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS), a subsidiary of Honeywell International. Udall is a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Department of Energy's budget, and Heinrich serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Lujan Grisham represents the 1st Congressional District, which is home to Sandia and most of its 10,500 employees.\r\nThe lawmakers issued the following joint statement:\r\n\"Throughout the contract award process, we have supported an open and fair competition, and we congratulate NTESS on its selection while also recognizing the important and valuable contributions of the labs\u2019 current leadership team. Sandia National Laboratories plays a critical role in our national security as well as New Mexico's economy and the greater Albuquerque community. This will be a time of change and adjustment for many in the Albuquerque area, and we're committed to working to ensure there is continuity and a smooth transition over the next four months and beyond.\r\n\"Sandia's success in all of its missions is dependent on its workforce, as well as the businesses, universities and many others who are an integral part of its overall operation. We urge NTESS and NNSA to continue \u2014 and strengthen \u2014 the lab's workforce recruitment and retention, as well as its relationship with local small business subcontractors, entrepreneurs, business incubators, and labor organizations. We're encouraged that New Mexico's universities are part of the Universities Research Association, which will support NTESS, and we look forward to seeing the the lab continue to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with our state's top-notch universities.\r\n\"Over the next five years, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory will need to hire as many as 5,000 employees. We want to make sure New Mexicans are prepared to make up as many of those new hires as possible. We will be working with NTESS on initiatives to help boost partnerships with New Mexico's schools and universities to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math education as well as other learning and career opportunities.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujan-grisham-comment-on-sandia-national-laboratories-contract-decision", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham Comment on Sandia National Laboratories Contract Decision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) decision to award the management and operating contract for Sandia National Laboratories to National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS), a subsidiary of Honeywell International. Udall is a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Department of Energy's budget, and Heinrich serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Lujan Grisham represents the 1st Congressional District, which is home to Sandia and most of its 10,500 employees. The lawmakers issued the following joint statement: \"Throughout the contract award process, we have supported an open and fair competition, and we congratulate NTESS on its selection while also recognizing the important and valuable contributions of the labs' current leadership team. Sandia National Laboratories plays a critical role in our national security as well as New Mexico's economy and the greater Albuquerque community. This will be a time of change and adjustment for many in the Albuquerque area, and we're committed to working to ensure there is continuity and a smooth transition over the next four months and beyond. \"Sandia's success in all of its missions is dependent on its workforce, as well as the businesses, universities and many others who are an integral part of its overall operation. We urge NTESS and NNSA to continue - and strengthen - the lab's workforce recruitment and retention, as well as its relationship with local small business subcontractors, entrepreneurs, business incubators, and labor organizations. We're encouraged that New Mexico's universities are part of the Universities Research Association, which will support NTESS, and we look forward to seeing the the lab continue to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with our state's top-notch universities. \"Over the next five years, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory will need to hire as many as 5,000 employees. We want to make sure New Mexicans are prepared to make up as many of those new hires as possible. We will be working with NTESS on initiatives to help boost partnerships with New Mexico's schools and universities to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math education as well as other learning and career opportunities.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2490", "Udall Statement on Trump's Planned Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke to head Interior Department [press_release]", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Planned Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke to head Interior Department \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, made the following statement about President-elect Trump's announcement that he has chosen to nominate Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke to be Secretary of the Interior:\"As a senator from a Western state where hunting, fishing and other recreation are central to the economy, I feel strongly that we need our Interior Secretary to fight to defend our nation's legacy of keeping public lands in public hands for the benefit of all Americans. If he becomes our Interior Secretary, Congressman Zinke will need to be able to stand up to those who are threatening to make radical proposals that will upset the balance between responsible stewardship and natural resource development on America's public lands, and that could erase the bedrock environmental laws and policies that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the fabric of our ecosystems. The Department of the Interior also has important responsibilities to America's Tribal nations that the next Secretary must take very seriously. It is a big challenge, and I look forward to hearing more from Congressman Zinke about the Trump Administration's plans and his vision for these issues during the confirmation process.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-veguita-and-los-lunas", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Veguita and Los Lunas", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Veguita and Los Lunas\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Veguita on Tuesday, December 20, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Veguita Senior Center and Los Lunas from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nVeguita - Tuesday, December 20, 2016\r\nWHO:\u00a0 U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Mobile Office Hours\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a0Veguita Senior Center, 894 Hwy 304, Veguita, NM 87062\u00a0\r\nQUESTIONS:\u00a0 Contact Senator Heinrich's Albuquerque Office (505) 346-6601\r\nLos Lunas - Tuesday, December 20, 2016\r\nWHO:\u00a0 U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Mobile Office Hours\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a0Fred Luna Multi-Generational Center, 197 Don Pasqual Road, Los Lunas, NM 87031\u00a0\r\nQUESTIONS:\u00a0 Contact Senator Heinrich's Albuquerque Office (505) 346-6601", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trump-and-039s-planned-nomination-of-rep-ryan-zinke-to-head-interior-department", "Udall Statement on Trump's Planned Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke to head Interior Department", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Planned Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke to head Interior Department \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, made the following statement about President-elect Trump's announcement that he has chosen to nominate Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke to be Secretary of the Interior: \"As a senator from a Western state where hunting, fishing and other recreation are central to the economy, I feel strongly that we need our Interior Secretary to fight to defend our nation's legacy of keeping public lands in public hands for the benefit of all Americans. If he becomes our Interior Secretary, Congressman Zinke will need to be able to stand up to those who are threatening to make radical proposals that will upset the balance between responsible stewardship and natural resource development on America's public lands, and that could erase the bedrock environmental laws and policies that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the fabric of our ecosystems. The Department of the Interior also has important responsibilities to America's Tribal nations that the next Secretary must take very seriously. It is a big challenge, and I look forward to hearing more from Congressman Zinke about the Trump Administration's plans and his vision for these issues during the confirmation process.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2484", "Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations [press_release]", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators say group run by DeVos, nominated to administer nation's student loan programs, showed blatant willingness to 'avoid paying legally obligated public debts'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced that they are calling on President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to ensure payment of the $5.3 million in fines and penalties owed by DeVos' All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) for campaign finance violations dating back to 2008. All Children Matter broke Ohio election law by illegally funneling $870,000 in contributions from its nationwide PAC to its Ohio affiliate - and accordingly, the state of Ohio levied a record fine of more than $5 million against DeVos' group. Yet nearly a decade later, the PAC has not paid the debts for its illegal activities. In a letter to DeVos, the senators expressed their deep concern at the willingness of DeVos' PAC to both brazenly disregard election law and blatantly refuse to take responsibility and pay its fines. The senators noted that, as Secretary of Education, DeVos would be responsible for seeing to the timely repayment of debt from student loan borrowers - even as the PAC she chaired refused to pay fines that are nearly a decade old. Roughly 44 million Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in federal student loans, creating a crushing debt burden for individuals struggling to make their payments. But when All Children Matter broke election law and was fined a record $5.3 million, DeVos' group chose to simply cease operations and disband, rather than taking responsibility for its debts. \"The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization's violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC's refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable,\" the senators wrote. \"If confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation's student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC's board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts.\"\"Prior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts,\" the senators continued. DeVos' leadership role in the All Children Matter PAC is one of her many activities as a longtime billionaire mega-donor for conservative causes, with DeVos stating her own goal to be \"buying influence.\" As DeVos wrote in a 1997 op-ed for Roll Call, \"my family is the largest single contributor of soft money to the national Republican party.... I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now, I simply concede the point. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment; we expect a good and honest government. Furthermore, we expect the Republican party to use the money to promote these policies, and yes, to win elections.\"The full text of the letter can be found below and here. Betsy DeVosSecretary-DesignateU.S. Department of EducationDear Secretary-Designate DeVos:We are writing to express significant concerns about the failure of the All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) to pay Ohio $5.3 million in fines and late fees for violating the state's campaign finance laws. At the time of the violations, you were the head of the organization, and you and your husband were one of the PAC's biggest contributors.In 2006, the federal All Children Matter PAC sought an advisory opinion from the Ohio Elections Commission to determine whether it was allowed to contribute more than the $10,000 statutory limit to its Ohio based affiliate. The Commission provided an advisory opinion stating that aggregate contributions of greater than $10,000 in a year to the Ohio affiliate would violate the law. Inexplicably, your PAC ignored this advisory opinion and proceeded to contribute $870,000 to the Ohio affiliate.The bipartisan Ohio Elections Commission unanimously found both the federal and Ohio All Children Matter PACs to have violated the state's campaign finance laws and imposed fines of $5.2 million. An Ohio court subsequently upheld the fine and imposed additional late fees for failing to pay. Rather than pay the fines for violating the law, the All Children Matter PACs simply ceased operation and never paid the significant sum it owed to the state of Ohio.The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization's violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC's refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable. If confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation's student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC's board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts.Prior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts.We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2485", "Udall Among Senators Calling for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in US Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Department Investigation [press_release]", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Among Senators Calling for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in US Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Department Investigation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In letters to director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, senators push administration on Russian hacks\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) in calling for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by Jan. 20, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation's 16 intelligence agencies.\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump.\n\"Direct and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security-it is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress,\" the senators said. \"We strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congress-this issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\"\nFull text of the senators' letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper:\nDecember 13, 2016\nThe Honorable James Clapper  Director of National Intelligence  Washington, D.C. 20511\nDear Director Clapper:\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017.  Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions - and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States) - are deeply concerning.  They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress.  Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election.  It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton's campaign chair.  Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems.  These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other.  The Post quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, \"It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected.\"  Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now \"quite clear\" that electing Trump was Russia's goal.  In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, \"We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\"\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies.  Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies.  It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests.  Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine.  Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace.  It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections.  Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov - also known as the Kremlin's Chief Propagandist - warned this year that \"impudent\" U.S. behavior towards Russia may have \"nuclear\" consequences.  Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people.  Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests.  We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda.  Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed.\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\nFull text of the senators' letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch:\nDecember 13, 2016\nThe Honorable Loretta Lynch  Attorney General  U.S. Department of Justice  Washington, D.C. 20530\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other.  If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department's standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway.  Director Comey stated that \"[o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations,\" but he cited examples of \"exceptional circumstances\" that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including \"when there is a need for the public to be reassured\" and \"where the public needed transparency.\"[i]\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance.  On December 9, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States.  The Post further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia's government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party's national political committee and campaign chairman.  Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.  The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice.  We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests.  We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2486", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers [press_release]", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) -- which includes a facility in Artesia, N.M. -- to ensure that our federal law enforcement officials and first responders are adequately trained for national security events, domestic threats, and combating terrorism. The bill passed the Senate early Saturday morning and passed the House on Tuesday and is now headed to the president to be signed into law.Each year, FLETC's facilities in Artesia and four other locations deliver a range of training to 96 federal partner organizations, including the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Altogether, FLETC trains more than 70,000 federal, state, local, and international law enforcement officers at five locations, and it employs more than 575 New Mexicans.\"FLETC's unique training opportunities make it an important part of our effort to meet security needs here in the United States and abroad, making it a top training center for many agencies. It is also an important employer in Southeastern New Mexico. But its mission hasn't been reviewed and updated by Congress since 2003,\" Udall said. \"This legislation makes important improvements that recognize FLETC's role in training federal law enforcement officers who are to the security of our nation and our communities, particularly on the border and in Indian Country. It will ensure that FLETC can continue its mission and provide high-quality, cost-effective law enforcement training.\" \"Our dedicated FLETC staff in Artesia works hard to make sure that federal law enforcement agents from across the United States get the best quality training. The site includes a full range of facilities\u00e2?? for training border patrol agents and commercial pilots who volunteer their time to become part of our nation's first line of defense against terrorist acts\u00e2??. FLETC is also home to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Police Academy,\" Heinrich said. \"The reforms in this bill will ensure that FLETC is well-equipped to execute these critical missions and continue to be a leading employer in southeastern New Mexico. I will remain focused on keeping our state's facility at the forefront of training federal law enforcement officers who are on the front lines of protecting our homeland\u00e2??.\u00e2??\"FLETC was established in the 1970s as a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and was intended to provide cost-effective basic and advanced training for federal law enforcement officers. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formed in 2003, FLETC was formally transferred to DHS to serve as the law enforcement training hub for a variety of national and international law enforcement personnel and partner organizations. FLETC is headquartered in Glynco, Ga. In addition to Artesia, it has facilities in Charleston, S.C.; Cheltenham, Md.; and Gabarone, Botswana.The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization:Sets the director position as a career-reserved position within the Senior Executive Service and establishes the function of the director as follows:  - Develop training goals and establish tactical organizational plans.  - Provide direction and management for FLETC's training facilities, programs, and support activities;  - Develop homeland security and law enforcement training curricula;  - Monitor progress of the tactical curricula as well as domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism;  - Ensure timely dissemination of homeland security information to federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement;  - Advise the secretary on matters relating to executive level policy and program administration.Authorizes the director to provide training to employees of federal agencies who are engaged in homeland security operations or operations related to domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism.Authorizes training to be done at FLETC locations.Authorizes the director to charge and retain fees related to training.Establishes that the director can provide athletic and related activities, short-term medical services, and chaplain services.  - States that partner organizations are responsible for expenses related to their instructors that teach at FLETC as well as the expenses related to the students that the partner agencies or organizations send to FLETC.  - Authorizes the director to hire federal annuitants, as needed, who have expert knowledge in their field to train at FLETC.  - Establishes that individuals that train on FLETC shall, to the extent practicable, reside in on-FLETC or FLETC-provided housing  - Provides the director with authorities to use funds that are appropriated to the mission of FLETC to use to further the goals and objectives of FLETC.Does NOT authorize any new spending authorizations for FLETC.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2487", "Udall Visits UNM's Project ECHO to Discuss Impact of ECHO Model on Access to Rural Health Care [press_release]", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Visits UNM's Project ECHO to Discuss Impact of ECHO Model on Access to Rural Health Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Udall supported bill to expand ECHO model across the nation - bill passed Congress and now awaits Obama's signature to become law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n    \n   ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall visited with Project ECHO leaders at the University of New Mexico to discuss their innovative model to expand health care in rural communities. Udall sat in on a demonstration of a teleECHO clinic during a roundtable with rural providers over video-conference and met with the project's founder, Dr. Sanjeev Arora, to discuss how the ECHO model has improved rural access to health care. \n  Udall is a longtime supporter of the innovative tele-health program, which connects health care specialists and experts to primary care physicians in hard-to-reach areas using interactive video-conferencing. Originally designed to combat the Hepatitis-C epidemic in New Mexico, Project ECHO now enables patients to get treatment for a diverse array of disease conditions from various levels of health care providers, and it has grown to serve communities nationwide and internationally. \n  In the Senate, Udall cosponsored the ECHO Act, a bill to continue expanding the ECHO model across the country by integrating it into existing programs at the Department of Health and Human Services to improve access to health care in rural communities throughout the nation. The bill passed the Senate unanimously last month and is expected to be signed by the president shortly.\"I came to UNM to hear an update from Dr. Arora about the incredible work of Project ECHO, which is one of the most innovative models for expanding health care in rural communities across the world,\" Udall said. \"Dr. Arora tackled a serious health care challenge head-on by developing Project ECHO, and this is the kind of innovation that stems from a community coming together to create a solution that best meets its needs. All New Mexicans deserve quality health care no matter where they live, and ensuring accessible, quality health care in rural communities is a priority of mine. I was very proud to cosponsor the ECHO Act in the Senate to create an even greater expansion of Project ECHO, and I will continue to fight for funding for this and other health care innovation in Congress.\"\"Senator Udall has been a long time supporter of Project ECHO and has on numerous occasions helped to facilitate funding for ECHO,\" said Dr. Arora. \"As an early advocate for the ECHO Act he was integral to helping it pass into law. We are grateful for all that he has done, and look forward to continuing this positive relationship to help underserved populations of New Mexico receive high-quality health care where they live.\" \n  While a quarter of Americans live in rural communities, only 10 percent of physicians practice in these areas. Partly because of lack of access to care, rural residents are more likely to suffer from some chronic diseases. Project ECHO bridges the gap between doctors living in cities and patients in need of care in rural areas.In addition to being a successful tool for tackling hard-to-treat diseases, the Project ECHO model has been used to treat behavioral health issues, improve patient care and satisfaction, increase knowledge and reduce isolation for providers, and improve retention rates for physicians in rural, underserved areas. Project ECHO is also leading the fight to treat HIV in Indian Country and looking for innovative ways to democratize information so medical professionals can get the support and professional development they need to keep up with the rapidly changing world of medicine.Click HERE to see photos.  \n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-federal-law-enforcement-training-centers", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) -- which includes a facility in Artesia, N.M. -- to ensure that our federal law enforcement officials and first responders are adequately trained for national security events, domestic threats, and combating terrorism. The bill passed the Senate early Saturday morning and passed the House on Tuesday and is now headed to the president to be signed into law.\r\nEach year, FLETC\u2019s facilities in Artesia and four other locations deliver a range of training to 96 federal partner organizations, including the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Altogether, FLETC trains more than 70,000 federal, state, local, and international law enforcement officers at five locations, and it employs more than 575 New Mexicans.\r\n\"FLETC's unique training opportunities make it an important part of our effort to meet security needs here in the United States and abroad, making it a top training center for many agencies. It is also an important employer in Southeastern New Mexico.\u00a0But its mission hasn't been reviewed and updated by Congress since 2003,\"\u00a0Udall said.\u00a0\"This legislation makes important improvements that recognize FLETC's role in training federal law enforcement officers who are to the security of our nation and our communities, particularly on the border and in Indian Country. It will ensure that FLETC can continue its mission and provide high-quality, cost-effective law enforcement training.\"\u00a0\r\n\"Our dedicated FLETC staff in Artesia works hard to make sure that federal law enforcement agents from across the United States get the best quality training. The site includes a full range of facilities for training border patrol agents and commercial pilots who volunteer their time to become part of our nation's first line of defense against terrorist acts . FLETC is also home to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Police Academy,\" Heinrich said. \"The reforms in this bill will ensure that FLETC is well-equipped to execute these critical missions and continue to be a leading employer in southeastern New Mexico. I will remain focused on keeping our state's facility at the forefront of training federal law enforcement officers who are on the front lines of protecting our homeland . \"\r\nFLETC was established in the 1970s as a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and was intended to provide cost-effective basic and advanced training for federal law enforcement officers. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formed in 2003, FLETC was formally transferred to DHS to serve as the law enforcement training hub for a variety of national and international law enforcement personnel and partner organizations.\u00a0\r\nFLETC is headquartered in Glynco, Ga. In addition to Artesia, it has facilities in Charleston, S.C.; Cheltenham, Md.; and Gabarone, Botswana.\r\nThe Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization:\u00a0\r\nSets the director position as a career-reserved position within the Senior Executive Service and establishes the function of the director as follows:\r\n- Develop training goals and establish tactical organizational plans.\r\n- Provide direction and management for FLETC\u2019s training facilities, programs, and support activities;\r\n- Develop homeland security and law enforcement training curricula;\r\n- Monitor progress of the tactical curricula as well as domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism;\r\n- Ensure timely dissemination of homeland security information to federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement;\r\n- Advise the secretary on matters relating to executive level policy and program administration.\r\nAuthorizes the director to provide training to employees of federal agencies who are engaged in homeland security operations or operations related to domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism.\r\nAuthorizes training to be done at FLETC locations.\r\nAuthorizes the director to charge and retain fees related to training.\r\nEstablishes that the director can provide athletic and related activities, short-term medical services, and chaplain services.\r\n- States that partner organizations are responsible for expenses related to their instructors that teach at FLETC as well as the expenses related to the students that the partner agencies or organizations send to FLETC.\r\n- Authorizes the director to hire federal annuitants, as needed, who have expert knowledge in their field to train at FLETC.\r\n- Establishes that individuals that train on FLETC shall, to the extent practicable, reside in on-FLETC or FLETC-provided housing\r\n- Provides the director with authorities to use funds that are appropriated to the mission of FLETC to use to further the goals and objectives of FLETC.\r\nDoes NOT authorize any new spending authorizations for FLETC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democratic-senators-call-on-trump-education-secretary-nominee-devos-to-pay-53-million-in-unpaid-fines-for-election-violations", "Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators say group run by DeVos, nominated to administer nation's student loan programs, showed blatant willingness to 'avoid paying legally obligated public debts'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced that they are calling on President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to ensure payment of the $5.3 million in fines and penalties owed by DeVos' All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) for campaign finance violations dating back to 2008. All Children Matter broke Ohio election law by illegally funneling $870,000 in contributions from its nationwide PAC to its Ohio affiliate - and accordingly, the state of Ohio levied a record fine of more than $5 million against DeVos' group. Yet nearly a decade later, the PAC has not paid the debts for its illegal activities.  In a letter to DeVos, the senators expressed their deep concern at the willingness of DeVos' PAC to both brazenly disregard election law and blatantly refuse to take responsibility and pay its fines. The senators noted that, as Secretary of Education, DeVos would be responsible for seeing to the timely repayment of debt from student loan borrowers - even as the PAC she chaired refused to pay fines that are nearly a decade old. Roughly 44 million Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in federal student loans, creating a crushing debt burden for individuals struggling to make their payments. But when All Children Matter broke election law and was fined a record $5.3 million, DeVos' group chose to simply cease operations and disband, rather than taking responsibility for its debts.  \"The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization's violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC's refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable,\" the senators wrote. \"If confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation's student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC's board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts.\" \"Prior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts,\" the senators continued.  DeVos' leadership role in the All Children Matter PAC is one of her many activities as a longtime billionaire mega-donor for conservative causes, with DeVos stating her own goal to be \"buying influence.\" As DeVos wrote in a 1997 op-ed for Roll Call, \"my family is the largest single contributor of soft money to the national Republican party.... I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now, I simply concede the point. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment; we expect a good and honest government. Furthermore, we expect the Republican party to use the money to promote these policies, and yes, to win elections.\" The full text of the letter can be found below and here.  Betsy DeVosSecretary-DesignateU.S. Department of Education Dear Secretary-Designate DeVos: We are writing to express significant concerns about the failure of the All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) to pay Ohio $5.3 million in fines and late fees for violating the state's campaign finance laws. At the time of the violations, you were the head of the organization, and you and your husband were one of the PAC's biggest contributors. In 2006, the federal All Children Matter PAC sought an advisory opinion from the Ohio Elections Commission to determine whether it was allowed to contribute more than the $10,000 statutory limit to its Ohio based affiliate. The Commission provided an advisory opinion stating that aggregate contributions of greater than $10,000 in a year to the Ohio affiliate would violate the law. Inexplicably, your PAC ignored this advisory opinion and proceeded to contribute $870,000 to the Ohio affiliate. The bipartisan Ohio Elections Commission unanimously found both the federal and Ohio All Children Matter PACs to have violated the state's campaign finance laws and imposed fines of $5.2 million. An Ohio court subsequently upheld the fine and imposed additional late fees for failing to pay. Rather than pay the fines for violating the law, the All Children Matter PACs simply ceased operation and never paid the significant sum it owed to the state of Ohio. The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization's violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC's refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable.  If confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation's student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC's board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts. Prior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-among-senators-calling-for-national-intelligence-estimate-of-russian-tampering-in-us-election-request-confirmation-of-justice-department-investigation", "Udall Among Senators Calling for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in US Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Department Investigation", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Among Senators Calling for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in US Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Department Investigation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In letters to director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, senators push administration on Russian hacks\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) in calling for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by Jan. 20, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation's 16 intelligence agencies.\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump.