press: releases: 1,261 rows where state = "NM" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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1,261 rows where state = "NM" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1831	Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery [press_release]	2014-12-22	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 22, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery Legislation signed by president includes $104 million more than administration's budget request WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation providing $324 million for recovery and operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, N.M. Earlier this year, Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich had requested the funding to ensure recovery efforts can continue so the facility can safely resume operation and accept waste from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The funding was included in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds the government through the end of the fiscal year, and was signed into law by President Obama last week. WIPP has been closed since February following two separate accidents, a fire and a radiation release. The Department of Energy released a recovery plan for the plant on Sept. 30, and it is currently finalizing a report on the cause of the radiation release. "This is critical funding that is absolutely necessary to move forward with cleanup and recovery at WIPP and so we can resume shipments of waste from Los Alamos," Udall said. "These funds will help us move toward a safe reopening of WIPP, which not only provides jobs in the state, but is pivotal to both our national security and our energy security. WIPP is our nation's only permanent repository for transuranic waste, and I will continue to work with the state and the Department of Energy to ensure we get the facility up and running safely and soon." "Our nation's security relies heavily on the important work being done at WIPP. Not only is the facility an integral part of the environmental cleanup of Cold War programs at Department of Energy defense sites around the country, including Los Alamos, it also supports many jobs in …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-324-million-for-wipp-cleanup-recovery	Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery	2014-12-22	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery Legislation signed by president includes $104 million more than administration's budget request Monday, December 22, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation providing $324 million for recovery and operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, N.M. Earlier this year, Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich had requested the funding to ensure recovery efforts can continue so the facility can safely resume operation and accept waste from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The funding was included in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds the government through the end of the fiscal year, and was signed into law by President Obama last week. WIPP has been closed since February following two separate accidents, a fire and a radiation release. The Department of Energy released a recovery plan for the plant on Sept. 30, and it is currently finalizing a report on the cause of the radiation release. "This is critical funding that is absolutely necessary to move forward with cleanup and recovery at WIPP and so we can resume shipments of waste from Los Alamos," Udall said. "These funds will help us move toward a safe reopening of WIPP, which not only provides jobs in the state, but is pivotal to both our national security and our energy security. WIPP is our nation's only permanent repository for transuranic waste, and I will continue to work with the state and the Department of Energy to ensure we get the facility up and running safely and soon." "Our nation's security relies heavily on the important work being done at WIPP. Not only is the facility an integral part of the environmental cleanup of Cold War programs at Department of Energy defense sites around the country, including Los Alamos, it also supports many jobs in New Mexico," said Heinrich. "This extra funding …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-324-million-for-wipp-cleanup-recovery	Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery	2014-12-22	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 22, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce $324 Million for WIPP Cleanup, Recovery Legislation signed by president includes $104 million more than administration's budget request WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation providing $324 million for recovery and operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, N.M. Earlier this year, Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich had requested the funding to ensure recovery efforts can continue so the facility can safely resume operation and accept waste from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The funding was included in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds the government through the end of the fiscal year, and was signed into law by President Obama last week. WIPP has been closed since February following two separate accidents, a fire and a radiation release. The Department of Energy released a recovery plan for the plant on Sept. 30, and it is currently finalizing a report on the cause of the radiation release. "This is critical funding that is absolutely necessary to move forward with cleanup and recovery at WIPP and so we can resume shipments of waste from Los Alamos," Udall said. "These funds will help us move toward a safe reopening of WIPP, which not only provides jobs in the state, but is pivotal to both our national security and our energy security. WIPP is our nation's only permanent repository for transuranic waste, and I will continue to work with the state and the Department of Energy to ensure we get the facility up and running safely and soon." "Our nation's security relies heavily on the important work being done at WIPP. Not only is the facility an integral part of the environmental cleanup of