\n\"Direct and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security-it is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress,\" the senators said. \"We strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congress-this issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\"\nFull text of the senators' letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper:\nDecember 13, 2016\nThe Honorable James Clapper  Director of National Intelligence  Washington, D.C. 20511\nDear Director Clapper:\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017.  Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions - and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States) - are deeply concerning.  They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress.  Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election.  It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton's campaign chair.  Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems.  These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other.  The Post quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, \"It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected.\"  Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now \"quite clear\" that electing Trump was Russia's goal.  In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, \"We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\"\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies.  Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies.  It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests.  Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine.  Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace.  It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections.  Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov - also known as the Kremlin's Chief Propagandist - warned this year that \"impudent\" U.S. behavior towards Russia may have \"nuclear\" consequences.  Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people.  Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests.  We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda.  Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed.\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\nFull text of the senators' letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch:\nDecember 13, 2016\nThe Honorable Loretta Lynch  Attorney General  U.S. Department of Justice  Washington, D.C. 20530\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other.  If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department's standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway.  Director Comey stated that \"[o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations,\" but he cited examples of \"exceptional circumstances\" that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including \"when there is a need for the public to be reassured\" and \"where the public needed transparency.\"[i]\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance.  On December 9, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States.  The Post further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia's government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party's national political committee and campaign chairman.  Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.  The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice.  We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests.  We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-federal-law-enforcement-training-centers", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) -- which includes a facility in Artesia, N.M. -- to ensure that our federal law enforcement officials and first responders are adequately trained for national security events, domestic threats, and combating terrorism. The bill passed the Senate early Saturday morning and passed the House on Tuesday and is now headed to the president to be signed into law. Each year, FLETC's facilities in Artesia and four other locations deliver a range of training to 96 federal partner organizations, including the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Altogether, FLETC trains more than 70,000 federal, state, local, and international law enforcement officers at five locations, and it employs more than 575 New Mexicans. \"FLETC's unique training opportunities make it an important part of our effort to meet security needs here in the United States and abroad, making it a top training center for many agencies. It is also an important employer in Southeastern New Mexico. But its mission hasn't been reviewed and updated by Congress since 2003,\" Udall said. \"This legislation makes important improvements that recognize FLETC's role in training federal law enforcement officers who are to the security of our nation and our communities, particularly on the border and in Indian Country. It will ensure that FLETC can continue its mission and provide high-quality, cost-effective law enforcement training.\"  \"Our dedicated FLETC staff in Artesia works hard to make sure that federal law enforcement agents from across the United States get the best quality training. The site includes a full range of facilities?? for training border patrol agents and commercial pilots who volunteer their time to become part of our nation's first line of defense against terrorist acts??. FLETC is also home to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Police Academy,\" Heinrich said. \"The reforms in this bill will ensure that FLETC is well-equipped to execute these critical missions and continue to be a leading employer in southeastern New Mexico. I will remain focused on keeping our state's facility at the forefront of training federal law enforcement officers who are on the front lines of protecting our homeland??.??\" FLETC was established in the 1970s as a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and was intended to provide cost-effective basic and advanced training for federal law enforcement officers. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formed in 2003, FLETC was formally transferred to DHS to serve as the law enforcement training hub for a variety of national and international law enforcement personnel and partner organizations.  FLETC is headquartered in Glynco, Ga. In addition to Artesia, it has facilities in Charleston, S.C.; Cheltenham, Md.; and Gabarone, Botswana. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization: Sets the director position as a career-reserved position within the Senior Executive Service and establishes the function of the director as follows:  - Develop training goals and establish tactical organizational plans.  - Provide direction and management for FLETC's training facilities, programs, and support activities;  - Develop homeland security and law enforcement training curricula;  - Monitor progress of the tactical curricula as well as domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism;  - Ensure timely dissemination of homeland security information to federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement;  - Advise the secretary on matters relating to executive level policy and program administration. Authorizes the director to provide training to employees of federal agencies who are engaged in homeland security operations or operations related to domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism. Authorizes training to be done at FLETC locations. Authorizes the director to charge and retain fees related to training. Establishes that the director can provide athletic and related activities, short-term medical services, and chaplain services.  - States that partner organizations are responsible for expenses related to their instructors that teach at FLETC as well as the expenses related to the students that the partner agencies or organizations send to FLETC.  - Authorizes the director to hire federal annuitants, as needed, who have expert knowledge in their field to train at FLETC.  - Establishes that individuals that train on FLETC shall, to the extent practicable, reside in on-FLETC or FLETC-provided housing  - Provides the director with authorities to use funds that are appropriated to the mission of FLETC to use to further the goals and objectives of FLETC. Does NOT authorize any new spending authorizations for FLETC.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-visits-unm-and-039s-project-echo-to-discuss-impact-of-echo-model-on-access-to-rural-health-care", "Udall Visits UNM's Project ECHO to Discuss Impact of ECHO Model on Access to Rural Health Care", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Visits UNM's Project ECHO to Discuss Impact of ECHO Model on Access to Rural Health Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Udall supported bill to expand ECHO model across the nation - bill passed Congress and now awaits Obama's signature to become law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n    \n   ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall visited with Project ECHO leaders at the University of New Mexico to discuss their innovative model to expand health care in rural communities. Udall sat in on a demonstration of a teleECHO clinic during a roundtable with rural providers over video-conference and met with the project's founder, Dr. Sanjeev Arora, to discuss how the ECHO model has improved rural access to health care. \n  Udall is a longtime supporter of the innovative tele-health program, which connects health care specialists and experts to primary care physicians in hard-to-reach areas using interactive video-conferencing. Originally designed to combat the Hepatitis-C epidemic in New Mexico, Project ECHO now enables patients to get treatment for a diverse array of disease conditions from various levels of health care providers, and it has grown to serve communities nationwide and internationally. \n  In the Senate, Udall cosponsored the ECHO Act, a bill to continue expanding the ECHO model across the country by integrating it into existing programs at the Department of Health and Human Services to improve access to health care in rural communities throughout the nation. The bill passed the Senate unanimously last month and is expected to be signed by the president shortly. \"I came to UNM to hear an update from Dr. Arora about the incredible work of Project ECHO, which is one of the most innovative models for expanding health care in rural communities across the world,\" Udall said. \"Dr. Arora tackled a serious health care challenge head-on by developing Project ECHO, and this is the kind of innovation that stems from a community coming together to create a solution that best meets its needs. All New Mexicans deserve quality health care no matter where they live, and ensuring accessible, quality health care in rural communities is a priority of mine. I was very proud to cosponsor the ECHO Act in the Senate to create an even greater expansion of Project ECHO, and I will continue to fight for funding for this and other health care innovation in Congress.\" \"Senator Udall has been a long time supporter of Project ECHO and has on numerous occasions helped to facilitate funding for ECHO,\" said Dr. Arora. \"As an early advocate for the ECHO Act he was integral to helping it pass into law. We are grateful for all that he has done, and look forward to continuing this positive relationship to help underserved populations of New Mexico receive high-quality health care where they live.\" \n  While a quarter of Americans live in rural communities, only 10 percent of physicians practice in these areas. Partly because of lack of access to care, rural residents are more likely to suffer from some chronic diseases. Project ECHO bridges the gap between doctors living in cities and patients in need of care in rural areas. In addition to being a successful tool for tackling hard-to-treat diseases, the Project ECHO model has been used to treat behavioral health issues, improve patient care and satisfaction, increase knowledge and reduce isolation for providers, and improve retention rates for physicians in rural, underserved areas. Project ECHO is also leading the fight to treat HIV in Indian Country and looking for innovative ways to democratize information so medical professionals can get the support and professional development they need to keep up with the rapidly changing world of medicine. Click HERE to see photos.  \n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2482", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State [press_release]", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about President-elect Trump's plan to nominate Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State:\n\"The U.S. Secretary of State represents the United States on the world stage. Rex Tillerson is the highly paid CEO for Exxon, a multinational oil company that has made tens of billions of dollars in profit over the years, in part due to its foreign oil interests. And this raises troubling questions about what his agenda might be as America's top diplomat.\"With this nomination, President-elect Trump is blatantly breaking his promise to drain the swamp of wealthy special interests, and instead is proposing to give a position of vital national importance to the leader of a corporation that defends its massive profits by operating one of the largest and most expensive lobbying and political influence efforts we've ever seen. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I believe the Senate should think long and hard before confirming Exxon's CEO to represent the American people's diplomatic interests.\"Mr. Tillerson also reportedly has close personal ties to Vladimir Putin and the Russian government, and has lobbied against sanctioning Russia for its invasion of Crimea - a move that protected Exxon's own oil interests. This deserves particular scrutiny, especially in light of Russia's aggression on the world stage, its record of violating human rights, and the questions that have been raised about its attempt to sway the 2016 presidential election. Just yesterday, I joined the call for an independent commission to investigate Russia's alleged involvement in the 2016 election. We must conduct a complete, transparent and unbiased examination of this unprecedented interference in our democratic process, and we will need Congress and the administration - including the State Department -- to work together to prevent it from happening again and to bolster Americans' faith in our elections.\"Finally, while Mr. Tillerson has recently made statements in support of the Paris Agreement and a carbon tax, Exxon Mobil has a questionable record on this topic, to say the least. Ensuring a coordinated, global response to prevent catastrophic climate change is one of the singular national security and foreign policy challenges of our time, and many Americans have reason to be skeptical that a wealthy CEO of an energy company would put their interests first in this regard. \"I have many questions for Mr. Tillerson; he can expect a thorough confirmation process.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2483", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rick Perry to Head Department of Energy [press_release]", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rick Perry to Head Department of Energy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's decision to nominate former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be Secretary of Energy:\n\"I'm disappointed but not surprised that President-elect Trump intends to nominate as Secretary of Energy someone who once said he wants to eliminate the very agency he has been tapped to lead. Governor Perry's past comments show a lack of seriousness about the department's full mission, and I will be listening very closely to his current views on this matter. The majority of the Department of Energy's annual budget goes to its solemn and critical responsibilities regarding our nation's nuclear security. New Mexico's Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories are crown jewels of our nuclear security complex, and along with other key facilities across the country, keep our nation's arsenal safe, secure, and reliable, and monitor nuclear proliferation here and around the world. New Mexico is also home to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the nation's only deep geologic facility that disposes of weapons-related nuclear waste, which is closed due to a radiological accident and still faces a difficult road to recovery. To win the confidence of the American people and the Senate, Governor Perry will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of these complex challenges and lay out a management vision to execute the difficult tasks before the department. \"Finally, President-elect Trump and Governor Perry need to assure DOE's talented team of scientific, engineering and policy civil servants that their past work on climate change or any other issue will not make them a target for political persecution.\"\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-trump-expected-nomination-of-rick-perry-as-energy-secretary", "Heinrich Statement On Trump Expected Nomination Of Rick Perry As Energy Secretary", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBUQUERQUE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87102\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 346-6601\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 346-6780\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFARMINGTON\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7450 East Main St., Ste. A\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFarmington, NM 87402\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 325-5030\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 325-6035\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLAS CRUCES\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLoretto Towne Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t505 South Main St., Ste. 148\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLas Cruces, New Mexico 88001\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (575) 523-6561\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (575) 523-6584\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tROSWELL\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t200 East 4th St., Ste. 300\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRoswell, New Mexico 88201\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (575) 622-7113\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (575) 622-3538\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSANTA FE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t123 East Marcy St., Ste 103\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 988-6647\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 992-8435\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t303 Hart Senate Office Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20510\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (202) 224-5521\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (202) 228-2841\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trump-and-039s-expected-nomination-of-rex-tillerson-to-be-secretary-of-state", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about President-elect Trump's plan to nominate Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State:\n\"The U.S. Secretary of State represents the United States on the world stage. Rex Tillerson is the highly paid CEO for Exxon, a multinational oil company that has made tens of billions of dollars in profit over the years, in part due to its foreign oil interests. And this raises troubling questions about what his agenda might be as America's top diplomat. \"With this nomination, President-elect Trump is blatantly breaking his promise to drain the swamp of wealthy special interests, and instead is proposing to give a position of vital national importance to the leader of a corporation that defends its massive profits by operating one of the largest and most expensive lobbying and political influence efforts we've ever seen. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I believe the Senate should think long and hard before confirming Exxon's CEO to represent the American people's diplomatic interests. \"Mr. Tillerson also reportedly has close personal ties to Vladimir Putin and the Russian government, and has lobbied against sanctioning Russia for its invasion of Crimea - a move that protected Exxon's own oil interests. This deserves particular scrutiny, especially in light of Russia's aggression on the world stage, its record of violating human rights, and the questions that have been raised about its attempt to sway the 2016 presidential election. Just yesterday, I joined the call for an independent commission to investigate Russia's alleged involvement in the 2016 election. We must conduct a complete, transparent and unbiased examination of this unprecedented interference in our democratic process, and we will need Congress and the administration - including the State Department -- to work together to prevent it from happening again and to bolster Americans' faith in our elections. \"Finally, while Mr. Tillerson has recently made statements in support of the Paris Agreement and a carbon tax, Exxon Mobil has a questionable record on this topic, to say the least. Ensuring a coordinated, global response to prevent catastrophic climate change is one of the singular national security and foreign policy challenges of our time, and many Americans have reason to be skeptical that a wealthy CEO of an energy company would put their interests first in this regard.  \"I have many questions for Mr. Tillerson; he can expect a thorough confirmation process.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trump-and-039s-expected-nomination-of-rick-perry-to-head-department-of-energy", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rick Perry to Head Department of Energy", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rick Perry to Head Department of Energy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's decision to nominate former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be Secretary of Energy:\n\"I'm disappointed but not surprised that President-elect Trump intends to nominate as Secretary of Energy someone who once said he wants to eliminate the very agency he has been tapped to lead. Governor Perry's past comments show a lack of seriousness about the department's full mission, and I will be listening very closely to his current views on this matter. The majority of the Department of Energy's annual budget goes to its solemn and critical responsibilities regarding our nation's nuclear security. New Mexico's Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories are crown jewels of our nuclear security complex, and along with other key facilities across the country, keep our nation's arsenal safe, secure, and reliable, and monitor nuclear proliferation here and around the world. New Mexico is also home to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the nation's only deep geologic facility that disposes of weapons-related nuclear waste, which is closed due to a radiological accident and still faces a difficult road to recovery. To win the confidence of the American people and the Senate, Governor Perry will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of these complex challenges and lay out a management vision to execute the difficult tasks before the department.  \"Finally, President-elect Trump and Governor Perry need to assure DOE's talented team of scientific, engineering and policy civil servants that their past work on climate change or any other issue will not make them a target for political persecution.\"\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2481", "Udall Statement on Climate Change Questions in Trump Energy Department Questionnaire [press_release]", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Climate Change Questions in Trump Energy Department Questionnaire \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall urged President-elect Trump to explain the reasons for his 74-point questionnaire to Department of Energy employees. The document asks detailed questions about the department's work related to climate change, including the names of employees who have attended workshops on climate change policy, and asks for associated emails and documents. Udall made the following statement:\"The badgering tone of the questionnaire and its focus on particular meetings and emails related to important climate change work are troubling, and I urge the Trump transition team to clarify their intent as soon as possible. I hope it isn't to single out civil servants who are contributing important work to our understanding of climate change. Our national security relies on DOE and our national labs providing honest unbiased scientific information and advice to the president and his team. Different administrations have different policies and goals, but objective, scientific work should be a bipartisan priority.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-federal-and-national-lab-employees-working-on-climate-change", "Heinrich Statement On Federal And National Lab Employees Working On Climate Change", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Federal And National Lab Employees Working On Climate Change\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement in response to reports that the Trump transition team is asking the U.S. Department of Energy for the names of federal and national laboratory employees who have worked on climate policy during the Obama Administration:\r\n\"Reports that the Trump transition team is asking the Department of Energy for the names of any federal or national laboratory employees who worked on climate policy during the Obama Administration are extremely concerning. While we don't yet know what the President-elect intends to do with this information, we do know about his troubling climate denial statements and the record of some of his key appointees in attacking climate science. I will not tolerate any efforts by the incoming administration to intimidate scientists and researchers in the government or at our national laboratories who are tackling some of our nation's greatest challenges, including climate change.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-obama-decision-to-maintain-torture-report-in-presidential-papers", "Heinrich Statement On Obama Decision To Maintain Torture Report In Presidential Papers", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Obama Decision To Maintain Torture Report In Presidential Papers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on President Obama\u2019s decision to maintain the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence\u2019s report on the CIA detention and interrogation program in his presidential papers.\r\n\u201cThe Senate torture report, and the lessons within, are central to helping us fully understand how the actions taken under this program cost our nation global credibility and they put the lives of Americans at risk. Torture is wrong, it is un-American, and it doesn\u2019t work \u2013 which is why it is critical to learn from this grave chapter in our nation\u2019s history and not bury it away as some are now suggesting. While making the report a Presidential document is an important step, it still keeps senior officials and Americans in the dark about just how ineffective and damaging the torture program actually was. I believe that the Senate's report on torture should be declassified immediately.\u201d\r\nSenator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, strongly supported the release of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's report on the CIA's detention and interrogation program and backs a series of reforms to prevent the future use of torture.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-climate-change-questions-in-trump-energy-department-questionnaire", "Udall Statement on Climate Change Questions in Trump Energy Department Questionnaire", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Climate Change Questions in Trump Energy Department Questionnaire \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall urged President-elect Trump to explain the reasons for his 74-point questionnaire to Department of Energy employees. The document asks detailed questions about the department's work related to climate change, including the names of employees who have attended workshops on climate change policy, and asks for associated emails and documents.  Udall made the following statement: \"The badgering tone of the questionnaire and its focus on particular meetings and emails related to important climate change work are troubling, and I urge the Trump transition team to clarify their intent as soon as possible. I hope it isn't to single out civil servants who are contributing important work to our understanding of climate change. Our national security relies on DOE and our national labs providing honest unbiased scientific information and advice to the president and his team. Different administrations have different policies and goals, but objective, scientific work should be a bipartisan priority.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-lujan-grisham-announce-passage-of-bipartisan-measure-to-expedite-gold-king-mine-spill-recovery", "Udall, Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n, Lujan Grisham Announce Passage of Bipartisan Measure to Expedite Gold King Mine Spill Recovery", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n, Lujan Grisham Announce Passage of Bipartisan Measure to Expedite Gold King Mine Spill Recovery\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that a bipartisan measure to expedite reimbursements to Tribal, local and state governments for costs incurred in responding to the Gold King Mine spill has passed both Houses of Congress as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The amendment \u2014 authored by Senators Udall and Heinrich on the Senate side and introduced by Luj\u00e1n on the House side, and supported by all four of the lawmakers \u2014 forces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the date to reimburse governments for their emergency response efforts, directs the EPA to quickly address claims filed by individual farmers, and authorizes the EPA to coordinate with governments and pay for water monitoring efforts.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Gold King Mine blowout has had devastating consequences for Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico, spilling millions of gallons of toxic, contaminated wastewater and leaving these communities with millions of dollars in bills for critical emergency response, environmental cleanup efforts, and lost income,\u201d said\u00a0Udall, the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \u201cThe enactment of our bipartisan measure to expedite the Gold King Mine recovery is a victory for local governments and individuals grappling with the steep economic and environmental toll of the spill. With passage of this important amendment, we will compel the EPA \u2013 which has only reimbursed a fraction of the costs incurred by affected parties \u2013 to move expeditiously to make right this exceedingly costly disaster. Our amendment directs the EPA to reimburse Tribal, state and local governments for their essential emergency response activities, and it tells the EPA to speed up the process of addressing claims filed by individual farmers affected by the spill. In addition, the measure ensures that the EPA will coordinate with governments to pay for necessary water monitoring. While this amendment represents important progress, I will continue to fight to hold the EPA accountable for its reimbursements, and I will use my position on the Appropriations Committee to help secure the funding needed for adequate water safety monitoring.\"\r\n\u201cThe Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico are still recovering from of the Gold King Mine spill in part because of the unacceptable pace of reimbursement to those impacted by this terrible incident. This measure will ensure that state, local, and Tribal governments will be fully reimbursed for their emergency response costs, and establishes a long-term water quality monitoring program in cooperation with local stakeholders,\" said Heinrich. \"We must also take action to reform outdated policies in order to clean up the hundreds of thousands of similarly contaminated mines across the West and Indian Country that are leaking toxins into our watersheds. We shouldn\u2019t wait for more disasters to strike. Western communities deserve full and complete protection of their water, land, and livelihoods. Our nation owes it to these communities to clean up these sites once and for all.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe devastation caused by the Gold King Mine spill took a toll on farmers, businesses, and families, and has left state, local, and tribal governments facing unexpected cleanup and recovery costs,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cToday, Congress took action to address the financial burden placed on communities in northern New Mexico through an expedited claims process. In addition, this bill authorizes vital long-term water quality monitoring. I am proud to work with Senators Udall and Heinrich on this issue, and I remain committed to holding the EPA accountable and ensuring our communities are made whole.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased we were able to move this funding along to finally reimburse the affected communities, and just as important, to implement a more robust effort to monitor the quality of the water,\u201d Lujan Grisham said. \u201cI appreciate the leadership in the delegation for ensuring the EPA is held accountable for helping these communities recover from this disaster.\u201d\r\nOn August 5, 2015, an EPA-supervised crew released 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater into Cement Creek while working at the Gold King Mine in Colorado, contaminating the water in both the Animas and San Juan rivers that flow into New Mexico and across Navajo Nation. While the EPA notified the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation on Dec. 8 of claims that it is reimbursing and denying, the state and Tribal governments now have the option of challenging the denials and can also argue for claims made after the Oct. 31, 2015, date that the EPA used as a cut-off for eligible reimbursements. The provision allows for claims through Sept. 9, 2016, when the Gold King Mine District in Colorado officially became a superfund site. The delegation will also review any claims denied for lack of documentation and urge the EPA to reimburse reasonable claims. Previously, the EPA had determined that it would reimburse claims only through Oct. 31, 2015, the date that the agency ended its emergency response work. The amendment further requires the EPA to pay out all costs eligible for reimbursement.\r\nIn addition to directing the EPA to process reimbursements to governments, the amendment includes a Sense of Congress that the agency should receive and process individual claims for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act. So far, the EPA has not reimbursed any residents harmed by the spill.\r\nFinally, the amendment authorizes the EPA to implement a water quality monitoring program in conjunction with state, Tribal and local governments, and to reimburse them for their expenses so far. Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing the EPA's budget, successfully included an amendment in the fiscal year 2016 budget directing the EPA to fund independent water quality monitoring, and he has worked to ensure funding for such projects going forward. So far the EPA has dedicated $2.6 million towards this effort but more is needed in future years. This new measure will set the policy in stone and lay the groundwork for further funding to guarantee these efforts are continued as long as necessary to protect drinking water, irrigation water, and public health downstream of the Gold King Mine spill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-luj-and-aacuten-lujan-grisham-announce-passage-of-bipartisan-measure-to-expedite-gold-king-mine-spill-recovery", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn, Lujan Grisham Announce Passage of Bipartisan Measure to Expedite Gold King Mine Spill Recovery", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Lujn, Lujan Grisham Announce Passage of Bipartisan Measure to Expedite Gold King Mine Spill Recovery \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that a bipartisan measure to expedite reimbursements to Tribal, local and state governments for costs incurred in responding to the Gold King Mine spill has passed both Houses of Congress as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The amendment - authored by Senators Udall and Heinrich on the Senate side and introduced by Lujn on the House side, and supported by all four of the lawmakers - forces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the date to reimburse governments for their emergency response efforts, directs the EPA to quickly address claims filed by individual farmers, and authorizes the EPA to coordinate with governments and pay for water monitoring efforts.\n\"The Gold King Mine blowout has had devastating consequences for Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico, spilling millions of gallons of toxic, contaminated wastewater and leaving these communities with millions of dollars in bills for critical emergency response, environmental cleanup efforts, and lost income,\" said Udall, the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"The enactment of our bipartisan measure to expedite the Gold King Mine recovery is a victory for local governments and individuals grappling with the steep economic and environmental toll of the spill. With passage of this important amendment, we will compel the EPA - which has only reimbursed a fraction of the costs incurred by affected parties - to move expeditiously to make right this exceedingly costly disaster. Our amendment directs the EPA to reimburse Tribal, state and local governments for their essential emergency response activities, and it tells the EPA to speed up the process of addressing claims filed by individual farmers affected by the spill. In addition, the measure ensures that the EPA will coordinate with governments to pay for necessary water monitoring. While this amendment represents important progress, I will continue to fight to hold the EPA accountable for its reimbursements, and I will use my position on the Appropriations Committee to help secure the funding needed for adequate water safety monitoring.\"\n\"The Navajo Nation and Northwestern New Mexico are still recovering from of the Gold King Mine spill in part because of the unacceptable pace of reimbursement to those impacted by this terrible incident. This measure will ensure that state, local, and Tribal governments will be fully reimbursed for their emergency response costs, and establishes a long-term water quality monitoring program in cooperation with local stakeholders,\" said Heinrich. \"We must also take action to reform outdated policies in order to clean up the hundreds of thousands of similarly contaminated mines across the West and Indian Country that are leaking toxins into our watersheds. We shouldn't wait for more disasters to strike. Western communities deserve full and complete protection of their water, land, and livelihoods. Our nation owes it to these communities to clean up these sites once and for all.\"\n\"The devastation caused by the Gold King Mine spill took a toll on farmers, businesses, and families, and has left state, local, and tribal governments facing unexpected cleanup and recovery costs,\" said Lujn. \"Today, Congress took action to address the financial burden placed on communities in northern New Mexico through an expedited claims process. In addition, this bill authorizes vital long-term water quality monitoring. I am proud to work with Senators Udall and Heinrich on this issue, and I remain committed to holding the EPA accountable and ensuring our communities are made whole.\"\n\"I'm pleased we were able to move this funding along to finally reimburse the affected communities, and just as important, to implement a more robust effort to monitor the quality of the water,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"I appreciate the leadership in the delegation for ensuring the EPA is held accountable for helping these communities recover from this disaster.\"\nOn August 5, 2015, an EPA-supervised crew released 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater into Cement Creek while working at the Gold King Mine in Colorado, contaminating the water in both the Animas and San Juan rivers that flow into New Mexico and across Navajo Nation. While the EPA notified the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation on Dec. 8 of claims that it is reimbursing and denying, the state and Tribal governments now have the option of challenging the denials and can also argue for claims made after the Oct. 31, 2015, date that the EPA used as a cut-off for eligible reimbursements. The provision allows for claims through Sept. 9, 2016, when the Gold King Mine District in Colorado officially became a superfund site. The delegation will also review any claims denied for lack of documentation and urge the EPA to reimburse reasonable claims. Previously, the EPA had determined that it would reimburse claims only through Oct. 31, 2015, the date that the agency ended its emergency response work. The amendment further requires the EPA to pay out all costs eligible for reimbursement.\nIn addition to directing the EPA to process reimbursements to governments, the amendment includes a Sense of Congress that the agency should receive and process individual claims for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act. So far, the EPA has not reimbursed any residents harmed by the spill.\nFinally, the amendment authorizes the EPA to implement a water quality monitoring program in conjunction with state, Tribal and local governments, and to reimburse them for their expenses so far. Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing the EPA's budget, successfully included an amendment in the fiscal year 2016 budget directing the EPA to fund independent water quality monitoring, and he has worked to ensure funding for such projects going forward. So far the EPA has dedicated $2.6 million towards this effort but more is needed in future years. This new measure will set the policy in stone and lay the groundwork for further funding to guarantee these efforts are continued as long as necessary to protect drinking water, irrigation water, and public health downstream of the Gold King Mine spill.\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-for-short-term-agreement-to-keep-government-open", "Udall Votes for Short-Term Agreement to Keep Government Open", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Votes for Short-Term Agreement to Keep Government Open \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Tonight, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined the full Senate in voting 63-36 for a short-term agreement to keep the government running until April 28. The bill also includes a measure that would expedite a bill to change the law requiring a Defense Secretary to have been out of military service for at least seven years. President-elect Donald Trump's expected nominee for Defense Secretary, Marine Gen. James Mattis, retired in 2013.  The stop-gap budget, called a \"continuing resolution,\" maintains funding for the government at levels consistent with last year's bipartisan budget agreement but without full direction or certainty from Congress for the full fiscal year of 2017. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill 326-96 earlier this week, so it now heads to the president to be signed into law. Udall made the following statement: \"Appropriations bills are critical to New Mexico's economy, jobs, and the fundamental national security mission of our national labs and military bases, so I am relieved that we have averted a government shutdown. But once again, Congress has failed to do its most important job -- adequately fund the needs of our government and American families. Instead of working across party lines to pass forward-thinking appropriations bills, the Republican leadership chose a broken process that will allow them to make those decisions next year, when they have a bigger majority and a Republican president. So what we are doing with this bill is keeping the lights on ... barely. I want to remind the Republican leaders that pressing hold on our responsibilities doesn't make the needs in New Mexico or our country go away, it makes them worse. It makes it more difficult for Los Alamos and Sandia to manage important nuclear weapons security work here and abroad. Our national parks - a critical part of New Mexico's economy - can't prepare for new maintenance on trails and visitor centers. And it creates roadblocks for our communities with water infrastructure, roads, bridges and other needs that keep communities and businesses running smoothly. Republicans took the majority in both the House and Senate this Congress promising a return to regular order, especially with appropriations, and with this bill they have failed to do their job. We need to do a lot better next year - and we can start by passing full appropriations bills for all agencies of our government early.  We don't know all of what's in store for us in the new administration, but I'm prepared to fight to do whatever I can to make sure the needs of New Mexico families - and the nation - are met. \"I am also very troubled that the Republican leadership slipped into a must-pass bill, a measure that sets the stage to change the law - and limit debate - with regard to who can legally serve as Defense Secretary, one of the most powerful government positions in the world. That they did it threatening to shut down the government if Congress didn't go along, is even more concerning.\" The continuing resolution funds important federal government installations and programs in New Mexico, including the national labs and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant; the National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs; the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program; the state's Air Force bases: Kirtland, Cannon, and Holloman; and White Sands Missile Range. The bill includes backstop provisions to allow the Department of Energy flexibility with funds to manage ongoing stockpile work at the national labs, and to allow for expanded staffing needs for Indian Health Service facilities, limiting the amount of disruption that would otherwise result from the failure to pass full appropriations bills. In addition, the bill provides $500 million in funding for opioid prevention and treatment grants to help New Mexico and other states, as directed by the 21st Century Cures Act, which Congress approved earlier this week. It includes extra money for overseas operations by departments like Defense and State. And it provides $170 million in aid to address lead contamination in Flint, Mich.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2477", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to be Secretary of the Interior [press_release]", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to be Secretary of the Interior \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump's expected nomination of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) to head the U.S. Department of the Interior:\"I have known Representative McMorris Rodgers for a number of years after serving with her in the House, and I congratulate her on this news. If she is officially nominated and confirmed, she will have a big job. We made important progress in the last eight years to protect our treasured public lands in New Mexico and across the country and to improve stewardship of our natural resources. But we still have big issues to address at the Interior Department, such as the long maintenance backlog at our National Parks, and the enduring need to improve the government-to-government relationship with Indian Country. \"President-elect Trump said this week that his administration will honor the legacy of our great conservation President Theodore Roosevelt. He said he will 'conserve and protect our beautiful natural resources for the next generation including protecting lands [for] anglers and hunters and all of those who enjoy the outdoors' like his sons Don and Eric. I am troubled that Representative McMorris Rodgers is among the Republicans in Congress who has backed misguided efforts to sell off millions of acres of public land to the highest bidder. With some Republicans in Congress threatening to erase the bedrock environmental laws and policies that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the fabric of our ecosystems, I hope President-elect Trump means his words. In my positions on the Appropriations and Senate Indian Affairs committees, I will hold him to it.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2478", "NM Delegation Welcomes Final Passage of PROTECT Patrimony Resolution Condemning the Trafficking of Stolen Tribal Cultural Items [press_release]", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Welcomes Final Passage of PROTECT Patrimony Resolution Condemning the Trafficking of Stolen Tribal Cultural Items \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, the members of New Mexico's U.S. Senate and U.S. House delegation hailed final passage of the Protection of the Right of Tribes to stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional (PROTECT) Patrimony Resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 122). The bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce and cosponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich in the Senate, Representatives Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n and Michelle Lujan Grisham in the House. It condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items and calls for several measures to be implemented to help identify and stop the illegal trafficking of Tribal cultural patrimony and secure repatriation of exported items to the rightful native American owners. The PROTECT Patrimony Resolution was approved by the House, then amended and passed in the Senate in September and passed again in its final form by the House before it adjourned this week.\"Sacred Tribal cultural items are not art, they are essential to the history, cultures and traditions of Native American communities. They deserve respect at all levels of government,\" said Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"With this resolution, Congress is telling the federal government that it must make it a priority to understand the scope of the problem, stop the illegal theft and sale of Tribal cultural items and consult with Tribes in the effort to crack down on this practice. While this resolution is a strong message to the federal government, we still have work to do, including changing the law to ensure the penalties match the crime. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Senator Heinrich's STOP Act, which would increase the penalties and give Tribes a seat at the table in the effort to protect sacred items and patrimony, and as vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I will continue to push for passage of that legislation and to do whatever I can to ensure that stolen Native patrimony is returned to its rightful owners.\"\"The cultures, religions, and histories of the tribal people that have lived on the land for thousands of years are deeply embedded in what it means to be New Mexican,\" said Pearce. \"Without the preservation, protection, and teaching of these histories, New Mexico and our nation will be fundamentally different. Despite a number of laws designed to combat the illegal theft and sale of these items, they are still lost to the highest bidder far too often. We can do more, and we must do more. Just in the last few years, multiple tribes within New Mexico have been the victim of these illegal practices. Despite national and international law opposing the practice, the tribes I represent have had religious symbols, artifacts, and remains illegally taken and placed on auction blocks in France. While not well known, it is a practice we should all want to end. However, we cannot afford to blindly introduce more legislation that will add bureaucratic or duplicative layers on our enforcement system and may cause these artifacts to be lost forever. What we need, and what this resolution creates, is a comprehensive audit of what is working within our current system, what is broken, and what is the best path forward to ending this horrific practice that sees essential pieces of Native American culture and history being stolen and sold. I thank my colleagues in Congress for working with me on this initiative. Most importantly, agreement of this resolution would not have been possible without tribal leaders' nationwide coming together to raise awareness. This is a true instance of Congress responding to the will and demands of the people.\" \n  \"Sacred tribal artifacts connect Native communities to their history and help tribes preserve their cultural heritage and pass on traditions to future generations,\" Heinrich said. \"This resolution is an important step in the effort to bring attention to the widespread illegal trafficking of sacred items, and I commend Senator Udall for his leadership. I will continue fighting to pass my bipartisan bill, the STOP Act, to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking tribal cultural patrimony. We need to take all possible action to condemn the theft of tribal cultural artifacts and repatriate stolen culturally significant items to their rightful owners.\"\u00e2?? \n  \"When a Tribal cultural item is stolen and auctioned off, it is disrespectful and desecrates the religion of our Native American brothers and sisters,\" said Luj\u00e1n. \"The theft, export and sale of these items has a profound effect on Tribal Nations and their people. To preserve these cultures and sacred practices, we must protect against these thefts. I am a proud cosponsor of the PROTECT Patrimony Resolution and will continue to advocate for the protection against the desecration of sacred sites and artifacts.\" \"I am proud that the New Mexico delegation came together with tribal leaders to combat this immoral and criminal behavior,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"While we should celebrate this example of productive government-to-government collaboration, Congress needs to do more to ensure that these sacred objects are safely returned and placed under tribal custody.\"Tribal cultural items have immense historical, traditional and cultural importance to Native American culture-yet these items continue to be taken from Native Americans and sold in black or public markets in violation of federal and tribal laws. When Tribal cultural items are exported internationally to avoid these laws, Native Americans encounter extraordinary difficulty in stopping their sale and securing their repatriation. This resolution emphasizes federal agencies' responsibility to consult and work with Native Americans to stop the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items, and has received support from Tribal leaders across New Mexico and America, including the National Congress of American Indians and the All Pueblos Council of Governors. Specifically, the resolution: - Condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items;  - Calls on the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, in consultation with Native Americans, including traditional Native American religious leaders, to take affirmative action to stop the practices and secure repatriation of Tribal cultural items to Native Americans;  - Supports the ongoing efforts of the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to determine the scope of illegal trafficking in Tribal cultural items domestically and internationally, and to identify, in consultation with Native Americans, steps to end illegal trafficking and export of cultural items, and secure repatriation to the appropriate Native Americans;  - Supports the development of explicit restrictions on the export of Tribal cultural items; and  - Encourages states, local governments, and interested groups and organizations to work cooperatively to deter theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items, and to secure repatriation to the appropriate Native Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-deming3", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Deming", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Deming\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLAS CRUCES, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Deming on Wednesday, December 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Luna County Senior Center. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nDeming - Wednesday, December 14, 2016\r\nWHO:\u00a0 U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Mobile Office Hours\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a0Deming Luna County Senior Center, 800 South Granite Street, Deming, N.M. 88030\u00a0\r\nQUESTIONS:\u00a0 Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-truth-or-consequences3", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Truth or Consequences", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Truth or Consequences\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLAS CRUCES, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Truth or Consequences on Friday, December 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Truth or Consequences Senior Center. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nTruth or Consequences - Friday, December 16, 2016\r\nWHO:\u00a0 U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Mobile Office Hours\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a0Truth or Consequences Senior Center, 360 W. 4th St., Truth or Consequences, N.M. 87901\u00a0\r\nQUESTIONS:\u00a0 Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-trump-nomination-of-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-as-interior-secretary", "Heinrich Statement On Trump Nomination Of Cathy McMorris Rodgers As Interior Secretary", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Trump Nomination Of Cathy McMorris Rodgers As Interior Secretary\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump nominating U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5) to be the Department of the Interior Secretary. Senator Heinrich is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that will vet the nominee.\r\n\"I look forward to meeting with Representative McMorris Rodgers and hearing more about her positions on safeguarding America's public lands, addressing climate change, promoting outdoor recreation, and protecting tribal patrimony and sacred sites. However, I have concerns with her history of support for auctioning off Western public lands--including more than 1250 square-miles in New Mexico--and allowing for the destruction of a site sacred to Apache nations across the southwest.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-welcomes-final-passage-of-protect-patrimony-resolution-condemning-the-trafficking-of-stolen-tribal-cultural-items", "NM Delegation Welcomes Final Passage of PROTECT Patrimony Resolution Condemning the Trafficking of Stolen Tribal Cultural Items", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Welcomes Final Passage of PROTECT Patrimony Resolution Condemning the Trafficking of Stolen Tribal Cultural Items \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, the members of New Mexico's U.S. Senate and U.S. House delegation hailed final passage of the Protection of the Right of Tribes to stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional (PROTECT) Patrimony Resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 122). The bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce and cosponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich in the Senate, Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham in the House. It condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items and calls for several measures to be implemented to help identify and stop the illegal trafficking of Tribal cultural patrimony and secure repatriation of exported items to the rightful native American owners. The PROTECT Patrimony Resolution was approved by the House, then amended and passed in the Senate in September and passed again in its final form by the House before it adjourned this week. \"Sacred Tribal cultural items are not art, they are essential to the history, cultures and traditions of Native American communities. They deserve respect at all levels of government,\" said Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"With this resolution, Congress is telling the federal government that it must make it a priority to understand the scope of the problem, stop the illegal theft and sale of Tribal cultural items and consult with Tribes in the effort to crack down on this practice. While this resolution is a strong message to the federal government, we still have work to do, including changing the law to ensure the penalties match the crime. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Senator Heinrich's STOP Act, which would increase the penalties and give Tribes a seat at the table in the effort to protect sacred items and patrimony, and as vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I will continue to push for passage of that legislation and to do whatever I can to ensure that stolen Native patrimony is returned to its rightful owners.\" \"The cultures, religions, and histories of the tribal people that have lived on the land for thousands of years are deeply embedded in what it means to be New Mexican,\" said Pearce. \"Without the preservation, protection, and teaching of these histories, New Mexico and our nation will be fundamentally different. Despite a number of laws designed to combat the illegal theft and sale of these items, they are still lost to the highest bidder far too often. We can do more, and we must do more. Just in the last few years, multiple tribes within New Mexico have been the victim of these illegal practices. Despite national and international law opposing the practice, the tribes I represent have had religious symbols, artifacts, and remains illegally taken and placed on auction blocks in France. While not well known, it is a practice we should all want to end. However, we cannot afford to blindly introduce more legislation that will add bureaucratic or duplicative layers on our enforcement system and may cause these artifacts to be lost forever. What we need, and what this resolution creates, is a comprehensive audit of what is working within our current system, what is broken, and what is the best path forward to ending this horrific practice that sees essential pieces of Native American culture and history being stolen and sold. I thank my colleagues in Congress for working with me on this initiative. Most importantly, agreement of this resolution would not have been possible without tribal leaders' nationwide coming together to raise awareness. This is a true instance of Congress responding to the will and demands of the people.\" \n  \"Sacred tribal artifacts connect Native communities to their history and help tribes preserve their cultural heritage and pass on traditions to future generations,\" Heinrich said. \"This resolution is an important step in the effort to bring attention to the widespread illegal trafficking of sacred items, and I commend Senator Udall for his leadership. I will continue fighting to pass my bipartisan bill, the STOP Act, to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking tribal cultural patrimony. We need to take all possible action to condemn the theft of tribal cultural artifacts and repatriate stolen culturally significant items to their rightful owners.\"?? \n  \"When a Tribal cultural item is stolen and auctioned off, it is disrespectful and desecrates the religion of our Native American brothers and sisters,\" said Lujn. \"The theft, export and sale of these items has a profound effect on Tribal Nations and their people. To preserve these cultures and sacred practices, we must protect against these thefts. I am a proud cosponsor of the PROTECT Patrimony Resolution and will continue to advocate for the protection against the desecration of sacred sites and artifacts.\"  \"I am proud that the New Mexico delegation came together with tribal leaders to combat this immoral and criminal behavior,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"While we should celebrate this example of productive government-to-government collaboration, Congress needs to do more to ensure that these sacred objects are safely returned and placed under tribal custody.\" Tribal cultural items have immense historical, traditional and cultural importance to Native American culture-yet these items continue to be taken from Native Americans and sold in black or public markets in violation of federal and tribal laws. When Tribal cultural items are exported internationally to avoid these laws, Native Americans encounter extraordinary difficulty in stopping their sale and securing their repatriation. This resolution emphasizes federal agencies' responsibility to consult and work with Native Americans to stop the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items, and has received support from Tribal leaders across New Mexico and America, including the National Congress of American Indians and the All Pueblos Council of Governors.  Specifically, the resolution:  - Condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items;  - Calls on the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, in consultation with Native Americans, including traditional Native American religious leaders, to take affirmative action to stop the practices and secure repatriation of Tribal cultural items to Native Americans;  - Supports the ongoing efforts of the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to determine the scope of illegal trafficking in Tribal cultural items domestically and internationally, and to identify, in consultation with Native Americans, steps to end illegal trafficking and export of cultural items, and secure repatriation to the appropriate Native Americans;  - Supports the development of explicit restrictions on the export of Tribal cultural items; and  - Encourages states, local governments, and interested groups and organizations to work cooperatively to deter theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items, and to secure repatriation to the appropriate Native Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trump-and-039s-expected-nomination-of-rep-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior", "Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to be Secretary of the Interior", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Expected Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to be Secretary of the Interior \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump's expected nomination of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) to head the U.S. Department of the Interior: \"I have known Representative McMorris Rodgers for a number of years after serving with her in the House, and I congratulate her on this news. If she is officially nominated and confirmed, she will have a big job. We made important progress in the last eight years to protect our treasured public lands in New Mexico and across the country and to improve stewardship of our natural resources. But we still have big issues to address at the Interior Department, such as the long maintenance backlog at our National Parks, and the enduring need to improve the government-to-government relationship with Indian Country.  \"President-elect Trump said this week that his administration will honor the legacy of our great conservation President Theodore Roosevelt. He said he will 'conserve and protect our beautiful natural resources for the next generation including protecting lands [for] anglers and hunters and all of those who enjoy the outdoors' like his sons Don and Eric. I am troubled that Representative McMorris Rodgers is among the Republicans in Congress who has backed misguided efforts to sell off millions of acres of public land to the highest bidder. With some Republicans in Congress threatening to erase the bedrock environmental laws and policies that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the fabric of our ecosystems, I hope President-elect Trump means his words. In my positions on the Appropriations and Senate Indian Affairs committees, I will hold him to it.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2475", "Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion [press_release]", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, which began on December 8, 1941 - just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor - when soldiers from the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment became the \"first to fire\" to defend the Philippines from Japanese bombers. The 200th Coast Artillery Regiment was made up of members of the New Mexico National Guard and were deployed to the Philippines before the onset of hostilities against the Japanese in September 1941. While severely outmanned and outgunned, the U.S. and Filipino forces stationed on the island fought bravely, and their tireless efforts held off the enemy forces for nearly four months, slowing Japanese momentum in the war. By April, with supplies running dry and starvation lurking, American and Filipino troops surrendered to the Japanese and became Prisoners of War. Soon after, they were forced into the notoriously brutal Bataan Death March, a grueling 65-mile trek that took the lives of nearly a thousand American soldiers. The survivors of the march were held captive for three years - enduring torture and malnourishment - before being freed in 1945. Today, on the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, Udall issued the following statement: \"Seventy-five years ago today, the troops at Bataan put on one of the most heroic and daring displays in American history. During four months of unrelenting combat, and during three years of gruesome imprisonment, the heroes of Bataan faced down unspeakable horror and unfathomable odds, and they became an enduring symbol of American bravery and perseverance. The courageous actions of these troops should not be forgotten. It is a debt that our nation can never truly repay - and New Mexico, the United States, and the entire free world are forever grateful for their sacrifice. \"New Mexico sent 1,800 of its best and bravest to the Philippines, but only 900 ever made it home. With each passing year, fewer survivors remain to tell the story of what happened during the Bataan invasion and the brutal Death March and captivity that followed. Now more than ever, we must do everything in our power to honor the memories of those we lost in Bataan and to express our boundless gratitude to those who are still with us. The veterans of Bataan command our deepest respect and appreciation, and we should award them the Congressional Gold Medal that they so richly deserve.\"In several Congresses, Udall has introduced legislation to honor Bataan veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest and most distinguished civilian award. He continues to work across party lines to build support for its passage.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2476", "Udall Votes for Major National Defense Bill to Secure NM Priorities [press_release]", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Votes for Major National Defense Bill to Secure NM Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Active Duty Service Members to Receive 2.1% Pay Raise\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the Senate in voting 92-7 for a major national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to support our troops and national defense programs in New Mexico and across the country. The bill, which has already passed the House and will now be sent to the president, contains provisions that Udall has championed to strengthen New Mexico's national laboratories, military bases, and other defense initiatives important to the state's economy and our national security. \"New Mexico makes unmatched contributions to the national defense. Our state's brave service members, our top-notch military bases, and our groundbreaking national laboratories keep America safe - sustaining thousands of New Mexico jobs along the way,\" Udall said. \"I voted for this defense bill because it will strengthen New Mexico's defense priorities and cutting-edge industries, and it gives our troops a well-deserved raise. My focus in Congress is fighting for legislation that grows New Mexico's economy and supports our national security. I am pleased to have joined in passing an NDAA that meets those important standards.\"The annual NDAA sets policies and funding levels for the nation's military and defense operations. This year's bill, which authorizes $619 billion for national defense, includes crucial provisions to bolster defense programs operated at New Mexico's federal installations and national laboratories - including support for nuclear weapons programs and cleanup at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs, and for Department of Energy environmental cleanup programs like the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The NDAA also authorizes resources for critical construction projects at Kirtland, Holloman, and Cannon Air Force bases, clearing the way for significant improvements that will benefit the bases' national security mission and support New Mexico jobs. The bill extends for five years the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which provide important resources for New Mexico's premier labs, universities, and National Science Foundation facilities and help facilitate New Mexico's role as a leader in high-tech business and innovation.This year's NDAA gives service members a 2.1 percent pay raise, and includes a measure that halts attempts to claw back enlistment bonuses paid to National Guard soldiers years ago. In November, Udall joined in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter urging the Department of Defense to restore the National Guard bonuses. Udall sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee and is a member of its subcommittees on Defense and Energy and Water. In that capacity, Udall and other committee members write and pass annual spending bills to fund the programs authorized by the NDAA. \"As a member of Appropriations Committee, I will continue to devote my energy to providing Congress' full support to our labs, bases, and other defense programs that are essential to New Mexico's economy and our national security,\" Udall continued.In offering his support for the NDAA, Udall highlighted the following provisions as particularly important for New Mexico and the nation:\n \nA pay raise for service members: The NDAA includes a 2.1% pay raise for service members.\nFunding for New Mexico's Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories: The NDAA authorizes $12.9 billion in funding for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, supporting nuclear weapons programs and environmental cleanup at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, as well as the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).\u00a0\nConstruction projects at New Mexico Air Force bases: The NDAA includes authorizations for projects at New Mexico Air Force bases, including $21,000,000 for projects at Cannon Air Force Base, $10,600,000 for Holloman Air Force Base, and $7,300,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base.\nNational Guard bonuses: The NDAA puts a stop to attempts to claw back bonuses paid to National Guard soldiers years ago, and provides financial support to soldiers who have already repaid their bonuses. Udall wrote to DoD Secretary Carter urging the DoD to restore the bonuses.\nExtension of tech transfer programs: The NDAA extends for five years the government-wide Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which have been useful resources for New Mexico's labs, universities, and NSF facilities.\u00a0\nFort Wingate: The NDAA includes language that would transfer lands with cultural historical significance from the Ft. Wingate Army Depot back to the Navajo Nation and the Pueblo of Zuni.  The land transfer would end over a decade of negotiations between the tribes and the Army.\n \n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-secures-key-advancements-for-new-mexico-in-annual-defense-bill", "Heinrich Secures Key Advancements For New Mexico In Annual Defense Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Secures Key Advancements For New Mexico In Annual Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the conference committee that negotiated the final bill, voted for the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Heinrich secured key provisions in the legislation to benefit New Mexico's men and women in uniform, military installations, national laboratories, and job creation throughout the state.\u00a0\r\nThe NDAA sets spending levels and policies for fiscal year 2017. NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup programs including WIPP.\r\n\u201cI am proud to have helped author this year\u2019s annual defense bill that provides important funding and resources to help expand missions in New Mexico,\" said Senator Heinrich. \"The defense bill provides funds to welcome the new F-16s and personnel coming to Holloman, prepares for the future fleet of Combat Rescue Helicopters coming to Kirtland, and bolsters research and development at New Mexico\u2019s National Labs and private sector. I am also proud to have provided new authorities to make it easier for our defense labs and White Sands Missile Range to hire college graduates from New Mexico\u2019s outstanding universities. These provisions, among many others, will benefit our economy and further New Mexico's strong position as a leader in national security.\u201d\r\nThe following list includes many of the programs and provisions Senator Heinrich championed during the markup process and conference that were included in the NDAA:\r\nNEW MEXICO'S MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND RANGES\r\nSenator Heinrich helped secure $38.9 million which will help fund projects to vastly improve New Mexico\u2019s military instillations and the well-being of our servicemembers:\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nHolloman Air Force Base: Will receive $10.6 million to construct a new Hazardous Cargo Pad and Access Taxiway, which would create separate operating areas for aircraft munitions work and allow for multiple runway operations at Holloman, improving efficiency and safety at the base, as well as helping accommodate two additional F-16 squadrons and personnel.\u00a0\r\nKirtland Air Force Base: Will receive $7.3 million to provide a critically needed Combat Rescue Helicopter simulator to provide the most current, accurate, and realistic training required to fly future CRH aircraft coming to Kirtland.\r\nCannon Air Force Base: Will receive $21 million to replace the overworked and overpopulated fitness facilities at Cannon with a new, modern facility, improving our servicemembers\u2019 morale and ensuring our airmen are \u201cfit to fight.\u201d\r\nPay Raise: Heinrich supported a 2.1 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the uniformed services.\r\nNational Guard End Strength: Heinrich supported an increase of 7,000 Army National Guardsmen, raising the total end strength for the Army National Guard from 335,000 to 343,000 personnel.\u00a0 The bill authorizes the total end strength of 105,700 personnel for the Air National Guard.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nIncentive Pay to Address Air Force Pilot Shortages: Heinrich supported language to provide additional payments up to $35,000 a year to help address pilot shortages in both the F-16 and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) missions.\u00a0 Holloman Air Force Base is taking the lead in generating pilots for the Air Force, and HAFB was recently selected to receive two additional F-16 squadrons. Currently, the Air Force is roughly 700 F-16 fighter pilots short of requirements, which makes the additional two squadrons at Holloman critically important to addressing the Air Force\u2019s shortage of fighter pilots.\u00a0 The Air Force has made improvements over the last year to generate RPA pilots but is currently 250 pilots short of requirements.\r\nSTARBASE at Kirtland Air Force Base: Heinrich successfully passed an amendment restoring $25 million for the continuation of the STARBASE program that didn't receive funding in the President's budget. In New Mexico, the Department of Defense STARBASE program is hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base and has served nearly 8,000 5th grade students. STARBASE is a highly effective program run by our dedicated servicemembers and strengthens the relationships between the military, communities, and local school districts.\u00a0 The program allows students to participate in a 25-hour hands-on curriculum where they solve scientific challenges related to aerospace.\u00a0 Since its inception in 1991, over 825,000 students have benefitted from the STARBASE program, including 45,000 last year.\r\nSpace Test Program at Kirtland Air Force Base: Heinrich supported $27 million for the Space Test Program at Kirtland Air Force Base.\u00a0 Since 1965, the Space Test Program (STP) has conducted space test missions for the purpose of accelerating Department of Defense space technology transformation, while lowering developmental risk.\u00a0 STP serves as the primary access to space for the Department of Defense space science and technology community.\u00a0\r\nOperationally Responsive Space (ORS) at Kirtland Air Force Base: Heinrich provided an increase of $10 million to accelerate development of the Space Situational Awareness ORS-5 mission bringing the total budget in fiscal year 2017 to $18 million.\u00a0\r\nDirect-hire authority for the Department of Defense for postsecondary students and recent graduates:\u00a0Heinrich supported a provision that would establish a Department of Defense civilian on-campus recruiting authority.\u00a0 This proposal would facilitate DoD recruiters\u2019 efforts to recruit students directly to civilian positions using a new hiring authority expressly designed for this purpose. Hiring managers and recruiters, who already travel to specific schools with programs they want to target, would be able to involve candidates in a rigorous interview process, and make conditional offers on the spot. This would allow DoD to compete for highly qualified students and recent graduates. This language would enable White Sands Missile Range, Air Force Research Laboratory and other installations specializing in research, development, testing, and evaluation to hire from New Mexico\u2019s academic institutions.\u00a0\r\nHIGH-TECHNOLOGY DEFENSE INDUSTRY AND R&D\r\nNext Generation Weapon Systems- High Energy Lasers and High Power Microwaves:\u00a0The bill provides a total of $183M to the Air Force for research and development of directed energy weapon systems.\u00a0 Heinrich successfully included elements of his bipartisan bill, S. 2778, the Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016, in the NDAA to accelerate the transition of high technology weapon systems from research and development into full scale acquisition programs. This would require that the Secretary of Defense designate a senior official at the Department of Defense with principal responsibility for the development and transition of directed energy weapons.\u00a0 Currently, there is no single advocate at the DOD with a strategic plan who can advocate for increases in the budget and resources for directed energy technologies and transition those technologies to the military.\u00a0 New Mexico\u2019s Joint Directed Energy Transition Office has served as the coordinating entity for years but has lacked an ally at the pentagon headquarters in which it can coordinate efforts. The language also urges the Department of Defense to use rapid acquisition authorities authorized to the department in Section 806 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314; 10 U.S.C. 2302 note) to speed the development and deployment of operational directed energy capabilities.\u00a0\r\nJoint Directed Energy Transition Office: Heinrich expanded the mission of the High-Energy Laser Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO) in New Mexico to focus more on the demonstration and transition of directed energy systems rather than its original mission of coordinating basic research and development.\u00a0 Heinrich also re-designated the current HEL-JTO as the \u201cJoint Directed Energy Transition Office\u201din order to recognize the breadth of directed energy technology including high power microwaves and to also place greater emphasis on the purpose of the office to \u201ctransition\u201d technology beyond the \u201cvalley of death.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nR&D at Air Force Research Laboratory:\u00a0Heinrich included a provision to increase the maximum allowable percentage to be used by laboratory employees for high-risk high-reward basic and applied research at DoD laboratories from 3% to 4% and makes the authorities permanent.\u00a0 The increase in percentage will allow lab directors to better fund internal R&D, workforce development, and minor MILCON activities at the labs.\r\nIncreased micro-purchase threshold for research programs and entities: Heinrich advocated for language to increase the micro-purchase threshold in Department of Defense research and laboratories activities from $3,000 to $10,000. In raising the limit, this provision allows appropriate organizations, such as universities, defense labs, and other performers, to facilitate easy and administratively efficient purchasing of small dollar items.\r\nSmall Business Programs including the Rapid Innovation Program, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer program: Heinrich supported language that makes the Rapid Innovation Program permanent. The Rapid Innovation Program\u00a0 awards grants to small businesses to provide the department with innovative technologies that can be rapidly inserted into acquisition programs that meet specific defense needs.\u00a0 Senator Heinrich also supported language to extend SBIR and STTR by five years.\r\nCyber Security at Department of Defense Critical Infrastructure: Heinrich successfully included an amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense to identify and evaluate cyber vulnerabilities at critical Department of Defense infrastructure and develop a plan for risk mitigation.\u00a0 Military installations across the United States are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.\u00a0 High-tech industry partners like Intel have developed hardware and software to enhance cyber security at installations worldwide.\u00a0\r\nNATIONAL SECURITY LABORATORIES\r\nNNSA Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD): Heinrich authored a provision that removes the overhead burden on NNSA labs for LDRD that currently double-taxes Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. LDRD is a strategic research and development program that is critical to maintaining the scientific vitality of the national laboratories. The final bill eliminates the overhead burden on LDRD for 3 years and requires a report to Congress on the effect of the change.\r\nNNSA Albuquerque Complex Project: Heinrich supported $15 million to build a new Albuquerque NNSA Complex that will replace the existing outdated and inadequate 50-year old facility.\r\nLife Extension Programs: Heinrich supported full funding of $1.3 billion for the Life Extension Programs for the nuclear weapons stockpile, including work at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories.\u00a0\r\nLos Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Environmental Cleanup: Heinrich provided an increase of $10 million for cleanup.\u00a0\r\nWaste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP): The bill requires new assurances by DOE of the safety of all shipments of transuranic waste for disposal in WIPP and authorizes increased funding for WIPP operations by $10 million; however, Heinrich is pressing the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide the full $325.5 million WIPP now estimates will be needed in FY17 to restore safe operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-75th-anniversary-of-bataan-invasion", "Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, which began on December 8, 1941 - just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor - when soldiers from the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment became the \"first to fire\" to defend the Philippines from Japanese bombers.  The 200th Coast Artillery Regiment was made up of members of the New Mexico National Guard and were deployed to the Philippines before the onset of hostilities against the Japanese in September 1941. While severely outmanned and outgunned, the U.S. and Filipino forces stationed on the island fought bravely, and their tireless efforts held off the enemy forces for nearly four months, slowing Japanese momentum in the war. By April, with supplies running dry and starvation lurking, American and Filipino troops surrendered to the Japanese and became Prisoners of War. Soon after, they were forced into the notoriously brutal Bataan Death March, a grueling 65-mile trek that took the lives of nearly a thousand American soldiers. The survivors of the march were held captive for three years - enduring torture and malnourishment - before being freed in 1945. Today, on the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, Udall issued the following statement:  \"Seventy-five years ago today, the troops at Bataan put on one of the most heroic and daring displays in American history. During four months of unrelenting combat, and during three years of gruesome imprisonment, the heroes of Bataan faced down unspeakable horror and unfathomable odds, and they became an enduring symbol of American bravery and perseverance. The courageous actions of these troops should not be forgotten. It is a debt that our nation can never truly repay - and New Mexico, the United States, and the entire free world are forever grateful for their sacrifice.  \"New Mexico sent 1,800 of its best and bravest to the Philippines, but only 900 ever made it home. With each passing year, fewer survivors remain to tell the story of what happened during the Bataan invasion and the brutal Death March and captivity that followed. Now more than ever, we must do everything in our power to honor the memories of those we lost in Bataan and to express our boundless gratitude to those who are still with us. The veterans of Bataan command our deepest respect and appreciation, and we should award them the Congressional Gold Medal that they so richly deserve.\" In several Congresses, Udall has introduced legislation to honor Bataan veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest and most distinguished civilian award. He continues to work across party lines to build support for its passage.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-for-major-national-defense-bill-to-secure-nm-priorities", "Udall Votes for Major National Defense Bill to Secure NM Priorities", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Votes for Major National Defense Bill to Secure NM Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Active Duty Service Members to Receive 2.1% Pay Raise\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the Senate in voting 92-7 for a major national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to support our troops and national defense programs in New Mexico and across the country. The bill, which has already passed the House and will now be sent to the president, contains provisions that Udall has championed to strengthen New Mexico's national laboratories, military bases, and other defense initiatives important to the state's economy and our national security.  \"New Mexico makes unmatched contributions to the national defense. Our state's brave service members, our top-notch military bases, and our groundbreaking national laboratories keep America safe - sustaining thousands of New Mexico jobs along the way,\" Udall said. \"I voted for this defense bill because it will strengthen New Mexico's defense priorities and cutting-edge industries, and it gives our troops a well-deserved raise. My focus in Congress is fighting for legislation that grows New Mexico's economy and supports our national security. I am pleased to have joined in passing an NDAA that meets those important standards.\" The annual NDAA sets policies and funding levels for the nation's military and defense operations. This year's bill, which authorizes $619 billion for national defense, includes crucial provisions to bolster defense programs operated at New Mexico's federal installations and national laboratories - including support for nuclear weapons programs and cleanup at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs, and for Department of Energy environmental cleanup programs like the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The NDAA also authorizes resources for critical construction projects at Kirtland, Holloman, and Cannon Air Force bases, clearing the way for significant improvements that will benefit the bases' national security mission and support New Mexico jobs. The bill extends for five years the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which provide important resources for New Mexico's premier labs, universities, and National Science Foundation facilities and help facilitate New Mexico's role as a leader in high-tech business and innovation. This year's NDAA gives service members a 2.1 percent pay raise, and includes a measure that halts attempts to claw back enlistment bonuses paid to National Guard soldiers years ago. In November, Udall joined in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter urging the Department of Defense to restore the National Guard bonuses.  Udall sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee and is a member of its subcommittees on Defense and Energy and Water. In that capacity, Udall and other committee members write and pass annual spending bills to fund the programs authorized by the NDAA.  \"As a member of Appropriations Committee, I will continue to devote my energy to providing Congress' full support to our labs, bases, and other defense programs that are essential to New Mexico's economy and our national security,\" Udall continued. In offering his support for the NDAA, Udall highlighted the following provisions as particularly important for New Mexico and the nation:\n \nA pay raise for service members: The NDAA includes a 2.1% pay raise for service members.\nFunding for New Mexico's Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories: The NDAA authorizes $12.9 billion in funding for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, supporting nuclear weapons programs and environmental cleanup at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, as well as the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).\nConstruction projects at New Mexico Air Force bases: The NDAA includes authorizations for projects at New Mexico Air Force bases, including $21,000,000 for projects at Cannon Air Force Base, $10,600,000 for Holloman Air Force Base, and $7,300,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base.\nNational Guard bonuses: The NDAA puts a stop to attempts to claw back bonuses paid to National Guard soldiers years ago, and provides financial support to soldiers who have already repaid their bonuses. Udall wrote to DoD Secretary Carter urging the DoD to restore the bonuses.\nExtension of tech transfer programs: The NDAA extends for five years the government-wide Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which have been useful resources for New Mexico's labs, universities, and NSF facilities.\nFort Wingate: The NDAA includes language that would transfer lands with cultural historical significance from the Ft. Wingate Army Depot back to the Navajo Nation and the Pueblo of Zuni.  The land transfer would end over a decade of negotiations between the tribes and the Army.\n \n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2470", "Udall Welcomes EPA Proposal to Ban TCE in Dry Cleaning Under Lautenberg Chemical Safety Law [press_release]", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes EPA Proposal to Ban TCE in Dry Cleaning Under Lautenberg Chemical Safety Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t EPA proposal marks the 1st time in a generation that the EPA will ban a dangerous chemical in commerce to protect public health\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule to ban uses of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) under the newly reformed bipartisan chemical safety law. It is the EPA's first effort to ban an existing chemical since it failed in its attempt to ban asbestos in the early 1990s. Used as a degreaser and spot remover in dry cleaning, TCE is a neurotoxin linked to cancer, developmental impacts and liver toxicity. Udall led the effort in Congress to pass the historic bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a major overhaul of the nation's badly broken chemical safety program. The bill was signed into law in June. \"The EPA's proposal to protect the public from a hazardous chemical in common use is exactly why we worked so hard for reform. It has been over a generation since the EPA has been able to do its job to protect the public from dangerous chemicals. Its success is crucial to restoring the public's trust and confidence in the thousands of chemicals manufactured and used daily at home and in the workplace. Millions of Americans - including me - are regular customers at the neighborhood dry cleaner, but, like many chemicals, TCE has been on the market unchecked for many years despite evidence linking it to cancer and other serious health conditions. Workers, customers and the communities around these businesses deserve to be protected and to be certain that there is an effective watchdog looking out for them. Everyone involved in public health and chemical manufacture has an interest in the success of this process, and I urge all sides to play a productive role moving forward.\"The EPA is basing its proposal on an assessment of the uses of TCE that it did in 2014 and is proposing to ban the manufacture, import, processing, and distribution in commerce of the chemical as used as an aerosol degreaser and in spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities. Comments on the proposed rule must be received 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. Last week, the EPA announced that it will evaluate 10 chemicals for risk, including the remaining uses for TCE. Udall's statement can be found here. Also last week, Udall also led a bipartisan group of senators in writing a letter to Vice President-elect Pence to urge a smooth transition for the implementation of chemical safety reform in the Trump administration.\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2471", "Udall: Staying in the Senate is the Best Way I can Fight for New Mexico [press_release]", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: Staying in the Senate is the Best Way I can Fight for New Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement:\"I am very grateful for the support of so many New Mexicans who have personally urged me to run for governor in 2018. Under the current governor, our state has fallen behind in education and jobs. We have failed to take full advantage of our abundant natural resources and our potential for developing a renewable energy industry. While I firmly believe that I have the backing and the experience to properly address all these issues, I have determined, after consulting with my family, colleagues and constituents, that New Mexico will be better served by my remaining in the United States Senate. \"My seniority, my reform agenda and my appointments to the Appropriations Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Foreign Relations Committee are indispensable to the well-being of the state. New Mexico depends significantly more on federal funding than it does on state revenue. Since I have been in the Senate, we have been able to increase funding for the labs, expanded access to public lands, strengthen our military bases, and encourage efforts to grow the state's private sector.\n\"This is not the time to weaken our position in Washington. President-elect Trump has proposed policies with respect to health care, constitutional rights, immigration, privatizing public lands, and foreign policy that could be devastating to the citizens of New Mexico. When I was elected to the Senate, I committed to standing up in Washington for New Mexico families to ensure everyone has an opportunity to get ahead and their needs never take a back seat to wealthy special interests. I believe that pledge is even more important now.\"\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2472", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico [press_release]", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  Washington - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in voting 94-5 for a bill that includes critically needed new resources for New Mexico and other states struggling to treat and prevent the growing prescription opioid abuse epidemic. The funding was included in bipartisan health care legislation called the 21st Century Cures Act and now will be sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.The bill sets aside $1 billion for competitive grants to supplement ongoing efforts by states to combat the opioid crisis, giving preference to state applicants experiencing a high prevalence of addiction. New Mexico, which ranks among the states with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths, would be considered a top candidate. In 2014, New Mexico had the second-highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The grants program -- which is expected to be funded for this year in a must-pass budget bill -- finally provides much-needed resources that Udall and Heinrich have strongly supported. Both senators backed President Obama's request for $1.1 billion to combat opioid and heroin addiction and pushed for the funding to be included in the\u00a0Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) when it passed earlier this year. However, Senate Republicans blocked that attempt. Udall and Heinrich also have fought for funding through other legislation and for resources to expand programs that improve screening and treatment of individuals suffering from substance abuse and opioid addiction. \n  The 21st Century Cures Act also includes money for the National Institutes of Health to fund important cancer research, significant mental health legislation which reauthorizes youth suicide prevention programs and strengthens the law requiring insurance companies to treat mental health care on par with medical benefits, and reforms to the Food and Drug Administration to spur innovation for rare disease treatments. \n  \"The resources for states struggling to address the opioid addiction crisis couldn't be more important to the health of New Mexico's families and communities. Particularly in our rural communities, families are suffering the devastating consequences of the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic. These communities have seen families torn apart and lives lost, and they are crying out for our help to overcome the scourge of opioid abuse,\" Udall said. \"We need to support efforts to prevent drug abuse before it starts, make reforms to our mental health treatment programs, and ensure that anyone who wants help can get it - no matter where they live. The funds included in the Cures Act will be designated for states that are most in need, and I am working with Senator Heinrich to help New Mexico get its share of this vital support.\"\"This bipartisan compromise is a step in the right direction to address the opioid epidemic in New Mexico, fix our broken mental health system, and develop lifesaving cures and treatments for diseases,\" said Heinrich. \"For years, New Mexico's communities have suffered through inadequate access to mental health treatment, and some of the highest rates of chronic disease and opioid addiction in the nation. We need substantial resources and a comprehensive approach to combat the unique public health challenges we face. While not perfect, 21st Century Cures provides $1 billion to combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, mental health reforms, and $4.8 billion in new funding to the National Institute of Health for medical research and the development of lifesaving cures. These resources are desperately needed in New Mexico and I will work to ensure that these federal funds reach our state.\"\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2473", "Udall Statement on Trump's Nominee for EPA Administrator [press_release]", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Nominee for EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall responded to President-elect Trump expected nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as EPA Administrator:\"Global warming is one of the greatest threats to public health, our environment and our national security. And New Mexico is in the bull's eye, as farmers and anyone who relies on water and weather know all too well. The American people accept that the science is real; the facts can't be denied, and we need to take urgent action to stop the impacts from growing worse. Attorney General Scott Pruitt has spent years fighting in court on behalf of climate deniers. That doesn't show the kind of leadership we need at the EPA to protect our air and ensure clean water. This is yet another troubling nomination by a president-elect who promised to 'drain the swamp' in Washington, and I anticipate Attorney General Pruitt will face many questions about his work to help big polluters at the expense of the American people.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2474", "Udall Joins Senators in Urging President-Elect Trump to Oppose Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid [press_release]", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senators in Urging President-Elect Trump to Oppose Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined 20 of his Senate colleagues in writing a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump urging him to keep his campaign promises not to cut Medicare and Medicaid programs.President-elect Trump's transition team and Republicans in Congress are calling for sweeping changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs that would increase the Medicare eligibility age, privatize Medicare, replace guaranteed benefits with vouchers and raise out-of-pocket costs. These changes would put benefits at risk for millions of middle- and low-income seniors and families throughout New Mexico and the nation.\"Over a million New Mexicans depend on Medicare and Medicaid to help protect their health, well-being and financial security,\" Udall said. \"Medicare and Medicaid allow children, seniors and people with disabilities to see a doctor when they're sick, get the medicine they need, and access preventive care that helps keep them healthy. The proposed changes from President-elect Trump and congressional Republicans would gut Medicare and Medicaid and would put New Mexicans at risk of losing health care benefits. I urge President-elect Trump to make good on his campaign promises not to make cuts to these vital programs.\"\"During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your 16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid,\" the senators wrote in the letter. \"After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.\" The senators pressed President-elect Trump to live up to his campaign promises and reject any cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. They wrote, \"We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited. You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them.\" A copy of the letter is below and at this link.Dear President-Elect Trump: We are writing to you to express our strong concerns that you have been remarkably inconsistent in your important campaign promise to protect and defend the Medicare and Medicaid programs and appear now to support policies that endanger the Medicare and Medicaid benefits that provide health care to tens of millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and low- and middle-income Americans.  The nomination of Congressman Tom Price for Secretary of Health and Human Services underscores  this concern.During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid. After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.You could not have been clearer during the campaign about your opposition to program cuts to our nation's bedrock health care programs. You~ campaign website proudly trumpeted that \"Donald Trump won't touch your entitlements,\" and you claimed that \"every other Republican is going to cut [these programs],\" but \"I'm not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid\" (Figure 1). 1 It touted coverage that you \"would exclude entitlement costs\" from cuts to government spending (Figure 2).2 It stated your policy in plain language: \"Do not cut ... Medicare benefits.\" And it rightly noted that \"most Americans want to keep the benefits as they stand now\" (Figure 3).3This is the right policy. Over one hundred million Americans rely on these programs for health care. Low-income children and families and people with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of Medicaid. Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities have earned and rely on their Medicare benefits. Medicaid is the only assistance available to millions of low and middle-income families who have a loved one requiring nursing home care. As you noted when you extolled their benefits on your campaign website, cutting these programs would be devastating.But your transition website has eliminated your earlier assurances and blatantly disregards the promises you repeatedly made during the campaign and instead now calls for sweeping changes to Medicare and Medicaid. As it currently stands, your transition team's policy proposals are shrouded in benign-sounding cliches that promise to \"modernize\" and \"maximize flexibility\" for the programs. But Americans who are watching closely can see your plans for what they are: a poorly-veiled regurgitation of the plans, supported by Republicans in the House and Senate, to gut Medicare and Medicaid. 4 Your nominee for the Secretary of Health and Human Services is a leading architect of these plans.Your transition website states that you will \"Modernize Medicare so it will be ready for ... the coming retirements of the Baby Boom generation- and beyond.\" And it indicates that you will overhaul Medicaid to \"Maximize flexibility for states to ... experiment with innovative methods to deliver healthcare to our low-income citizens\" (Figure 4). 5 These statements are nearly identical to the healthcare reform language in Speaker Ryan's \"Better Way\" healthcare reform plan, which states: \"Our plan maximizes state flexibility\" and provides incentives for states to find \"innovative ways to reduce Medicaid costs.\"6 And on Medicare, the same report commits to: \"moderniz[ e] the program to reflect the changes to health care delivery in the 21st century\" by \"gradually increase[ing] the Medicare retirement age.\" House Republicans have been bracingly clear: they intend to work with you to pass these cuts. Reports indicate that Speaker Paul Ryan \"is promoting his 'A Better Way Agenda' as a guide for Trump\" on \"health care\" and other issues. 7 And Representative Sean Duffy stated that \"it's almost a plug and play scenario.\"8 These Republican plans would be devastating for millions of Americans. They would increase the Medicare eligibility age.9 They would privatize Medicare, replacing guaranteed benefits with vouchers that seniors would be forced to use to purchase coverage, dramatically increasing out-ofpocket costs. 10 They would cut billions of dollars from the Medicaid program, turning the program into a \"block grant\" that would force states to eliminate coverage for millions of beneficiaries, cut guaranteed benefits and consumer protections, and slash provider payments. Enacting these cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would devastate millions of middle- and low income seniors and families, and break your promise to the American people that you would \"not ... cut Medicare or Medicaid.\" But now it seems you have reversed course on your promises to protect Medicare and Medicaid and instead plan to dismantle these programs. It's not too late to fix this problem. We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited. You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-critical-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic-in-new-mexico", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in voting 94-5\u00a0for a bill that includes critically needed new resources for New Mexico and other states struggling to treat and prevent the growing prescription opioid abuse epidemic. The funding was included in bipartisan health care legislation called the 21st Century Cures Act and now will be sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.\r\nThe bill sets aside $1 billion for competitive grants to supplement ongoing efforts by states to combat the opioid crisis, giving preference to state applicants experiencing a high prevalence of addiction. New Mexico, which ranks among the states with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths, would be considered a top candidate. In 2014, New Mexico had the second-highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\r\nThe grants program -- which is expected to be funded for this year in a must-pass budget bill -- finally provides much-needed resources that Udall and Heinrich have strongly supported. Both senators backed President Obama's request for $1.1 billion to combat opioid and heroin addiction and pushed for the funding to be included in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) when it passed earlier this year. However, Senate Republicans blocked that attempt. Udall and Heinrich also have fought for funding through other legislation and for resources to expand programs that improve screening and treatment of individuals suffering from substance abuse and opioid addiction.\u00a0\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also includes money for the National Institutes of Health to fund important cancer research, significant mental health legislation which reauthorizes youth suicide prevention programs and strengthens the law requiring insurance companies to treat mental health care on par with medical benefits, and reforms to the Food and Drug Administration to spur innovation for rare disease treatments.\u00a0\r\n\"The resources for states struggling to address the opioid addiction crisis couldn't be more important to the health of New Mexico's families and communities. Particularly in our rural communities, families are suffering the devastating consequences of the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic. These communities have seen families torn apart and lives lost, and they are crying out for our help to overcome the scourge of opioid abuse,\" Udall said. \"We need to support efforts to prevent drug abuse before it starts, make reforms to our mental health treatment programs, and ensure that anyone who wants help can get it \u2014 no matter where they live. The funds included in the Cures Act will be designated for states that are most in need, and I am working with Senator Heinrich to help New Mexico get its share of this vital support.\"\r\n\"This bipartisan compromise is a step in the right direction to address the opioid epidemic in New Mexico, fix our broken mental health system, and develop lifesaving cures and treatments for diseases,\" said Heinrich. \"For years, New Mexico\u2019s communities have suffered through inadequate access to mental health treatment, and some of the highest rates of chronic disease and opioid addiction in the nation. We need substantial resources and a comprehensive approach to combat the unique public health challenges we face. While not perfect, 21st Century Cures provides $1 billion to combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, mental health reforms, and $4.8 billion in new funding to the National Institute of Health for medical research and the development of lifesaving cures. These resources are desperately needed in New Mexico and I will work to ensure that these federal funds reach our state.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-critical-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic-in-new-mexico", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Critical Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic in New Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  Washington - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in voting 94-5 for a bill that includes critically needed new resources for New Mexico and other states struggling to treat and prevent the growing prescription opioid abuse epidemic. The funding was included in bipartisan health care legislation called the 21st Century Cures Act and now will be sent to the president's desk to be signed into law. The bill sets aside $1 billion for competitive grants to supplement ongoing efforts by states to combat the opioid crisis, giving preference to state applicants experiencing a high prevalence of addiction. New Mexico, which ranks among the states with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths, would be considered a top candidate. In 2014, New Mexico had the second-highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grants program -- which is expected to be funded for this year in a must-pass budget bill -- finally provides much-needed resources that Udall and Heinrich have strongly supported. Both senators backed President Obama's request for $1.1 billion to combat opioid and heroin addiction and pushed for the funding to be included in theComprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) when it passed earlier this year. However, Senate Republicans blocked that attempt. Udall and Heinrich also have fought for funding through other legislation and for resources to expand programs that improve screening and treatment of individuals suffering from substance abuse and opioid addiction. \n  The 21st Century Cures Act also includes money for the National Institutes of Health to fund important cancer research, significant mental health legislation which reauthorizes youth suicide prevention programs and strengthens the law requiring insurance companies to treat mental health care on par with medical benefits, and reforms to the Food and Drug Administration to spur innovation for rare disease treatments. \n  \"The resources for states struggling to address the opioid addiction crisis couldn't be more important to the health of New Mexico's families and communities. Particularly in our rural communities, families are suffering the devastating consequences of the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic. These communities have seen families torn apart and lives lost, and they are crying out for our help to overcome the scourge of opioid abuse,\" Udall said. \"We need to support efforts to prevent drug abuse before it starts, make reforms to our mental health treatment programs, and ensure that anyone who wants help can get it - no matter where they live. The funds included in the Cures Act will be designated for states that are most in need, and I am working with Senator Heinrich to help New Mexico get its share of this vital support.\" \"This bipartisan compromise is a step in the right direction to address the opioid epidemic in New Mexico, fix our broken mental health system, and develop lifesaving cures and treatments for diseases,\" said Heinrich. \"For years, New Mexico's communities have suffered through inadequate access to mental health treatment, and some of the highest rates of chronic disease and opioid addiction in the nation. We need substantial resources and a comprehensive approach to combat the unique public health challenges we face. While not perfect, 21st Century Cures provides $1 billion to combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, mental health reforms, and $4.8 billion in new funding to the National Institute of Health for medical research and the development of lifesaving cures. These resources are desperately needed in New Mexico and I will work to ensure that these federal funds reach our state.\"\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-joins-senators-in-urging-president-elect-trump-to-oppose-cuts-to-medicare-and-medicaid", "Udall Joins Senators in Urging President-Elect Trump to Oppose Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senators in Urging President-Elect Trump to Oppose Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined 20 of his Senate colleagues in writing a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump urging him to keep his campaign promises not to cut Medicare and Medicaid programs. President-elect Trump's transition team and Republicans in Congress are calling for sweeping changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs that would increase the Medicare eligibility age, privatize Medicare, replace guaranteed benefits with vouchers and raise out-of-pocket costs. These changes would put benefits at risk for millions of middle- and low-income seniors and families throughout New Mexico and the nation. \"Over a million New Mexicans depend on Medicare and Medicaid to help protect their health, well-being and financial security,\" Udall said. \"Medicare and Medicaid allow children, seniors and people with disabilities to see a doctor when they're sick, get the medicine they need, and access preventive care that helps keep them healthy. The proposed changes from President-elect Trump and congressional Republicans would gut Medicare and Medicaid and would put New Mexicans at risk of losing health care benefits. I urge President-elect Trump to make good on his campaign promises not to make cuts to these vital programs.\" \"During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your 16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid,\" the senators wrote in the letter. \"After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.\"  The senators pressed President-elect Trump to live up to his campaign promises and reject any cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. They wrote, \"We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited. You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them.\"  A copy of the letter is below and at this link. Dear President-Elect Trump:  We are writing to you to express our strong concerns that you have been remarkably inconsistent in your important campaign promise to protect and defend the Medicare and Medicaid programs and appear now to support policies that endanger the Medicare and Medicaid benefits that provide health care to tens of millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and low- and middle-income Americans.  The nomination of Congressman Tom Price for Secretary of Health and Human Services underscores  this concern. During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid. After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs. You could not have been clearer during the campaign about your opposition to program cuts to our nation's bedrock health care programs. You~ campaign website proudly trumpeted that \"Donald Trump won't touch your entitlements,\" and you claimed that \"every other Republican is going to cut [these programs],\" but \"I'm not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid\" (Figure 1). 1 It touted coverage that you \"would exclude entitlement costs\" from cuts to government spending (Figure 2).2 It stated your policy in plain language: \"Do not cut ... Medicare benefits.\" And it rightly noted that \"most Americans want to keep the benefits as they stand now\" (Figure 3).3 This is the right policy. Over one hundred million Americans rely on these programs for health care. Low-income children and families and people with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of Medicaid. Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities have earned and rely on their Medicare benefits. Medicaid is the only assistance available to millions of low and middle-income families who have a loved one requiring nursing home care. As you noted when you extolled their benefits on your campaign website, cutting these programs would be devastating. But your transition website has eliminated your earlier assurances and blatantly disregards the promises you repeatedly made during the campaign and instead now calls for sweeping changes to Medicare and Medicaid. As it currently stands, your transition team's policy proposals are shrouded in benign-sounding cliches that promise to \"modernize\" and \"maximize flexibility\" for the programs. But Americans who are watching closely can see your plans for what they are: a poorly-veiled regurgitation of the plans, supported by Republicans in the House and Senate, to gut Medicare and Medicaid. 4 Your nominee for the Secretary of Health and Human Services is a leading architect of these plans. Your transition website states that you will \"Modernize Medicare so it will be ready for ... the coming retirements of the Baby Boom generation- and beyond.\" And it indicates that you will overhaul Medicaid to \"Maximize flexibility for states to ... experiment with innovative methods to deliver healthcare to our low-income citizens\" (Figure 4). 5 These statements are nearly identical to the healthcare reform language in Speaker Ryan's \"Better Way\" healthcare reform plan, which states: \"Our plan maximizes state flexibility\" and provides incentives for states to find \"innovative ways to reduce Medicaid costs.\"6 And on Medicare, the same report commits to: \"moderniz[ e] the program to reflect the changes to health care delivery in the 21st century\" by \"gradually increase[ing] the Medicare retirement age.\"  House Republicans have been bracingly clear: they intend to work with you to pass these cuts. Reports indicate that Speaker Paul Ryan \"is promoting his 'A Better Way Agenda' as a guide for Trump\" on \"health care\" and other issues. 7 And Representative Sean Duffy stated that \"it's almost a plug and play scenario.\"8 These Republican plans would be devastating for millions of Americans. They would increase the Medicare eligibility age.9 They would privatize Medicare, replacing guaranteed benefits with vouchers that seniors would be forced to use to purchase coverage, dramatically increasing out-ofpocket costs. 10 They would cut billions of dollars from the Medicaid program, turning the program into a \"block grant\" that would force states to eliminate coverage for millions of beneficiaries, cut guaranteed benefits and consumer protections, and slash provider payments.  Enacting these cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would devastate millions of middle- and low income seniors and families, and break your promise to the American people that you would \"not ... cut Medicare or Medicaid.\"  But now it seems you have reversed course on your promises to protect Medicare and Medicaid and instead plan to dismantle these programs.  It's not too late to fix this problem. We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited. You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them.  Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trump-and-039s-nominee-for-epa-administrator", "Udall Statement on Trump's Nominee for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Trump's Nominee for EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall responded to President-elect Trump expected nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as EPA Administrator: \"Global warming is one of the greatest threats to public health, our environment and our national security. And New Mexico is in the bull's eye, as farmers and anyone who relies on water and weather know all too well. The American people accept that the science is real; the facts can't be denied, and we need to take urgent action to stop the impacts from growing worse. Attorney General Scott Pruitt has spent years fighting in court on behalf of climate deniers. That doesn't show the kind of leadership we need at the EPA to protect our air and ensure clean water. This is yet another troubling nomination by a president-elect who promised to 'drain the swamp' in Washington, and I anticipate Attorney General Pruitt will face many questions about his work to help big polluters at the expense of the American people.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-staying-in-the-senate-is-the-best-way-i-can-fight-for-new-mexico", "Udall: Staying in the Senate is the Best Way I can Fight for New Mexico", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: Staying in the Senate is the Best Way I can Fight for New Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement: \"I am very grateful for the support of so many New Mexicans who have personally urged me to run for governor in 2018. Under the current governor, our state has fallen behind in education and jobs. We have failed to take full advantage of our abundant natural resources and our potential for developing a renewable energy industry. While I firmly believe that I have the backing and the experience to properly address all these issues, I have determined, after consulting with my family, colleagues and constituents, that New Mexico will be better served by my remaining in the United States Senate.  \"My seniority, my reform agenda and my appointments to the Appropriations Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Foreign Relations Committee are indispensable to the well-being of the state. New Mexico depends significantly more on federal funding than it does on state revenue. Since I have been in the Senate, we have been able to increase funding for the labs, expanded access to public lands, strengthen our military bases, and encourage efforts to grow the state's private sector.\n\"This is not the time to weaken our position in Washington. President-elect Trump has proposed policies with respect to health care, constitutional rights, immigration, privatizing public lands, and foreign policy that could be devastating to the citizens of New Mexico. When I was elected to the Senate, I committed to standing up in Washington for New Mexico families to ensure everyone has an opportunity to get ahead and their needs never take a back seat to wealthy special interests. I believe that pledge is even more important now.\"\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-epa-proposal-to-ban-tce-in-dry-cleaning-under-lautenberg-chemical-safety-law", "Udall Welcomes EPA Proposal to Ban TCE in Dry Cleaning Under Lautenberg Chemical Safety Law", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes EPA Proposal to Ban TCE in Dry Cleaning Under Lautenberg Chemical Safety Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t EPA proposal marks the 1st time in a generation that the EPA will ban a dangerous chemical in commerce to protect public health\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule to ban uses of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) under the newly reformed bipartisan chemical safety law. It is the EPA's first effort to ban an existing chemical since it failed in its attempt to ban asbestos in the early 1990s. Used as a degreaser and spot remover in dry cleaning, TCE is a neurotoxin linked to cancer, developmental impacts and liver toxicity. Udall led the effort in Congress to pass the historic bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a major overhaul of the nation's badly broken chemical safety program. The bill was signed into law in June.  \"The EPA's proposal to protect the public from a hazardous chemical in common use is exactly why we worked so hard for reform. It has been over a generation since the EPA has been able to do its job to protect the public from dangerous chemicals. Its success is crucial to restoring the public's trust and confidence in the thousands of chemicals manufactured and used daily at home and in the workplace. Millions of Americans - including me - are regular customers at the neighborhood dry cleaner, but, like many chemicals, TCE has been on the market unchecked for many years despite evidence linking it to cancer and other serious health conditions. Workers, customers and the communities around these businesses deserve to be protected and to be certain that there is an effective watchdog looking out for them. Everyone involved in public health and chemical manufacture has an interest in the success of this process, and I urge all sides to play a productive role moving forward.\" The EPA is basing its proposal on an assessment of the uses of TCE that it did in 2014 and is proposing to ban the manufacture, import, processing, and distribution in commerce of the chemical as used as an aerosol degreaser and in spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities. Comments on the proposed rule must be received 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. Last week, the EPA announced that it will evaluate 10 chemicals for risk, including the remaining uses for TCE. Udall's statement can be found here. Also last week, Udall also led a bipartisan group of senators in writing a letter to Vice President-elect Pence to urge a smooth transition for the implementation of chemical safety reform in the Trump administration.\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2466", "Udall Welcomes Decision to Reject Easement for Dakota Access Pipeline [press_release]", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Decision to Reject Easement for Dakota Access Pipeline \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to reject the current route for the Dakota Access Pipeline and explore alternatives: \n  \"I appreciate the president and the Army Corps of Engineers' decision today to deny an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline crossing under Lake Oahe in North Dakota and to explore alternate routes. Over the last seven months, thousands of people, including Indian nations from New Mexico and across North America, have demonstrated their deep concern about the lack of consultation by the federal government and the potential environmental hazard this pipeline poses for the water. They have stood up for their rights despite harsh weather and the use of inexcusable violence against them. All New Mexicans know that water is life, and throughout our history we have seen environmental injustices done time and again to Native people. That is one reason many New Mexicans are among the protesters at Standing Rock. The Army Corps of Engineers is right -- there is much more work to be done to consult with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ensure the water is protected. Exploring alternative routes with a full Environmental Impact Statement, while continuing the ongoing discussions with the Tribe, is the right step to take.\" \n  Udall has twice condemned the violence at Standing Rock. Three months ago, he called for the Obama administration to protect the protesters and respect their concerns about water safety. Last week, he again wrote to the president, asking him to do everything possible to prevent further violence, including re-routing the pipeline. \n  \u00a0\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2468", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic [press_release]", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined 23 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leaders urging them to include strongly supported reforms to the foster care system in any end-of-year budget agreement. The Family First Prevention Services Act would allow states to use federal foster care funds to pay for programs that improve home life, such as mental health services and in-home parenting programs, which are crucial in light of the growing number of children in the foster care system whose families are affected by the opioid abuse epidemic and other substance abuse problems. The programs would enable more children to stay in their homes or with extended family and prevent children from being placed in group homes unnecessarily.More than 2,000 children enter the foster care system in New Mexico each year, and with increasing numbers of opioid addiction and substance abuse cases, that number continues to rise. The reforms would give states the chance to fight the underlying problems that create unsafe homes in the first place and keep families together.The Family First Prevention Services Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate in addition to the support of over 500 state and national organizations. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was originally included in the 21st Century Cures Act, a health care bill passed by the House and up for a vote in the Senate this week, but it was struck from the measure unexpectedly last week. In their letter, the senators condemned its removal from the health care bill and urged lawmakers to pass it anyway as part of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government, which Congress must approve by Friday. \"We write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act, would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations,\" the lawmakers wrote to leaders of the House and Senate. \"Each year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible,\" the senators added. \"It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced.\"The full text of the letter can be found below and at this link.\n  Dear Speaker Ryan, Minority Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Reid:\nAs lead sponsors, cosponsors, and supporters of the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065) we write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065), would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations. It was included in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 34 which was posted to the House Rules Committee website but struck shortly before the Committee met last night.\nH.R. 5456/S. 3065 is supported by over 500 state and national organizations including the Children's Defense Fund, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Children's Hospital Association, Lutheran Services in America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The legislation passed the House in June under suspension and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate. It has the full support of both the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Committees of jurisdiction. It is fully paid for.\nEach year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible. It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced.We urge you attach it to the Continuing Resolution to ensure its final passage. Every day that passes by without action is a missed opportunity to help the most vulnerable.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-calls-on-president-to-protect-dreamers-from-deportation", "Heinrich Calls On President To Protect DREAMers From Deportation", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Calls On President To Protect DREAMers From Deportation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 In a letter, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) urged President Obama to take action and protect the young immigrants known as DREAMers\u00a0from deportation and ensure that they are not targeted by the incoming Trump Administration. In particular, he called on the President to use his presidential pardon power.\r\n\u201cI write to request that in the final weeks of your administration, you and your staff carefully examine all possible legal protections that could be extended to individuals currently registered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, up to and including the use of the president\u2019s pardon power. This will be your last chance to ensure that these individuals, who are American in every way, are not targeted for removal by the incoming administration,\u201d Senator Heinrich wrote in his letter to the President.\r\nSenator Heinrich has been a leading voice for young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Last year he shared powerful stories of DREAMers from New Mexico on the Senate floor.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be downloaded here.\r\nDecember 2, 2016\u00a0\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nI write to request that in the final weeks of your administration, you and your staff carefully examine all possible legal protections that could be extended to individuals currently registered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, up to and including the use of the president\u2019s pardon power. This will be your last chance to ensure that these individuals, who are American in every way, are not targeted for removal by the incoming administration.\r\nWhile there is little recent precedent for the use of the pardon power for civil offenses, I encourage you to weigh the consequences that DACA recipients will face in the absence of action before the end of your term.\r\nI understand that a presidential pardon cannot grant any individual legal status under our immigration laws. Nevertheless, a presidential pardon would remove the technical offenses that precipitate removal proceedings. The use of the pardon power in this case would give Congress time to find a legislative solution for DACA recipients.\r\nAs you know, I am an outspoken critic of the government in situations where it takes actions in excess of its authority. I believe that in this case, action on your part to pardon DACA recipients for their offenses under our immigration laws is an appropriate use of your authority. The Constitution grants you broad authority in this area, and I believe that this case merits unprecedented action.\r\nSincerely,\r\nMARTIN HEINRICH\r\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-passage-of-foster-care-reforms-to-help-growing-number-of-children-affected-by-opioid-abuse-epidemic", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington \u2013 U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined 23 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leaders urging them to include strongly supported reforms to the foster care system in any end-of-year budget agreement. The Family First Prevention Services Act would allow states to use federal foster care funds to pay for programs that improve home life, such as mental health services and in-home parenting programs, which are crucial in light of the growing number of children in the foster care system whose families are affected by the opioid abuse epidemic and other substance abuse problems. The programs would enable more children to stay in their homes or with extended family and prevent children from being placed in group homes unnecessarily.\r\nMore than 2,000 children enter the foster care system in New Mexico each year, and with increasing numbers of opioid addiction and substance abuse cases, that number continues to rise. The reforms would give states the chance to fight the underlying problems that create unsafe homes in the first place and keep families together.\r\nThe Family First Prevention Services Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate in addition to the support of over 500 state and national organizations. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was originally included in the 21st Century Cures Act, a health care bill passed by the House and up for a vote in the Senate this week, but it was struck from the measure unexpectedly last week. In their letter, the senators condemned its removal from the health care bill and urged lawmakers to pass it anyway as part of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government, which Congress must approve by Friday.\u00a0\r\n\"We write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act, would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations,\" the lawmakers wrote to leaders of the House and Senate.\u00a0\r\n\"Each year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible,\" the senators added. \"It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced.\"\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and at this link.\u00a0\r\nDear Speaker Ryan, Minority Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Reid:\r\nAs lead sponsors, cosponsors, and supporters of the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065) we write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065), would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations. It was included in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 34 which was posted to the House Rules Committee website but struck shortly before the Committee met last night.\r\nH.R. 5456/S. 3065 is supported by over 500 state and national organizations including the Children's Defense Fund, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Children's Hospital Association, Lutheran Services in America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The legislation passed the House in June under suspension and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate. It has the full support of both the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Committees of jurisdiction. It is fully paid for.\r\nEach year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible. It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced.\r\nWe urge you attach it to the Continuing Resolution to ensure its final passage. Every day that passes by without action is a missed opportunity to help the most vulnerable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-passage-of-foster-care-reforms-to-help-growing-number-of-children-affected-by-opioid-abuse-epidemic", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Urge Passage of Foster Care Reforms to Help Growing Number of Children Affected by Opioid Abuse Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined 23 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leaders urging them to include strongly supported reforms to the foster care system in any end-of-year budget agreement. The Family First Prevention Services Act would allow states to use federal foster care funds to pay for programs that improve home life, such as mental health services and in-home parenting programs, which are crucial in light of the growing number of children in the foster care system whose families are affected by the opioid abuse epidemic and other substance abuse problems. The programs would enable more children to stay in their homes or with extended family and prevent children from being placed in group homes unnecessarily. More than 2,000 children enter the foster care system in New Mexico each year, and with increasing numbers of opioid addiction and substance abuse cases, that number continues to rise. The reforms would give states the chance to fight the underlying problems that create unsafe homes in the first place and keep families together. The Family First Prevention Services Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate in addition to the support of over 500 state and national organizations. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was originally included in the 21st Century Cures Act, a health care bill passed by the House and up for a vote in the Senate this week, but it was struck from the measure unexpectedly last week. In their letter, the senators condemned its removal from the health care bill and urged lawmakers to pass it anyway as part of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government, which Congress must approve by Friday.  \"We write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act, would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations,\" the lawmakers wrote to leaders of the House and Senate.  \"Each year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible,\" the senators added. \"It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced.\" The full text of the letter can be found below and at this link.\n  Dear Speaker Ryan, Minority Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Reid:\nAs lead sponsors, cosponsors, and supporters of the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065) we write to express our profound disappointment and disbelief that, at the last minute, this bipartisan and bicameral child welfare legislation was struck from the 21st Century Cures Act package. This legislation, the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 5456/S. 3065), would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families by making historic changes to the foster care system and was the product of nearly two years of bipartisan work and negotiations. It was included in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 34 which was posted to the House Rules Committee website but struck shortly before the Committee met last night.\nH.R. 5456/S. 3065 is supported by over 500 state and national organizations including the Children's Defense Fund, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Children's Hospital Association, Lutheran Services in America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The legislation passed the House in June under suspension and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate. It has the full support of both the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Committees of jurisdiction. It is fully paid for.\nEach year thousands of American children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, those numbers are dramatically rising. H.R. 5456/S. 3065 would allow states to use their federal foster care funds to pay for evidence-based opioid and substance abuse treatment, mental health services and in-home parenting programs so that children can remain at home when safely possible. It would help grandparents who, either on a temporary or permanent basis, become caregivers for children who might otherwise enter foster care. It would also ensure high standards for foster care group homes to ensure that the most vulnerable children get clinical and professional help to address the traumas they have experienced. We urge you attach it to the Continuing Resolution to ensure its final passage. Every day that passes by without action is a missed opportunity to help the most vulnerable.\nSincerely,\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-decision-to-reject-easement-for-dakota-access-pipeline", "Udall Welcomes Decision to Reject Easement for Dakota Access Pipeline", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Decision to Reject Easement for Dakota Access Pipeline \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to reject the current route for the Dakota Access Pipeline and explore alternatives: \n  \"I appreciate the president and the Army Corps of Engineers' decision today to deny an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline crossing under Lake Oahe in North Dakota and to explore alternate routes. Over the last seven months, thousands of people, including Indian nations from New Mexico and across North America, have demonstrated their deep concern about the lack of consultation by the federal government and the potential environmental hazard this pipeline poses for the water. They have stood up for their rights despite harsh weather and the use of inexcusable violence against them. All New Mexicans know that water is life, and throughout our history we have seen environmental injustices done time and again to Native people. That is one reason many New Mexicans are among the protesters at Standing Rock. The Army Corps of Engineers is right -- there is much more work to be done to consult with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ensure the water is protected. Exploring alternative routes with a full Environmental Impact Statement, while continuing the ongoing discussions with the Tribe, is the right step to take.\" \n  Udall has twice condemned the violence at Standing Rock. Three months ago, he called for the Obama administration to protect the protesters and respect their concerns about water safety. Last week, he again wrote to the president, asking him to do everything possible to prevent further violence, including re-routing the pipeline. \n  \n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-700000-grant-to-help-doa-ana-county-treat-chronic-mental-illness", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $700,000 Grant to Help Do\u00f1a Ana County Treat Chronic Mental Illness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $700,000 Grant to Help Do\u00f1a Ana County Treat Chronic Mental Illness\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 2, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today,\u00a0U.S. Senators Tom Udall\u00a0and\u00a0Martin Heinrich\u00a0announced a $700,000 grant awarded to Do\u00f1a Ana County as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) grant program to improve the health and social outcomes of individuals suffering from chronic mental illnesses. The AOT grants support pilot programs designed to reduce the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalization, homelessness, incarcerations and interactions with the criminal justice system for those suffering serious mental illness by improving outpatient treatment plans and allowing these individuals to remain with their families and in their communities while receiving treatment.\r\n\"Too many New Mexicans suffering from chronic mental illness find themselves stuck in the justice system or hospitalized rather than with their families, receiving the care they need to improve their well-being. Incarceration and hospitalization often fail to address the underlying illnesses patients suffer from, and the trauma can make a patient's already serious condition far worse,\"\u00a0Udall said.\u00a0\"I am pleased to hear Do\u00f1a Ana County was awarded this grant to give its health facilities and the courts the opportunity to provide the kind of treatment they know patients need. I will continue to fight for resources in the Senate that improve the way we provide mental health care in our communities.\"\r\n\"Access to effective treatment can make all the difference for patients battling serious mental illness,\"\u00a0said Heinrich.\u00a0\"In New Mexico, far too few people with behavioral health conditions receive the help they need. These much-needed dollars will help programs in Do\u00f1a Ana County function more effectively and implement new innovated approaches to serving patients. I\u2019ll continue to fight for better mental health resources.\"\r\nDistrict Court Judge Mary Rosner,\u00a0who worked with Do\u00f1a Ana County to acquire the AOT grant said, \"I am thrilled for our community. Increasing mental health services in southern New Mexico is a good thing, and I am ready to get to work.\"\r\nThe AOT grant will help Do\u00f1a Ana County treatment centers hire professionals to track and coordinate treatment for patients, giving judges the ability to mandate outpatient treatment when someone suffering from serious mental illness comes before the court, rather than hospitalization or incarceration. The AOT grant program is administered by the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and can be renewed up to four years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-700-000-grant-to-help-do-and-ntildea-ana-county-treat-chronic-mental-illness", "Udall, Heinrich Announce $700,000 Grant to Help Doa Ana County Treat Chronic Mental Illness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce $700,000 Grant to Help Doa Ana County Treat Chronic Mental Illness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced a $700,000 grant awarded to Doa Ana County as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) grant program to improve the health and social outcomes of individuals suffering from chronic mental illnesses. The AOT grants support pilot programs designed to reduce the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalization, homelessness, incarcerations and interactions with the criminal justice system for those suffering serious mental illness by improving outpatient treatment plans and allowing these individuals to remain with their families and in their communities while receiving treatment. \"Too many New Mexicans suffering from chronic mental illness find themselves stuck in the justice system or hospitalized rather than with their families, receiving the care they need to improve their well-being. Incarceration and hospitalization often fail to address the underlying illnesses patients suffer from, and the trauma can make a patient's already serious condition far worse,\" Udall said. \"I am pleased to hear Doa Ana County was awarded this grant to give its health facilities and the courts the opportunity to provide the kind of treatment they know patients need. I will continue to fight for resources in the Senate that improve the way we provide mental health care in our communities.\" \"Access to effective treatment can make all the difference for patients battling serious mental illness,\" said Heinrich. \"In New Mexico, far too few people with behavioral health conditions receive the help they need. ??These much-needed dollars will help programs in Doa Ana County function more effectively and implement new innovated approaches to serving patients. I'll continue to fight for better mental health resources.\" District Court Judge Mary Rosner, who worked with Doa Ana County to acquire the AOT grant said, \"I am thrilled for our community. Increasing mental health services in southern New Mexico is a good thing, and I am ready to get to work.\" The AOT grant will help Doa Ana County treatment centers hire professionals to track and coordinate treatment for patients, giving judges the ability to mandate outpatient treatment when someone suffering from serious mental illness comes before the court, rather than hospitalization or incarceration. The AOT grant program is administered by the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and can be renewed up to four years.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-asks-doj-send-federal-monitors-start-investigation-actions", "Lujan Grisham Asks DOJ to Send Federal Monitors, Start Investigation of Actions against Protesters at Standing Rock", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter today urging the U.S. Department of Justice to send federal monitors to North Dakota to stop the violence at Standing Rock. I also asked for an investigation into the aggressive and unwarranted tactics being used against peaceful protestors.\nHere is the\u00a0letter to the Attorney General:\nDear Attorney General Lynch,\nI am extremely disturbed by the ongoing violence toward water protectors protesting the North Dakota Pipeline (DAPL) near Standing Rock in North Dakota. Allowing local and private law enforcement entities to use excessive force against these peaceful water protectors is unconscionable and unconstitutional.\nThere have been multiple reports that local law enforcement has employed overly aggressive tactics toward peaceful and unarmed water protectors on several occasions. By now, it is clear that the state of North Dakota is not going to stop the violence and hostility against these water protectors. Without immediate intervention from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the violence is only going to continue to escalate and put more lives in danger.\nYou must immediately send federal monitors to Standing Rock to stop the violence and ensure that the water protectors\u2019 Constitutional rights are being respected while the Obama Administration reaches a decision regarding alternative routes. It is also imperative that DOJ immediately launch an investigation regarding reports that local law enforcement has used unwarranted violent tactics against unarmed and peaceful water protectors and to hold those responsible accountable.\nThere are several New Mexicans currently at Standing Rock exercising their civil right to protest DAPL. The recent violence and risk that many of these water protectors have faced in the past few days is unacceptable. We cannot afford to allow the situation to continue to escalate and it is critical that DOJ intervene immediately to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\nMichelle Lujan Grisham\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-named-chairwoman-congressional-hispanic-caucus", "Lujan Grisham Named Chairwoman of Congressional Hispanic Caucus", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, who represents New Mexico\u2019s 1st District, was elected as the chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. She will serve a two-year term, succeeding U.S. Rep. Linda S\u00e1nchez, as the leader of the prominent group of Hispanic members of Congress.\nThe Caucus also selected the following members to serve on the leadership team for the 115th Congress:\n CHC 1st Vice Chair: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)\n\tCHC 2nd Vice Chair: Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)\n\tCHC Whip: Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31)\n Congresswoman Lujan Grisham released the following statement following today\u2019s election:\n\u201cI want to thank my colleagues for entrusting me with the great responsibility of leading the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the 115th Congress. As the next Chairwoman, I intend to continue building on the many accomplishments we have achieved this Congress and ensure that the Caucus is leading the fight to support Hispanic communities and protect families across this country.\n\u201cCHC will face many challenges given the outcome of the presidential election and the political environment in the next Congress. However, now more than ever, the CHC needs to demonstrate unity and strength in order to effectively combat dangerous rhetoric and regressive policies proposed by President-elect Trump aimed to tear families apart and hurt the communities we represent.\n\u201cHispanics represent $1.9 trillion in purchasing power, and we will shape the future of our great nation. Hispanic businesses have been a driving force in my home state of New Mexico; we have specifically seen significant growth among Hispanic women entrepreneurs. It\u2019s up to the CHC to develop a strong economic agenda to highlight the economic impact of Hispanic communities and create more opportunities for Hispanic-owned business and entrepreneurs.\n\u201cI am proud to say that CHC received unprecedented support from voters in this election, which increased our membership to a record-breaking total of 31 Caucus members.\u00a0 We must build off this momentum and support, and I believe that the CHC has an obligation to step up and lead during these uncertain times.\u201d\n#30#", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-declassify-information-regarding-russia-and-us-election", "Heinrich: Declassify Information Regarding Russia And U.S. Election", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich: Declassify Information Regarding Russia And U.S. Election\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 1, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined several of his colleagues on the Senate Intelligence Committee in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to declassify information relating to the Russian government and the U.S. election.\r\n\u201cWe believe there is additional information concerning the Russian Government and the U.S. election that should be declassified and released to the public,\u201d wrote Senator Heinrich and his colleagues in their letter.\r\nU.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led the letter and fellow Intelligence Committee members Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and ex-officio member Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) also joined the letter.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be downloaded here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-to-trump-drain-the-swamp-at-epa-doe-doi", "Senators to Trump: Drain the Swamp at EPA, DOE, DOI", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 01, 2016\n\t\t\t Senators to Trump: Drain the Swamp at EPA, DOE, DOI \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Donald Trump promised to end special interest control of Washington, but so far he??s filled key environmental and energy posts with fossil fuel insiders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON -  U.S. Senator Tom Udall is among a group of 10 senators who sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump today calling on him to remove members of his team with deep ties to the fossil fuel industry managing his Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Department of the Interior transitions. By installing insiders with strong ties to major polluters at agencies charged with regulating those polluters, the Senators write, Trump is abandoning his campaign promise to \"drain the swamp\" of special interest influence in Washington and is instead \"filling it with exactly the kinds of insiders that most Americans hoped [Trump] would reject.\" In addition to Udall, the letter was signed by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), and Al Franken (D-Minn.).  Text of the letter is below. December 1, 2016 President-elect Donald J. Trump  Trump-Pence Transition Team  1717 Pennsylvania Ave NW  Washington, DC 20006 Dear President-elect Trump:  We write, some of us now a second time, to urge you to follow through on your promise that you would work to reduce the influence of corporate special interests and lobbyists in our government.  We are alarmed to see your transition team is replete with lobbyists and others with extensive ties to the fossil fuel industry leading your transition efforts and mentioned as potential nominees to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of the Interior (DOI).  Your decision to empower people like Myron Ebell, Thomas Pyle, and Doug Domenech to chart a path for agencies that protect our public health and natural resources suggests that you are less interested in draining the swamp than you are filling it with exactly the kinds of insiders that most Americans hoped you would reject.  EPA's transition head, Myron Ebell, has a long history of working for industry-funded front groups like the Frontiers of Freedom/Frontiers of Freedom Institute (FOF) and Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI).  At various times, the groups have been funded by the likes of Philip Morris, ExxonMobil, and the Koch family foundations.  At FOF, Ebell was one of the authors of the infamous \"Global Climate Science Communications\" action plan, a multimillion-dollar public relations campaign to undermine climate science and to raise \"questions among those (e.g. Congress) who chart the future U.S. course on global climate change.\"  ExxonMobil, Koch family foundations, Koch-connected Donors Capital and Donors Trust, and coal companies Murray Energy and Massey Energy have poured money into CEI and its affiliated \"Cooler Heads Coalition,\" that Ebell chairs.  Polling consistently shows the majority of the American people support EPA protections.  In addition to being out of step with the public, putting the fossil fuel-industry funded point person in charge of the Environmental Protection Agency is putting the fox in charge of the hen house.  Thomas Pyle, the transition head for the Department of Energy, is a former lobbyist for oil and gas companies who has made a career of fighting clean energy and denying climate science to benefit the fossil fuel industry.  Pyle is currently the President of both the Institute for Energy Research (IER) and its advocacy-wing, the American Energy Alliance (AEA). He has consistently denied the basics of climate science and is a frequent attendee to Koch brother mega-donor summits that raise hundreds of millions of dollars for general election ads promoting fossil fuels and attacking the clean energy industry.  The IER and AEA have received over $300,000 from ExxonMobil since 1998 and nearly $4 million from Freedom Partners, the \"de-facto bank\" of the Koch brothers. His appointment gives big oil and gas more opportunities to line their pockets while offloading the costs of their pollution on middle-class Americans.  A number of the same industry funders support the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) where Douglas Domenech, the head of your Department of Interior transition team, has led the Fueling Freedom initiative since 2015.  Koch Industries and Koch family foundations have given over $1 million to TPPF between 2004 and 2014.  TPPF has also benefited enormously from identity-scrubbers Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund, which together gave over $3.75 million during the same time period. Exxon Mobil has also shown its support, giving $100,000 during the years from 2001 to 2011. On the campaign trail, you told the American people that, \"decades of special interest dealing, must and will come to an end.  We have to break the cycle of corruption, and we have to give new voices a chance to go into government service.\"  By appointing these special interest insiders to your transition team, you have raised serious questions about your desire to \"drain the swamp\" with respect to energy and environmental issues.  If you are not willing to remove these corporate insiders from your transition team, you should direct them to disclose their and their organizations' financial supporters so we all know whose interests are being represented in your Administration.   Going forward, we urge you to adopt stronger ethics rules, like those implemented by President Obama, that prohibit lobbyists from working on your transition team or in your Administration in policy areas in which they recently lobbied.  Additionally, we ask you to ensure the transition and cabinet-level leads for the agencies charged with protecting public health and our natural resources will heed the call you and three of your children made in a 2009 full-page ad in the New York Times: [W]e urge you, our government, to strengthen and pass United States legislation, and lead the world by example.  We support your effort to ensure meaningful and effective measures to control climate change, an immediate challenge facing the United States and the world today. Please don't postpone the earth. If we fail to act now, it is scientifically irrefutable that there will be catastrophic and irreversible consequences for humanity and our planet. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2464", "Udall Calls for Urgent Action on Dakota Pipeline to Protect Tribal Rights, Safety of Demonstrators [press_release]", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Calls for Urgent Action on Dakota Pipeline to Protect Tribal Rights, Safety of Demonstrators \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Urges Army Corps of Engineer to Consider All Options, Including Re-Routing Pipeline, & Asks DOJ to Re-double Efforts to Prevent Civil Rights Abuses\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, condemned the violence against Tribal members and others protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline and called on President Barack Obama to take urgent action to protect the protesters and address their concerns about how the pipeline could harm the water quality near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. In a letter, Udall urged the Obama administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider every available option to fully protect Tribal rights and land, including re-routing the pipeline.Udall's letter comes nearly three months after he first wrote to the president in opposition to the alarming use of violence against demonstrators, the vast majority of whom are peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights. Today, Udall issued the following statement: \"Over the last seven months, members of Indian nations from across North America have been demonstrating against a segment of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, which they believe threatens their water supplies and crosses the sacred ancestral land of the Standing Rock Sioux. Over 300 Tribes are represented, including several from New Mexico; it's the largest community of Native American protesters in recent memory. They are standing up within their First Amendment rights to protect their heritage, clean air and water, and to prevent the degradation of sacred lands. And that is why I am extremely disturbed by the increasingly aggressive and violent tactics that have been used against them.\"Three months ago, I condemned the violence against protesters and called on President Obama to intervene and consult in a meaningful way with the Standing Rock Sioux and to address concerns about the safety of the pipeline and the impact it could have on the water supply. I appreciated that President Obama followed up by temporarily halting a portion of the project, while reviewing the permitting process for the river crossing, and pledging to hold consultation sessions with Tribes across the country. But the violence at the protest site has continued, with law enforcement and private security forces using inexcusable means against peaceful demonstrators, including rubber bullets, attack dogs and even water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures. Many of the protesters are from New Mexico Tribes, and one of those seriously injured was a Navajo woman from Arizona who was shot in the face with a rubber bullet. The Army Corps of Engineers and the state are working to move protesters off one camp site, and I fear the situation could escalate out of control. Both sides of this dispute should take responsibility for preventing violence, but this situation is ripe for further injury or worse.\"As the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I am asking President Obama and his administration to take action now to resolve the situation in a way that respects the sovereign rights of the Standing Rock Sioux and the civil rights of those gathered at the site. Protesters have a right to make their voices heard peacefully, and the Department of Justice should redouble its efforts to prevent civil rights abuses and prevent the situation from becoming tragic. Finally, all New Mexicans, Tribal members or not, know that water is life, and so I am calling on the president to take action before the end of his term to find a positive resolution to this situation by considering all available options to protect Tribal resources, including re-routing the pipeline to better safeguard water quality. This was done when the community of Bismarck, N.D., had concerns about the pipeline crossing a river near its water intakes, and the Standing Rock Sioux and surrounding neighbors deserve the same respect.\"The full text of the letter can be found below and here.Dear President Obama: I write to urge your renewed personal attention to the pressing issues surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. These include both the review process to better address tribal concerns and the safety and civil rights of the people who have gathered peacefully to exercise their First Amendment rights. As the incoming Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in the next Congress, and the senator representing a number of tribes attending or supporting the protest, I fear the dispute over this pipeline may negatively impact federal-Tribal relations more broadly going forwards if we cannot find a respectful resolution to Tribal concerns.Along with many of my New Mexico Tribal constituents, I appreciated the action of your Administration on September 9, 2016 to pause construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline at Lake Oahe in light of the important issues regarding consultation and the protection of water raised by the Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes. With regards to Dakota Access, I understand the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reconsideration process is still ongoing, and I urge a positive resolution soon that can provide the Tribe with much greater assurances that its water will be protected from the risk of oil spills. Importantly, the route of this pipeline was changed at least once in response to water pollution concerns from the Bismarck, ND area. Tribal members across the country are thus very concerned that the new river crossing location was chosen without equal consideration of Tribal environmental concerns. As we all know, Tribal rights and interests have taken a back seat for far too long in our nation. Thankfully, few Presidents have done as much as you to reverse that tragic historical trend. I trust that you are considering every available option, including altering the pipeline route, to respond to the Standing Rock Sioux's concerns.Since your Administration's September announcement, the demonstrations have grown, and there have been far too many dangerous violent confrontations between protestors and state and local law enforcement, with serious injuries resulting. One of those seriously injured was a Navajo woman, who was shot in the face with a rubber bullet. The vast majority of the demonstrators are peaceful, in line with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's position. As a former Attorney General of the State of New Mexico, I have the highest respect for law enforcement members who work to protect and serve the public, and I recognize this situation has posed unique challenges for them. However, on several occasions, the law enforcement response has appeared overly militarized and to violate civil rights, including the use of military equipment. Besides rubber bullets, they have employed water cannons in cold temperatures, and engaged in roadblocks and strip searches, and arrested and detained journalists. The Tribe sought the intervention of the U.S. Department of Justice in October, and I am enclosing their letter. I strongly urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to respond to the Tribe's request to investigate any potential civil rights violations, where appropriate. While I understand that DOJ has sent personnel to the area to be in contact with both law enforcement and tribal leaders to try to defuse tensions and ensure constitutional policing, these efforts need to be redoubled in the future to ensure public safety as key decisions approach.Another worrying factor is the largest campsite, known as Oceti Sakowin, is now home to a great number of people and the cold North Dakota winter is here. The Army Corps and the State of North Dakota have instructed people to leave this camp to an alternative area, and the State is also sending mixed signals about blocking food and supplies, raising tensions yet further. Forcible removal of people from federal land where they have been allowed to camp, along with food blockades, would be serious mistakes. There are reportedly several thousand people in total at various camp sites. I believe your Administration needs to engage with state, local and tribal authorities to ensure that appropriate emergency and planning actions are taken in a coordinated fashion to ensure the safety and public health of the peaceful protestors.I deeply appreciate many positive actions and steps that you and your Administration have taken to benefit Indian Country during your time in office. If I can be of any assistance to you or your Administration on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.Sincerely,Tom Udall  United States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-urges-president-to-halt-closure-of-oceti-sakowin-camp-in-north-dakota", "Heinrich Urges President To Halt Closure Of Oceti Sakowin Camp In North Dakota", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Urges President To Halt Closure Of Oceti Sakowin Camp In North Dakota\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenator decries violence against the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and those standing in solidarity with them. Continues call for pipeline to be rerouted to protect water and historic sacred sites.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called on President Obama to work with the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Justice to de-escalate the violence at Camp Oceti Sakowin in North Dakota. In particular, he questioned the decision to close the area to demonstrators of the Dakota Access pipeline on December 5, 2016.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"This arbitrary date is certain to escalate an already volatile situation and I would urge you to overturn this decision by the Corps of Engineers. I ask that you seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict that respects the desire of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to protect their water and historic sacred sites,\" wrote Senator Heinrich in the letter.\r\nIn a statement last week, Senator Heinrich urged the President and the Army Corps of Engineers to reroute the pipeline.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be downloaded here.\r\n\r\nNovember 30, 2016\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n\r\nI am gravely concerned about the recent escalation of violence in North Dakota against members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and those standing in solidarity with them.\u00a0 When violent confrontations first occurred earlier this fall, I urged your administration to step in and was thankful that you quickly put a halt to the project until the agencies could engage in renewed tribal consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.\r\n\r\nHowever, the brutality we've seen in recent days involving rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, has increasingly put the health and lives of the demonstrators at real risk. The current situation at Camp Oceti Sakowin is unsustainable and dangerous to everyone involved.\u00a0 I implore you to work with the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Justice to de-escalate the violence at the camp.\r\nIn particular, I question the decision to close the area to demonstrators on December 5, 2016.\u00a0 This arbitrary date is certain to escalate an already volatile situation and I would urge you to overturn this decision by the Corps of Engineers.\u00a0 I ask that you seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict that respects the desire of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to protect their water and historic sacred sites.\r\n\r\nThank you for your continued commitment to the needs and concerns of Indian Country and for your attention to this urgent issue.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nMARTIN HEINRICH\r\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-senators-urge-smooth-transition-for-chemical-safety-reform-implementation-in-new-administration", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In Letter to Trump Transition Team, Senators Call on New Administration to 'Maintain Momentum' on TSCA Reform\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) sent a bipartisan letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence in his role as chair of the Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee, urging the new administration to ensure there is continuity in the implementation of the landmark, bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. The historic chemical safety law, which was signed into law in June with broad bipartisan support, reforms the badly broken Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 and is focused on protecting children, families and communities from potentially dangerous chemicals.  As the senators wrote, \"TSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products. The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase.\" In the letter, the senators stressed the importance of communication between the presidential transition team and the EPA to ensure successful implementation of the critical reform law, which will safeguard public health and the environment and bolster confidence in the marketplace for manufactures and consumers alike. They noted that the EPA yesterday announced ahead of schedule the first 10 chemicals for risk evaluation, as required by the new law. \"We want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed,\" the senators concluded. \"In order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new law's deadlines. We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful.\" The full text of the letter is available below and here. \n  Dear Mr. Vice President-Elect: As you continue the transition process, we want to highlight for you the implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This bill to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 was signed by the President on June 22, 2016. The badly needed reforms were widely supported in Congress by a 403-12 vote in the House of Representatives and by voice vote in the Senate with near unanimous support. The effort took several years to complete, resulting in the most recent reform of a landmark environmental law since the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. TSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products. The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase. Having worked to strengthen and pass the Lautenberg Act in order to help protect children and communities from dangerous chemicals, we are now looking to EPA to vigorously implement the new law. This includes moving expeditiously to identify and address chemicals with the greatest potential impact on public health, especially those affecting vulnerable populations expressly required to be protected in the Act, including pregnant women, children, workers, and other at-risk communities. The EPA announced the first ten chemicals for risk evaluation ahead of schedule. Successful implementation of this law will also help ensure there is certainty and restore confidence in the marketplace for manufacturers, consumer product producers, and the public. We want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed. In order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new law's deadlines. We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful. \n  \n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-calls-for-urgent-action-on-dakota-pipeline-to-protect-tribal-rights-safety-of-demonstrators", "Udall Calls for Urgent Action on Dakota Pipeline to Protect Tribal Rights, Safety of Demonstrators", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Calls for Urgent Action on Dakota Pipeline to Protect Tribal Rights, Safety of Demonstrators \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Urges Army Corps of Engineer to Consider All Options, Including Re-Routing Pipeline, & Asks DOJ to Re-double Efforts to Prevent Civil Rights Abuses\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, condemned the violence against Tribal members and others protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline and called on President Barack Obama to take urgent action to protect the protesters and address their concerns about how the pipeline could harm the water quality near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. In a letter, Udall urged the Obama administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider every available option to fully protect Tribal rights and land, including re-routing the pipeline. Udall's letter comes nearly three months after he first wrote to the president in opposition to the alarming use of violence against demonstrators, the vast majority of whom are peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights. Today, Udall issued the following statement:  \"Over the last seven months, members of Indian nations from across North America have been demonstrating against a segment of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, which they believe threatens their water supplies and crosses the sacred ancestral land of the Standing Rock Sioux. Over 300 Tribes are represented, including several from New Mexico; it's the largest community of Native American protesters in recent memory. They are standing up within their First Amendment rights to protect their heritage, clean air and water, and to prevent the degradation of sacred lands. And that is why I am extremely disturbed by the increasingly aggressive and violent tactics that have been used against them. \"Three months ago, I condemned the violence against protesters and called on President Obama to intervene and consult in a meaningful way with the Standing Rock Sioux and to address concerns about the safety of the pipeline and the impact it could have on the water supply. I appreciated that President Obama followed up by temporarily halting a portion of the project, while reviewing the permitting process for the river crossing, and pledging to hold consultation sessions with Tribes across the country. But the violence at the protest site has continued, with law enforcement and private security forces using inexcusable means against peaceful demonstrators, including rubber bullets, attack dogs and even water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures. Many of the protesters are from New Mexico Tribes, and one of those seriously injured was a Navajo woman from Arizona who was shot in the face with a rubber bullet. The Army Corps of Engineers and the state are working to move protesters off one camp site, and I fear the situation could escalate out of control. Both sides of this dispute should take responsibility for preventing violence, but this situation is ripe for further injury or worse. \"As the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I am asking President Obama and his administration to take action now to resolve the situation in a way that respects the sovereign rights of the Standing Rock Sioux and the civil rights of those gathered at the site. Protesters have a right to make their voices heard peacefully, and the Department of Justice should redouble its efforts to prevent civil rights abuses and prevent the situation from becoming tragic. Finally, all New Mexicans, Tribal members or not, know that water is life, and so I am calling on the president to take action before the end of his term to find a positive resolution to this situation by considering all available options to protect Tribal resources, including re-routing the pipeline to better safeguard water quality. This was done when the community of Bismarck, N.D., had concerns about the pipeline crossing a river near its water intakes, and the Standing Rock Sioux and surrounding neighbors deserve the same respect.\" The full text of the letter can be found below and here. Dear President Obama:  I write to urge your renewed personal attention to the pressing issues surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. These include both the review process to better address tribal concerns and the safety and civil rights of the people who have gathered peacefully to exercise their First Amendment rights. As the incoming Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in the next Congress, and the senator representing a number of tribes attending or supporting the protest, I fear the dispute over this pipeline may negatively impact federal-Tribal relations more broadly going forwards if we cannot find a respectful resolution to Tribal concerns. Along with many of my New Mexico Tribal constituents, I appreciated the action of your Administration on September 9, 2016 to pause construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline at Lake Oahe in light of the important issues regarding consultation and the protection of water raised by the Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes. With regards to Dakota Access, I understand the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reconsideration process is still ongoing, and I urge a positive resolution soon that can provide the Tribe with much greater assurances that its water will be protected from the risk of oil spills.  Importantly, the route of this pipeline was changed at least once in response to water pollution concerns from the Bismarck, ND area. Tribal members across the country are thus very concerned that the new river crossing location was chosen without equal consideration of Tribal environmental concerns. As we all know, Tribal rights and interests have taken a back seat for far too long in our nation. Thankfully, few Presidents have done as much as you to reverse that tragic historical trend. I trust that you are considering every available option, including altering the pipeline route, to respond to the Standing Rock Sioux's concerns. Since your Administration's September announcement, the demonstrations have grown, and there have been far too many dangerous violent confrontations between protestors and state and local law enforcement, with serious injuries resulting. One of those seriously injured was a Navajo woman, who was shot in the face with a rubber bullet. The vast majority of the demonstrators are peaceful, in line with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's position.  As a former Attorney General of the State of New Mexico, I have the highest respect for law enforcement members who work to protect and serve the public, and I recognize this situation has posed unique challenges for them. However, on several occasions, the law enforcement response has appeared overly militarized and to violate civil rights, including the use of military equipment. Besides rubber bullets, they have employed water cannons in cold temperatures, and engaged in roadblocks and strip searches, and arrested and detained journalists. The Tribe sought the intervention of the U.S. Department of Justice in October, and I am enclosing their letter. I strongly urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to respond to the Tribe's request to investigate any potential civil rights violations, where appropriate. While I understand that DOJ has sent personnel to the area to be in contact with both law enforcement and tribal leaders to try to defuse tensions and ensure constitutional policing, these efforts need to be redoubled in the future to ensure public safety as key decisions approach. Another worrying factor is the largest campsite, known as Oceti Sakowin, is now home to a great number of people and the cold North Dakota winter is here. The Army Corps and the State of North Dakota have instructed people to leave this camp to an alternative area, and the State is also sending mixed signals about blocking food and supplies, raising tensions yet further. Forcible removal of people from federal land where they have been allowed to camp, along with food blockades, would be serious mistakes. There are reportedly several thousand people in total at various camp sites. I believe your Administration needs to engage with state, local and tribal authorities to ensure that appropriate emergency and planning actions are taken in a coordinated fashion to ensure the safety and public health of the peaceful protestors. I deeply appreciate many positive actions and steps that you and your Administration have taken to benefit Indian Country during your time in office. If I can be of any assistance to you or your Administration on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Tom Udall  United States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2462", "Udall Joins Senate in Passing ECHO Act to Increase Rural Access to Health Care [press_release]", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senate in Passing ECHO Act to Increase Rural Access to Health Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the full Senate in voting 97-0 to approve the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act -- a measure based on the University of New Mexico's successful Project ECHO program -- to increase access to high quality health care in rural communities. Udall is a cosponsor of the bill and, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, has been a strong supporter of funding for the program.\nThe ECHO Act would expand the successful Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO), a model program founded at the University of New Mexico in 2003 by Dr. Sanjeev Arora. The project connects health care specialists and experts to primary care physicians in hard-to-reach areas using interactive video-conferencing. Originally designed to combat the Hepatitis-C epidemic in New Mexico, Project ECHO now enables patients to get treatment for a diverse array of disease conditions from various levels of health care providers, and it has grown to serve communities nationwide and internationally.\n\"All New Mexicans deserve quality health care no matter where they live, and Project ECHO has helped ensure rural patients can get treatment without having to drive hours to see a specialist,\" Udall said. \"Dr. Arora faced a serious health care challenge head-on by developing Project ECHO to provide case-based interactive training over video-conferencing so local physicians could deliver specialized treatment themselves. This is the kind of innovation that stems from a community coming together to create a solution that best meets its needs. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support this project from the beginning. Now, as a cosponsor of the ECHO Act, I am thrilled to see New Mexico's model become the foundation for a national strategy to provide quality, accessible health care to all of our rural communities.\"\u00a0\nDr. Arora who pioneered the ECHO Project, welcomed the advancement of the ECHO Act: \"Medical knowledge is exploding, but it's often not traveling the last mile to ensure that patients get the right care in the right place at the right time. If we can leverage technology to spread best practices through case-based learning and mentoring of providers, we can move knowledge - instead of patients - to get better care to rural and underserved communities across the country.\"\nWhile a quarter of Americans live in rural communities, only 10 percent of physicians practice in these areas. Partly because of lack of access to care, rural residents are more likely to suffer from some chronic diseases.\nIn addition to being a successful tool for tackling hard-to-treat diseases, the Project ECHO model has been used to treat behavioral health issues, improve patient care and satisfaction, increase knowledge and reduce isolation for providers, and improve retention rates for physicians in rural, underserved areas.\u00a0\nIn order to integrate the ECHO Project model into existing programs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the ECHO Act will require HHS and the Health and Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to analyze the model and its ability to improve patient care and provider education and report the findings to Congress along with ways these models have been funded by HHS and how to ensure continued funding.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2463", "Udall: With EPA Announcement of First 10 Chemicals for Review Under New Law, Historic Chemical Reform Bill Already Working to Keep Americans Safe [press_release]", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: With EPA Announcement of First 10 Chemicals for Review Under New Law, Historic Chemical Reform Bill Already Working to Keep Americans Safe \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement of the first 10 chemicals that the agency will review for possible risks to public health and the environment, as required under Udall's Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. Udall's landmark, bipartisan bill, which was signed into law by President Obama in June, reforms the broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), ensuring that children and communities across the nation are protected from dangerous chemicals. Udall's bill was the first overhaul of the 1976 TSCA law, a badly broken system that rendered the EPA virtually powerless to regulate the safety of chemicals manufactured and used in commerce. Under the initial TSCA law, tens of thousands of chemicals - including well-documented carcinogens - have been on the market for decades without meaningful regulation or safety evaluation. The EPA's announcement today of the first 10 chemicals it will review complies with the new law's requirement that the EPA release such a list by December 19, 2016. \"I am encouraged by today's news that the EPA has identified the first 10 chemicals for review under the new chemical safety reform law,\" Udall said. \"This is one of the first actions required under the reformed law, which was overwhelmingly supported in both houses of Congress and signed by the President in June of this year. It is welcome news that the EPA has listed 10 potentially dangerous chemicals that warrant greater scrutiny for the protection of public health. While there is ample evidence linking these chemicals to cancer and other severe health problems, they have been on the market largely unchecked and unregulated for decades. That's unacceptable, and that is why we worked so tirelessly to reform our broken chemical safety law. Today's action sends a powerful signal to consumers to limit their exposure to chemicals of concern, and to businesses to reduce their use and seek innovative, safer alternatives. Now, we must ensure a seamless transition into the new administration, so that this new chemical safety reform bill can continue to do its job to protect our children and families.\"The first 10 chemicals to be evaluated are:   \n \n1,4-Dioxane\n1-Bromopropane\nAsbestos\nCarbon Tetrachloride\nCyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD)\nMethylene Chloride (MC)\nN-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)\nPigment Violet 29\nTetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene (perc)\nTrichloroethylene (TCE)\n \nThe EPA must now complete risk evaluations for the 10 chemicals within three years, and if a chemical is determined to pose a public health or environmental risk, the EPA must take action to mitigate the risk within two years. In the near future, the EPA will designate additional chemicals for safety evaluation.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-welcomes-senate-passage-of-bill-to-expand-innovative-unm-rural-tele-health-program", "Heinrich Welcomes Senate Passage Of Bill To Expand Innovative UNM Rural Tele-Health Program", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Welcomes Senate Passage Of Bill To Expand Innovative UNM Rural Tele-Health Program\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) welcomed the Senate\u2019s passage of S. 2873, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act, a bill to boost access to high-quality health care in hard-to-reach regions. Senator Heinrich cosponsored the bill, which aims to better integrate the University of New Mexico School of Medicine\u2019s groundbreaking Project ECHO telehealth model into health systems across the country.\r\n\u201cFamilies across New Mexico, including in our rural and tribal communities, deserve access to high-quality health care no matter where they live,\u201d\u00a0said Sen. Heinrich, who\u00a0highlighted\u00a0Project ECHO at an event in the U.S. Capitol in June.\u00a0\u201cProject ECHO, started at the University of New Mexico, is using technology to train and connect health care specialists to patients in our underserved communities. We have already seen it succeed in addressing some of our health care system's biggest disparities in rural areas of our state. I'm proud this pioneering work originated in New Mexico has become the national model for telehealth. I will continue working to ensure we find innovative ways to boost health care access for all New Mexicans.\u201d\r\nProject ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a program started by the University of New Mexico (UNM) that has become a national model for providing remote communities access to high-quality health care resources. Project ECHO uses technology-enabled collaborative learning to support community providers and dramatically increases access to specialty treatment in remote and underserved areas.\u00a0\r\nThrough Project ECHO, specialists provide direct care or consultation to patients via video conferencing. Under the ECHO model, specialists at a large medical center consult with primary care providers in rural or underserved communities on how best to treat complex conditions. This mentoring and training -- through teleECHO video conferencing clinics -- expands access to care, and research has shown that it is improving care.\r\nThe University of New Mexico School of Medicine\u2019s Dr. Sanjeev Arora, M.D., Founder and Director of Project ECHO, said in a statement of support for the legislation:\u201cMedical knowledge is exploding, but it\u2019s often not traveling the last mile to ensure that patients get the right care in the right place at the right time. If we can leverage technology to spread best practices through case-based learning and mentoring of providers, we can move knowledge \u2013 instead of patients \u2013 to get better care to rural and underserved communities across the country.\u201d\r\nThe ECHO Act aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model\u2014referred to as a \u201ctechnology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity-building model\u201d\u2014into health systems across the country. The bill does the following:\r\n \r\nRequires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), to prioritize analysis of the model, its impacts on provider capacity and workforce issues, and evidence of its effects on quality of patient care.\r\nRequests a GAO report regarding opportunities for increased adoption of such models, efficiencies and potential cost savings from such models, ways to improve health care through such models, and field recommendations to advance the use of such models.\r\nRequires the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the GAO report and the HHS report, including ways such models have been funded by HHS and how to integrate these models into current funding streams and innovative grant proposals.\r\n \r\nThe ECHO Act is sponsored by U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Learn more about Project ECHO at\u00a0http://echo.unm.edu.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-joins-senate-in-passing-echo-act-to-increase-rural-access-to-health-care", "Udall Joins Senate in Passing ECHO Act to Increase Rural Access to Health Care", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senate in Passing ECHO Act to Increase Rural Access to Health Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the full Senate in voting 97-0 to approve the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act -- a measure based on the University of New Mexico's successful Project ECHO program -- to increase access to high quality health care in rural communities. Udall is a cosponsor of the bill and, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, has been a strong supporter of funding for the program.\nThe ECHO Act would expand the successful Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO), a model program founded at the University of New Mexico in 2003 by Dr. Sanjeev Arora. The project connects health care specialists and experts to primary care physicians in hard-to-reach areas using interactive video-conferencing. Originally designed to combat the Hepatitis-C epidemic in New Mexico, Project ECHO now enables patients to get treatment for a diverse array of disease conditions from various levels of health care providers, and it has grown to serve communities nationwide and internationally.\n\"All New Mexicans deserve quality health care no matter where they live, and Project ECHO has helped ensure rural patients can get treatment without having to drive hours to see a specialist,\" Udall said. \"Dr. Arora faced a serious health care challenge head-on by developing Project ECHO to provide case-based interactive training over video-conferencing so local physicians could deliver specialized treatment themselves. This is the kind of innovation that stems from a community coming together to create a solution that best meets its needs. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support this project from the beginning. Now, as a cosponsor of the ECHO Act, I am thrilled to see New Mexico's model become the foundation for a national strategy to provide quality, accessible health care to all of our rural communities.\"\nDr. Arora who pioneered the ECHO Project, welcomed the advancement of the ECHO Act: \"Medical knowledge is exploding, but it's often not traveling the last mile to ensure that patients get the right care in the right place at the right time. If we can leverage technology to spread best practices through case-based learning and mentoring of providers, we can move knowledge - instead of patients - to get better care to rural and underserved communities across the country.\"\nWhile a quarter of Americans live in rural communities, only 10 percent of physicians practice in these areas. Partly because of lack of access to care, rural residents are more likely to suffer from some chronic diseases.\nIn addition to being a successful tool for tackling hard-to-treat diseases, the Project ECHO model has been used to treat behavioral health issues, improve patient care and satisfaction, increase knowledge and reduce isolation for providers, and improve retention rates for physicians in rural, underserved areas.\nIn order to integrate the ECHO Project model into existing programs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the ECHO Act will require HHS and the Health and Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to analyze the model and its ability to improve patient care and provider education and report the findings to Congress along with ways these models have been funded by HHS and how to ensure continued funding.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-with-epa-announcement-of-first-10-chemicals-for-review-under-new-law-historic-chemical-reform-bill-already-working-to-keep-americans-safe", "Udall: With EPA Announcement of First 10 Chemicals for Review Under New Law, Historic Chemical Reform Bill Already Working to Keep Americans Safe", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall: With EPA Announcement of First 10 Chemicals for Review Under New Law, Historic Chemical Reform Bill Already Working to Keep Americans Safe \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement of the first 10 chemicals that the agency will review for possible risks to public health and the environment, as required under Udall's Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. Udall's landmark, bipartisan bill, which was signed into law by President Obama in June, reforms the broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), ensuring that children and communities across the nation are protected from dangerous chemicals.  Udall's bill was the first overhaul of the 1976 TSCA law, a badly broken system that rendered the EPA virtually powerless to regulate the safety of chemicals manufactured and used in commerce. Under the initial TSCA law, tens of thousands of chemicals - including well-documented carcinogens - have been on the market for decades without meaningful regulation or safety evaluation. The EPA's announcement today of the first 10 chemicals it will review complies with the new law's requirement that the EPA release such a list by December 19, 2016.  \"I am encouraged by today's news that the EPA has identified the first 10 chemicals for review under the new chemical safety reform law,\" Udall said. \"This is one of the first actions required under the reformed law, which was overwhelmingly supported in both houses of Congress and signed by the President in June of this year. It is welcome news that the EPA has listed 10 potentially dangerous chemicals that warrant greater scrutiny for the protection of public health. While there is ample evidence linking these chemicals to cancer and other severe health problems, they have been on the market largely unchecked and unregulated for decades. That's unacceptable, and that is why we worked so tirelessly to reform our broken chemical safety law. Today's action sends a powerful signal to consumers to limit their exposure to chemicals of concern, and to businesses to reduce their use and seek innovative, safer alternatives. Now, we must ensure a seamless transition into the new administration, so that this new chemical safety reform bill can continue to do its job to protect our children and families.\" The first 10 chemicals to be evaluated are:   \n \n1,4-Dioxane\n1-Bromopropane\nAsbestos\nCarbon Tetrachloride\nCyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD)\nMethylene Chloride (MC)\nN-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)\nPigment Violet 29\nTetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene (perc)\nTrichloroethylene (TCE)\n \nThe EPA must now complete risk evaluations for the 10 chemicals within three years, and if a chemical is determined to pose a public health or environmental risk, the EPA must take action to mitigate the risk within two years. In the near future, the EPA will designate additional chemicals for safety evaluation.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-reserve4", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Reserve", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Reserve\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 28, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLAS CRUCES, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Reserve on Friday, December 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Reserve Senior Center. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nReserve - Friday, December 2, 2016\r\nWHO:\u00a0U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff\r\nWHAT:\u00a0Mobile Office Hours\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWHERE:\u00a0Reserve Senior Center, 12 Ella Street, Reserve, N.M. 87830\u00a0\r\nQUESTIONS:\u00a0Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-calls-on-president-to-reroute-dakota-access-pipeline", "Heinrich Calls On President To Reroute Dakota Access Pipeline", "2016-11-24", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Calls On President To Reroute Dakota Access Pipeline\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 24, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the Dakota Access pipeline:\r\n\"Today is Thanksgiving and I cannot help but reflect on our history in these United States and how often it has not lived up to the rosy picture of Pilgrims and Indians sharing a meal in friendly company that I saw in textbooks as a child. The issues facing Indian Country are many and they are complex, but that should not stop those of us in positions of elected leadership from seeking to make a difference wherever and whenever we can.\r\n\"The recent escalation of violence against members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and those standing in solidarity with them is fundamentally wrong and must be condemned. Back in September, days after these protests began, I spoke out against these aggressive tactics and called on President Obama to intervene.\r\n\"The Obama Administration quickly announced that they were putting a halt to the project until they could respond to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and to concerns from across the nation by establishing better tribal consultation and by addressing water supply and spill concerns.\r\n\"Today, I am calling on the President and the Army Corps of Engineers to reroute the pipeline. No pipeline is worth more than the respect we hold for our Native American neighbors. No pipeline is worth more than the clean water that we all depend on. This pipeline is not worth the life of a single protester.\r\n\"There is no excuse for the brutality we've seen in recent days and it should not be rewarded.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2461", "Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies [press_release]", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced the 35 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2017. A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to 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. Students receiving Udall's nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator's Military Academy Service Panels, comprised of military and community leaders.  \"The students I have nominated to the United States service academies this year represent some of New Mexico's best and brightest,\" Udall said. \"It is my honor to congratulate them and to wish them luck as they continue with the admissions process. These exceptional students have demonstrated their talents and strong leadership in both their academic and extracurricular endeavors, and I'm proud of their desire to serve our nation. All of the service academies provide an excellent education that prepares students to excel in both military and civilian life. I am confident that the students who choose to enroll in the academies will represent New Mexico well, and I wish them the greatest success as they continue their education and pursue a life of leadership and service.\"These students will now compete for admission to their service academy over the coming months. Those admitted will begin classes in the summer of 2017 as members of the class of 2021. The following are the students nominated from New Mexico by academy:United States Military Academy (West Point)Michael Brouillette of Santa Fe  Matthew Jingle of Albuquerque   Perry Miller of Albuquerque   Caleb Moreno of Lovington  Carly Read of Albuquerque   Heana Reed of Rio Rancho  Benjamin Selph of Rio Rancho  Chris Sharfin of Roswell  Michael Smith of Albuquerque  Andres Torres of Albuquerque United States Naval AcademyShea Auge of Albuquerque   William Cheshire of Albuquerque   Isaac Dunwoody of Los Alamos  Joseph Greer of Albuquerque  Brittany Holden-Rhodes of Placitas  Michael McCullough of Albuquerque  Deven McGee of Albuquerque  Colton Powell of Cedar Crest  Brannon Purvis of Albuquerque  Jason Watlington of AlbuquerqueUnited States Air Force AcademyZachary Andrews of Albuquerque  Jason Brenholdt of Tijeras  Cameren Kristensen of Albuquerque  Marcus Lovato of Las Vegas  Grace Metzgar of Rio Rancho  Connor Neal of Albuquerque  Joseph Ortiz of Albuquerque  Dillon Reynolds of Ruidoso  Cole Ronnau of Albuquerque  Belle Toney of FarmingtonUnited States Merchant Marine AcademyLayton Barela of Albuquerque  Peter DeGroot of Roswell  Malcolm Keith of Albuquerque  Dominic Moore of Roswell  Mark Shover of Albuquerque\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-congratulates-new-mexico-nominees-to-united-states-service-academies", "Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced the 35 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2017. A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to 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. Students receiving Udall's nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator's Military Academy Service Panels, comprised of military and community leaders.   \"The students I have nominated to the United States service academies this year represent some of New Mexico's best and brightest,\" Udall said. \"It is my honor to congratulate them and to wish them luck as they continue with the admissions process. These exceptional students have demonstrated their talents and strong leadership in both their academic and extracurricular endeavors, and I'm proud of their desire to serve our nation. All of the service academies provide an excellent education that prepares students to excel in both military and civilian life. I am confident that the students who choose to enroll in the academies will represent New Mexico well, and I wish them the greatest success as they continue their education and pursue a life of leadership and service.\" These students will now compete for admission to their service academy over the coming months. Those admitted will begin classes in the summer of 2017 as members of the class of 2021.  The following are the students nominated from New Mexico by academy: United States Military Academy (West Point)Michael Brouillette of Santa Fe  Matthew Jingle of Albuquerque   Perry Miller of Albuquerque   Caleb Moreno of Lovington  Carly Read of Albuquerque   Heana Reed of Rio Rancho  Benjamin Selph of Rio Rancho  Chris Sharfin of Roswell  Michael Smith of Albuquerque  Andres Torres of Albuquerque  United States Naval AcademyShea Auge of Albuquerque   William Cheshire of Albuquerque   Isaac Dunwoody of Los Alamos  Joseph Greer of Albuquerque  Brittany Holden-Rhodes of Placitas  Michael McCullough of Albuquerque  Deven McGee of Albuquerque  Colton Powell of Cedar Crest  Brannon Purvis of Albuquerque  Jason Watlington of Albuquerque United States Air Force AcademyZachary Andrews of Albuquerque  Jason Brenholdt of Tijeras  Cameren Kristensen of Albuquerque  Marcus Lovato of Las Vegas  Grace Metzgar of Rio Rancho  Connor Neal of Albuquerque  Joseph Ortiz of Albuquerque  Dillon Reynolds of Ruidoso  Cole Ronnau of Albuquerque  Belle Toney of Farmington United States Merchant Marine AcademyLayton Barela of Albuquerque  Peter DeGroot of Roswell  Malcolm Keith of Albuquerque  Dominic Moore of Roswell  Mark Shover of Albuquerque\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2459", "Udall Urges Congress to Make Changes to Improve and Protect U.S. Mail Service [press_release]", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Urges Congress to Make Changes to Improve and Protect U.S. Mail Service \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall has joined over 80 members of Congress in signing a letter calling for provisions that improve and protect mail delivery and service to be added to the comprehensive U.S. Postal Service reform legislation that has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.In many New Mexico communities, especially in rural areas, the post office is a meeting place and an anchor on Main Street. Udall has heard from many New Mexicans who have expressed concerns about rollbacks in postal service. In their letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders, Udall and his fellow lawmakers emphasized the need for better, more reliable mail service and solutions that can maintain higher service standards in the long term. The changes would address recent reductions in U.S Postal Service performance, such as the elimination of the overnight service standard, mail processing plant closures and post office hour reductions. \"While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"While the current service standard for First-Class Mail is 2-3 days, the actual delivery of mail can take far longer than this standard. This is unacceptable for postal customers in rural America and across the country, and it simply does not meet the requirement for universal quality of service by which the Postal Service is bound.\"Udall added: \"The U.S. Postal Service is an integral part of life in New Mexico's rural communities. And people in rural areas should be able to rely on timely, quality service, especially those in New Mexico without access to cell phone service or high-speed internet. I am committed to working on reforms that will ensure the long-term stability of the Postal Service, while providing essential, quality service to every part of New Mexico.\"The letter requests that the following provisions be included in the U.S. House of Representatives' bipartisan Postal Reform Act of 2016 in order to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers:-Continuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent - Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.-Making mail service and delivery more reliable - The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.-Improving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service - Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met.-Boosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards - The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.The full text of the letter from the U.S. Senators is copied below and can be found here, and the full text of the letter from the U.S. House of Representatives can be found here.Dear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Reid, Chairman Johnson, and Ranking Member Carper:\nThe United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world.  It is an institution that has been relied upon by the American postal customer for more than two hundred years.  While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform.  From mail processing plant consolidations, to reductions in post office hours, to the complete elimination of the overnight service standard, rural America has been hit especially hard in recent years by degradations in mail service.  While the current service standard for First-Class Mail is 2-3 days, the actual delivery of mail can take far longer than this standard.  This is unacceptable for postal customers in rural America and across the country, and it simply does not meet the requirement for universal quality of service by which the Postal Service is bound.While we are encouraged by the postal reform legislation Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings reported out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to improve the Postal Service's financial condition, we are deeply concerned by the lack of service improvements and protection provisions in the bill.  For any comprehensive postal reform bill to have a chance of passing this Congress, it needs to truly address the key problem facing customers across the country, which is the need for better service performance.The Postal Service's elimination of the overnight delivery standard in early 2015 had a sweeping impact on mail delivery and Postal employees' lives and jobs.  This included further mail processing facility consolidations, equipment changes, added transportation costs, job relocations, and renegotiated contracts.  The costs of going back to the July 2012 service standard would be significant and should be carefully and accurately examined. In the meantime, it is critical for us to focus our attention on improving service performance. \nService performance is a different issue than simply looking at the service standard. Service performance is what the postal customer experiences every day and represents the ability of the Postal Service to actually deliver mail between two points within the current 2-3 day standard.  In order to ensure that the Postal Service is able to perform within this current standard, there must be an accurate understanding of how long it takes for mail to be delivered in rural and urban communities throughout the country.  Such information allows Congress and the Postal Service to tackle the most pressing postal service problem at hand: the lack of adequate delivery performance under the current 2-3 day First-Class Mail service standard.   Any comprehensive postal legislation should include the following service protections and improvements in order to meet that challenge:  Reliability - The Postal Service needs a performance target system to ensure the accurate measurement of mail delivery across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.  Accountability & Transparency - Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when targets are not met.  Enforcement - The Postal Service must take action to meet their operational plans and not be able to lower service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.  Continual Review - Development and regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\nThese concepts are included in bipartisan postal legislation introduced in the Senate.  Furthermore, those concepts strike a healthy balance between a complete return to July 2012 standards and addressing the service performance issues we face today.The Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation.  It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service's commitment to the American public.  For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability.  Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.  Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2460", "Udall, Heinrich Urge President-Elect Trump to Make Good on Promises to 'Drain the Swamp' of Corporate Special Interests in Washington [press_release]", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Urge President-Elect Trump to Make Good on Promises to 'Drain the Swamp' of Corporate Special Interests in Washington \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Join 17 other senators in calling on Donald Trump to increase transparency and adopt Obama lobbying and ethics rules for his transition and administration\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that they have joined 17 other senators in sending a letter urging President-elect Donald Trump to increase transparency during his transition and keep his promises to reduce the influence of lobbyists and corporate special interests during his transition and in his administration. Despite a pledge announced last week to limit lobbying by members of the Trump administration, corporate lobbyists and Washington insiders so far have filled many prominent posts within the Trump transition team. In addition to Udall and Heinrich, the letter was signed by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.).\"Given your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments,\" the senators wrote in their letter last week. \"Further, we call on you to follow President Obama's example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration. For instance, President Obama's transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same. Additionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied. This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients.\"   Full text of the letter is available here and below.   November 17, 2016President-elect Donald J. Trump  Trump-Pence Transition Team  1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW  Washington, DC 20006Dear President-elect Trump:We write to urge you to follow through on your promise that you would work to reduce the influence of corporate special interests and lobbyists in our government.  As Democrats, we, too, are committed to freeing the political process from the stranglehold of special interests.   On the campaign trail, you told voters that you are \"fighting for every citizen that believes that government should serve the people, not the donors and not the special interests.\"  One of your major campaign slogans was \"drain the swamp,\" referring to your promise to cleanse Washington of the toxic influence of corporate special interests. Your initial decision to fill your transition team with corporate lobbyists and insiders and solicit donations from them to finance its operation was deeply troubling.  While we have been encouraged by subsequent reports that indicate you are requiring lobbyists to deregister in order to stay on the transition team, and are instituting a five-year lobbying ban for officials leaving your transition team and your Administration, we believe clearer actions should be taken to truly insulate your Administration from corporate special interests. Given your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments. Further, we call on you to follow President Obama's example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration.  For instance, President Obama's transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same.  Additionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied.  This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients. Setting up your transition team and staffing your Administration is the first opportunity you have to prove that \"drain the swamp\" was more than just an expedient campaign slogan.   We sincerely hope that you will implement strong and transparent ethics guidelines to prevent special interests from taking over your Administration before it has even begun.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-president-elect-trump-to-make-good-on-promises-to-and-039drain-the-swamp-and-039-of-corporate-special-interests-in-washington", "Udall, Heinrich Urge President-Elect Trump to Make Good on Promises to 'Drain the Swamp' of Corporate Special Interests in Washington", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Urge President-Elect Trump to Make Good on Promises to 'Drain the Swamp' of Corporate Special Interests in Washington \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Join 17 other senators in calling on Donald Trump to increase transparency and adopt Obama lobbying and ethics rules for his transition and administration\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that they have joined 17 other senators in sending a letter urging President-elect Donald Trump to increase transparency during his transition and keep his promises to reduce the influence of lobbyists and corporate special interests during his transition and in his administration.  Despite a pledge announced last week to limit lobbying by members of the Trump administration, corporate lobbyists and Washington insiders so far have filled many prominent posts within the Trump transition team. In addition to Udall and Heinrich, the letter was signed by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.). \"Given your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments,\" the senators wrote in their letter last week. \"Further, we call on you to follow President Obama's example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration. For instance, President Obama's transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same. Additionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied. This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients.\"   Full text of the letter is available here and below.   November 17, 2016 President-elect Donald J. Trump  Trump-Pence Transition Team  1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW  Washington, DC 20006 Dear President-elect Trump: We write to urge you to follow through on your promise that you would work to reduce the influence of corporate special interests and lobbyists in our government.  As Democrats, we, too, are committed to freeing the political process from the stranglehold of special interests.    On the campaign trail, you told voters that you are \"fighting for every citizen that believes that government should serve the people, not the donors and not the special interests.\"  One of your major campaign slogans was \"drain the swamp,\" referring to your promise to cleanse Washington of the toxic influence of corporate special interests.  Your initial decision to fill your transition team with corporate lobbyists and insiders and solicit donations from them to finance its operation was deeply troubling.  While we have been encouraged by subsequent reports that indicate you are requiring lobbyists to deregister in order to stay on the transition team, and are instituting a five-year lobbying ban for officials leaving your transition team and your Administration, we believe clearer actions should be taken to truly insulate your Administration from corporate special interests.  Given your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments.  Further, we call on you to follow President Obama's example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration.  For instance, President Obama's transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same.  Additionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied.  This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients.  Setting up your transition team and staffing your Administration is the first opportunity you have to prove that \"drain the swamp\" was more than just an expedient campaign slogan.   We sincerely hope that you will implement strong and transparent ethics guidelines to prevent special interests from taking over your Administration before it has even begun. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-urges-congress-to-make-changes-to-improve-and-protect-us-mail-service", "Udall Urges Congress to Make Changes to Improve and Protect U.S. Mail Service", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Urges Congress to Make Changes to Improve and Protect U.S. Mail Service \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall has joined over 80 members of Congress in signing a letter calling for provisions that improve and protect mail delivery and service to be added to the comprehensive U.S. Postal Service reform legislation that has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. In many New Mexico communities, especially in rural areas, the post office is a meeting place and an anchor on Main Street. Udall has heard from many New Mexicans who have expressed concerns about rollbacks in postal service. In their letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders, Udall and his fellow lawmakers emphasized the need for better, more reliable mail service and solutions that can maintain higher service standards in the long term. The changes would address recent reductions in U.S Postal Service performance, such as the elimination of the overnight service standard, mail processing plant closures and post office hour reductions.  \"While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"While the current service standard for First-Class Mail is 2-3 days, the actual delivery of mail can take far longer than this standard. This is unacceptable for postal customers in rural America and across the country, and it simply does not meet the requirement for universal quality of service by which the Postal Service is bound.\" Udall added: \"The U.S. Postal Service is an integral part of life in New Mexico's rural communities. And people in rural areas should be able to rely on timely, quality service, especially those in New Mexico without access to cell phone service or high-speed internet. I am committed to working on reforms that will ensure the long-term stability of the Postal Service, while providing essential, quality service to every part of New Mexico.\" The letter requests that the following provisions be included in the U.S. House of Representatives' bipartisan Postal Reform Act of 2016 in order to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers: -Continuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent - Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options. -Making mail service and delivery more reliable - The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system. -Improving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service - Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met. -Boosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards - The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets. The full text of the letter from the U.S. Senators is copied below and can be found here, and the full text of the letter from the U.S. House of Representatives can be found here. Dear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Reid, Chairman Johnson, and Ranking Member Carper:\nThe United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world.  It is an institution that has been relied upon by the American postal customer for more than two hundred years.  While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform.   From mail processing plant consolidations, to reductions in post office hours, to the complete elimination of the overnight service standard, rural America has been hit especially hard in recent years by degradations in mail service.  While the current service standard for First-Class Mail is 2-3 days, the actual delivery of mail can take far longer than this standard.  This is unacceptable for postal customers in rural America and across the country, and it simply does not meet the requirement for universal quality of service by which the Postal Service is bound. While we are encouraged by the postal reform legislation Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings reported out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to improve the Postal Service's financial condition, we are deeply concerned by the lack of service improvements and protection provisions in the bill.  For any comprehensive postal reform bill to have a chance of passing this Congress, it needs to truly address the key problem facing customers across the country, which is the need for better service performance. The Postal Service's elimination of the overnight delivery standard in early 2015 had a sweeping impact on mail delivery and Postal employees' lives and jobs.  This included further mail processing facility consolidations, equipment changes, added transportation costs, job relocations, and renegotiated contracts.  The costs of going back to the July 2012 service standard would be significant and should be carefully and accurately examined. In the meantime, it is critical for us to focus our attention on improving service performance. \nService performance is a different issue than simply looking at the service standard. Service performance is what the postal customer experiences every day and represents the ability of the Postal Service to actually deliver mail between two points within the current 2-3 day standard.  In order to ensure that the Postal Service is able to perform within this current standard, there must be an accurate understanding of how long it takes for mail to be delivered in rural and urban communities throughout the country.  Such information allows Congress and the Postal Service to tackle the most pressing postal service problem at hand: the lack of adequate delivery performance under the current 2-3 day First-Class Mail service standard.    Any comprehensive postal legislation should include the following service protections and improvements in order to meet that challenge:  Reliability - The Postal Service needs a performance target system to ensure the accurate measurement of mail delivery across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.  Accountability & Transparency - Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when targets are not met.  Enforcement - The Postal Service must take action to meet their operational plans and not be able to lower service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.  Continual Review - Development and regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\nThese concepts are included in bipartisan postal legislation introduced in the Senate.  Furthermore, those concepts strike a healthy balance between a complete return to July 2012 standards and addressing the service performance issues we face today. The Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation.  It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service's commitment to the American public.  For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability.  Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.  Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2455", "Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Applaud Air Force Decision to Relocate F-16 Squadrons to Holloman [press_release]", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Applaud Air Force Decision to Relocate F-16 Squadrons to Holloman \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce applauded the U.S. Air Force's interim decision to relocate two additional F-16 training squadrons to Holloman Air Force Base for the creation of a new Formal Training Unit (FTU). The Air Force will move the F-16s from Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Currently, the Air Force is roughly 700 F-16 fighter pilots short of requirements, which makes the additional two squadrons at Holloman critically important to addressing the Air Force's shortage of fighter pilots.\u00a0  \u00a0  The decision, which will be made final in spring of 2017, follows a joint effort by Udall, Heinrich and\u00a0Pearce to urge the Air Force to choose Holloman as its relocation site for the F-16 training squadrons. In making the case for Holloman Air Force Base, the lawmakers\u00a0cited Holloman's unmatched airspace, the base's existing mission as a premier F-16 training location, and a surrounding community that is ready and eager to welcome the new squadrons, service members, and families.\u00a0 \n  In August, the lawmakers wrote a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff General David Goldfein highlighting Holloman's credentials as a relocation site for the F-16s; and in September, Udall, Heinrich, and Pearce met with Air Force Under Secretary Lisa Disbrow to continue to press their case. In addition, the full New Mexico congressional delegation held a phone call with Air Force Secretary James last week to receive an update on the status of the Air Force's deliberations.  \u00a0  \"In choosing to relocate these F-16 squadrons to Holloman Air Force Base, the Air Force has made a decision that will enormously benefit our national security, our service members and their families, and New Mexico's economy,\" said Senator Udall. \"Holloman is already excelling in its current F-16 mission, and I have every confidence that the base will continue to thrive as a training site for these new squadrons. I know that the city of Alamogordo - a true \u2018Air Force town' that offers unyielding support to Holloman - could not be happier about the Air Force's decision and the new jobs and economic activity it will bring. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight to ensure that New Mexico's first-rate military bases and national labs have the resources they need to keep our nation secure and grow our state's economy.\" \n  \"I am proud that the Air Force chose New Mexico to lead the nation in addressing its shortage of fighter pilots. \u00a0Holloman Air Force Base's unmatched, restricted airspace, existing infrastructure, and exceptional flying weather makes it the perfect place for the Air Force to relocate these F-16 squadrons,\" said Senator Heinrich. \"Located just six miles from Alamogordo, Holloman contributes to the local economy and is part of a top-notch community that supports its airmen unlike any other in the country. This decision alone will add nearly 700 jobs to Holloman in the interim and hopefully for years to come. I will continue using my position on the Armed Services committee to highlight the unique advantages that our state and our people offer to the military.\" \n  \"Relocating these F-16 squadrons to Holloman is certainly the right decision. Holloman has unmatched airspace, weather conditions, and community support,\" said Congressman Pearce. \"This interim decision clearly reiterates that the Air Forces also recognizes the great value Holloman adds. Now, however, is not the time to rest on our successes, we must continue to engage with the Air Force in the coming months to ensure this move is the final one. Permanently stationing these squadrons at Holloman allows the Air Force to attack their pilot shortage head on, putting first the health of the Force, while also supporting our service members and their families. I've flown these skies for over 40 years - nowhere in the world produces better airmen than Southern New Mexico. Further utilization of Holloman Air Force Base allows our military to retain its air dominance and its ability to Fly-Fight-Win.\"\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2456", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Increased Resources for U.S. Businesses Trading with Mexico [press_release]", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Urge Increased Resources for U.S. Businesses Trading with Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - In a letter sent today to the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich urged the Acting Undersecretary for International Trade to improve relations with Mexico in trade, export and manufacturing by increasing funds for state and local agencies that provide resources and guidance to American businesses trading with Mexico.Mexico is the United States' third largest trading partner and was the largest buyer of New Mexico products in 2015. The volume of trade between New Mexico and Mexico has grown rapidly since 2005, but the federal resources allocated to facilitating commerce with Mexico have not matched this growth, particularly compared to nations with smaller trade volume.\n\"Improving the capacity of our companies and state and local governments to do business in Mexico is critical to the nation's economic security,\" said Udall and Heinrich in the letter. They also noted, \"Trade with Mexico is particularly important to New Mexico, and we ask that you improve support for New Mexico's businesses that engage in commerce across the border.\" The recommendations from the letter build on New Mexico residents' statewide call for growing the border economy with Mexico. In May 2016, over 200 New Mexico residents came together for a state economic development town hall led by the nonpartisan nonprofit New Mexico First. Town hall participants recommended that policymakers and business leaders work together to develop a statewide supply chain program to recruit suppliers to New Mexico, and connect them with industries on the U.S side of the border that export to Mexico.\nHeather Balas, New Mexico First executive director, said: \"Town hall participants recognized the good work that is already being done in New Mexico's border communities, and with additional support they feel much more can be done.\"\nAdditionally, the lawmakers recommend opening a U.S. Commercial Service Office in Chihuahua, Mexico, to provide a resource center closer to the border that would be available to assist New Mexico businesses begin exporting or increase exports to Mexico.\nFull text of the letter below and here:Dear Mr. Hyatt:\nWe write to urge the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration (ITA) to increase federal resources available to local and state agencies that facilitate cooperation with Mexico in trade, export and manufacturing. Mexico is our southern neighbor and third largest global trading partner. Improving the capacity of our companies and state and local governments to do business in Mexico is critical to the nation's economic security.Trade with Mexico is particularly important to New Mexico, and we ask that you improve support for New Mexico's businesses that engage in commerce across the border. The volume of exports from our state has grown over 300 percent since 2005, and Mexico was the largest export market for New Mexico products in 2015. Despite these figures, there are fewer International U.S. Commercial Service Offices in Mexico compared to other countries with a smaller trade volume. There are five International U.S. Commercial Service Offices five in Brazil and seven in India, while there are only three in Mexico. Furthermore, these offices are located in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara leaving a gap in northern Mexico, closest to the border.\nIn 2014, a report by the Government Accountability Office found that the Department had weaknesses in fulfilling responsibilities to promote exports in collaboration with state and local agencies [GAO-14-393]. The GAO recommended that the ITA improve implementation of Export Outreach Teams, enhance interagency collaboration on export promotion with nonfederal entities, and increase information sharing with state and local trade offices. Just recently, GAO informed us that after two and a half years, these recommendations remain unchanged and will remain open until there are positive outcomes.We request that the ITA take action to fulfill its mission to help U.S. organizations compete in northern Mexico. First, we support and urge you to meet the GAO's recommendations to increase collaboration on export promotion with  nonfederal entities in New Mexico including organizing trade missions. To further this mission, we request that you reestablish the Mexico Business Information Center, staffed by ITA Trade Specialists and discontinued after 2014, which served as an important way for businesses and local governments to receive information on trade with Mexico.\nSecond, in the long term, we ask that you contribute resources to the establishment of a U.S. Commercial Service Office in the northern Mexico, such as Chihuahua. We recognize that there are important security issues that must be considered when opening a new office, but we firmly believe that the investment will be worth it in order to fully support U.S. companies doing business in these areas.These requests are consistent with New Mexico residents' statewide call for growing the border economy with Mexico. In May 2016, over 200 New Mexico residents came together for a state economic development town hall led by nonpartisan nonprofit New Mexico First.  Town hall participants recommended that policymakers and business leaders work together to develop a statewide supply chain program to recruit suppliers to New Mexico, and connect them with industries on the U.S side of the border that export to Mexico. New Mexico state and local government agencies, and local business and industrial associations can be credited for working together to leverage economic growth opportunities along the border, bringing and keeping jobs in New Mexico. With the support of the ITA, they can do more.Thank you for your all that you do to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promote trade and investment, and ensure fair trade. Your work fulfills the goal of the U.S. government to build connections rather than barriers with our international partners.Sincerely,Tom Udall  United States SenatorMartin Heinrich  United States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-increased-resources-for-us-businesses-trading-with-mexico", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Increased Resources for U.S. Businesses Trading with Mexico", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Urge Increased Resources for U.S. Businesses Trading with Mexico\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 18, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON D.C. - In a letter sent today to the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich urged the Acting Undersecretary for International Trade to improve relations with Mexico in trade, export and manufacturing by increasing funds for state and local agencies that provide resources and guidance to American businesses trading with Mexico.\r\nMexico is the United States' third largest trading partner and was the largest buyer of New Mexico products in 2015. The volume of trade between New Mexico and Mexico has grown rapidly since 2005, but the federal resources allocated to facilitating commerce with Mexico have not matched this growth, particularly compared to nations with smaller trade volume.\r\n\"Improving the capacity of our companies and state and local governments to do business in Mexico is critical to the nation\u2019s economic security,\" said Udall and Heinrich in the letter. They also noted, \"Trade with Mexico is particularly important to New Mexico, and we ask that you improve support for New Mexico\u2019s businesses that engage in commerce across the border.\"\u00a0\r\nThe recommendations from the letter build on New Mexico residents\u2019 statewide call for growing the border economy with Mexico. In May 2016, over 200 New Mexico residents came together for a state economic development town hall led by the nonpartisan nonprofit New Mexico First. Town hall participants recommended that policymakers and business leaders work together to develop a statewide supply chain program to recruit suppliers to New Mexico, and connect them with industries on the U.S side of the border that export to Mexico.\r\nHeather Balas, New Mexico First executive director, said: \u201cTown hall participants recognized the good work that is already being done in New Mexico\u2019s border communities, and with additional support they feel much more can be done.\"\r\nAdditionally, the lawmakers recommend opening a U.S. Commercial Service Office in Chihuahua, Mexico, to provide a resource center closer to the border that would be available to assist New Mexico businesses begin exporting or increase exports to Mexico.\r\nFull text of the letter below and here:\r\nDear Mr. Hyatt:\r\nWe write to urge the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration (ITA) to increase federal resources available to local and state agencies that facilitate cooperation with Mexico in trade, export and manufacturing. Mexico is our southern neighbor and third largest global trading partner. Improving the capacity of our companies and state and local governments to do business in Mexico is critical to the nation\u2019s economic security.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nTrade with Mexico is particularly important to New Mexico, and we ask that you improve support for New Mexico\u2019s businesses that engage in commerce across the border. The volume of exports from our state has grown over 300 percent since 2005, and Mexico was the largest export market for New Mexico products in 2015. Despite these figures, there are fewer International U.S. Commercial Service Offices in Mexico compared to other countries with a smaller trade volume. There are five International U.S. Commercial Service Offices five in Brazil and seven in India, while there are only three in Mexico. Furthermore, these offices are located in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara leaving a gap in northern Mexico, closest to the border.\r\nIn 2014, a report by the Government Accountability Office found that the Department had weaknesses in fulfilling responsibilities to promote exports in collaboration with state and local agencies [GAO-14-393]. The GAO recommended that the ITA improve implementation of Export Outreach Teams, enhance interagency collaboration on export promotion with nonfederal entities, and increase information sharing with state and local trade offices. Just recently, GAO informed us that after two and a half years, these recommendations remain unchanged and will remain open until there are positive outcomes.\r\nWe request that the ITA take action to fulfill its mission to help U.S. organizations compete in northern Mexico. First, we support and urge you to meet the GAO\u2019s recommendations to increase collaboration on export promotion with \u00a0nonfederal entities in New Mexico including organizing trade missions. To further this mission, we request that you reestablish the Mexico Business Information Center, staffed by ITA Trade Specialists and discontinued after 2014, which served as an important way for businesses and local governments to receive information on trade with Mexico.\r\nSecond, in the long term, we ask that you contribute resources to the establishment of a U.S. Commercial Service Office in the northern Mexico, such as Chihuahua. We recognize that there are important security issues that must be considered when opening a new office, but we firmly believe that the investment will be worth it in order to fully support U.S. companies doing business in these areas.\r\nThese requests are consistent with New Mexico residents\u2019 statewide call for growing the border economy with Mexico. In May 2016, over 200 New Mexico residents came together for a state economic development town hall led by nonpartisan nonprofit New Mexico First. \u00a0Town hall participants recommended that policymakers and business leaders work together to develop a statewide supply chain program to recruit suppliers to New Mexico, and connect them with industries on the U.S side of the border that export to Mexico. New Mexico state and local government agencies, and local business and industrial associations can be credited for working together to leverage economic growth opportunities along the border, bringing and keeping jobs in New Mexico. With the support of the ITA, they can do more.\r\nThank you for your all that you do to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promote trade and investment, and ensure fair trade. Your work fulfills the goal of the U.S. government to build connections rather than barriers with our international partners.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\nTom Udall\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\nMartin Heinrich\r\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-pearce-applaud-air-force-decision-to-relocate-f-16-squadrons-to-holloman", "Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Applaud Air Force Decision to Relocate F-16 Squadrons to Holloman", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Applaud Air Force Decision to Relocate F-16 Squadrons to Holloman \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce applauded the U.S. Air Force's interim decision to relocate two additional F-16 training squadrons to Holloman Air Force Base for the creation of a new Formal Training Unit (FTU). The Air Force will move the F-16s from Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Currently, the Air Force is roughly 700 F-16 fighter pilots short of requirements, which makes the additional two squadrons at Holloman critically important to addressing the Air Force's shortage of fighter pilots.    The decision, which will be made final in spring of 2017, follows a joint effort by Udall, Heinrich andPearce to urge the Air Force to choose Holloman as its relocation site for the F-16 training squadrons. In making the case for Holloman Air Force Base, the lawmakerscited Holloman's unmatched airspace, the base's existing mission as a premier F-16 training location, and a surrounding community that is ready and eager to welcome the new squadrons, service members, and families. \n  In August, the lawmakers wrote a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff General David Goldfein highlighting Holloman's credentials as a relocation site for the F-16s; and in September, Udall, Heinrich, and Pearce met with Air Force Under Secretary Lisa Disbrow to continue to press their case. In addition, the full New Mexico congressional delegation held a phone call with Air Force Secretary James last week to receive an update on the status of the Air Force's deliberations.    \"In choosing to relocate these F-16 squadrons to Holloman Air Force Base, the Air Force has made a decision that will enormously benefit our national security, our service members and their families, and New Mexico's economy,\" said Senator Udall. \"Holloman is already excelling in its current F-16 mission, and I have every confidence that the base will continue to thrive as a training site for these new squadrons. I know that the city of Alamogordo - a true Air Force town' that offers unyielding support to Holloman - could not be happier about the Air Force's decision and the new jobs and economic activity it will bring. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight to ensure that New Mexico's first-rate military bases and national labs have the resources they need to keep our nation secure and grow our state's economy.\" \n  \"I am proud that the Air Force chose New Mexico to lead the nation in addressing its shortage of fighter pilots. Holloman Air Force Base's unmatched, restricted airspace, existing infrastructure, and exceptional flying weather makes it the perfect place for the Air Force to relocate these F-16 squadrons,\" said Senator Heinrich. \"Located just six miles from Alamogordo, Holloman contributes to the local economy and is part of a top-notch community that supports its airmen unlike any other in the country. This decision alone will add nearly 700 jobs to Holloman in the interim and hopefully for years to come. I will continue using my position on the Armed Services committee to highlight the unique advantages that our state and our people offer to the military.\" \n  \"Relocating these F-16 squadrons to Holloman is certainly the right decision. Holloman has unmatched airspace, weather conditions, and community support,\" said Congressman Pearce. \"This interim decision clearly reiterates that the Air Forces also recognizes the great value Holloman adds. Now, however, is not the time to rest on our successes, we must continue to engage with the Air Force in the coming months to ensure this move is the final one. Permanently stationing these squadrons at Holloman allows the Air Force to attack their pilot shortage head on, putting first the health of the Force, while also supporting our service members and their families. I've flown these skies for over 40 years - nowhere in the world produces better airmen than Southern New Mexico. Further utilization of Holloman Air Force Base allows our military to retain its air dominance and its ability to Fly-Fight-Win.\"\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 786, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "NM", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 786, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NM&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 786, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "NM", "label": "NM", "count": 786, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 786, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-18,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Etomudall~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fudall-heinrich-pearce-applaud-air-force-decision-to-relocate-f-16-squadrons-to-holloman", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2016&_next=2016-11-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Etomudall~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fudall-heinrich-pearce-applaud-air-force-decision-to-relocate-f-16-squadrons-to-holloman&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 202.01085601001978, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}