Cold War programs at Department of Energy defense sites around the country, including Los Alamos, it also supports many jobs in …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141230080633/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1829	Holiday Reflections [blog]	2014-12-19	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	web.archive.org	legacy	The holidays are a wonderful time of year, when we reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the next. It's also a time to think about family and friends. New Mexico has a proud tradition of military service, and many of us have family serving far away. Please join Jill and me in sending our warmest thanks to the service members who are far from their family and friends this holiday season. We've had an eventful year in Congress, and I'm pleased with the progress we made for New Mexico, especially in the last month. Congress has approved critical legislation, which I pushed hard for as a member of the Appropriations Committee and that is vital for New Mexico. The bill ensures stable budgets for Sandia and Los Alamos national labs, funds important water projects across the state, sustains key projects at our military bases, takes important steps to improve veterans' services – especially for those living in rural communities, and fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program – which helps ensure counties can provide local services New Mexicans rely on, such as schools, roads, and public safety. The legislation also makes important progress on an issue I have championed – improving technology transfer from our national labs. Tech transfer is an important way to create new businesses and jobs from the valuable work being done at Los Alamos and Sandia, and I'm excited we're making progress. Another positive step was passage of a critical defense bill, which will strengthen New Mexico's military bases and federal defense installations and support our nation's service members and their families. In addition, I'm very proud that we approved several landmark public lands provisions that I have worked on for many years. Creating the Columbine Hondo wilderness near Wheeler Peak, making the Valles Caldera a unit of the National Park Service, and creating a Manhattan Project National Historical Park will allow us to preserve some of our state's most special landscapes and historic legacies, while boosting tourism …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-editorial-public-a-winner-in-hunt-for-more-valles-caldera-access	Albuquerque Journal: Editorial: Public a winner in hunt for more Valles Caldera access	2014-12-19	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Albuquerque Journal: Editorial: Public a winner in hunt for more Valles Caldera access Friday, December 19, 2014 One of New Mexico’s magnificent pieces of public real estate is a winner in legislation President Obama is expected to sign. By extension, New Mexicans are winners, too, gaining more access to the breathtaking Valles Caldera for recreation and economic benefits from increased tourism. Since 2002, the 89,000-acre preserve located inside a volcanic caldera in northern New Mexico has been administered by a presidentially appointed board of trustees. The U.S. government purchased it in 2000 from the Texas-based Dunigan family. Under terms of the enabling legislation passed by Congress, the Valles Caldera Preservation Act, the trust was charged with operating it as a working ranch, protecting its natural and cultural resources, and providing limited recreational opportunities. Transfer of management of Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service has been sought by former and current New Mexico congressional delegations. Former Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici sponsored legislation in the past, and Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich sponsored current legislation that was wrapped into the defense authorization bill. “With today’s vote, we are protecting some of the most beloved landscapes in New Mexico,” Udall said when the U.S. Senate passed the bill that included designating the 45,000-acre Columbine-Hondo area in Taos County as wilderness and expanding the Wheeler Peak Wilderness by about 650 acres. Heinrich called its passage historic. The legislation would mandate increased public access for hunting and fishing, and it’s hoped that access for other recreational uses – such as horseback riding, hiking and picnicking – will be expanded, too. The transfer puts the preserve in the hands of people with experience managing pub…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/holiday-reflections	Holiday Reflections	2014-12-19	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 19, 2014 Holiday Reflections The holidays are a wonderful time of year, when we reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the next. It's also a time to think about family and friends. New Mexico has a proud tradition of military service, and many of us have family serving far away. Please join Jill and me in sending our warmest thanks to the service members who are far from their family and friends this holiday season. We've had an eventful year in Congress, and I'm pleased with the progress we made for New Mexico, especially in the last month. Congress has approved critical legislation, which I pushed hard for as a member of the Appropriations Committee and that is vital for New Mexico. The bill ensures stable budgets for Sandia and Los Alamos national labs, funds important water projects across the state, sustains key projects at our military bases, takes important steps to improve veterans' services especially for those living in rural communities, and fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program which helps ensure counties can provide local services New Mexicans rely on, such as schools, roads, and public safety. The legislation also makes important progress on an issue I have championed improving technology transfer from our national labs. Tech transfer is an important way to create new businesses and jobs from the valuable work being done at Los Alamos and Sandia, and I'm excited we're making progress. Another positive step was passage of a critical defense bill, which will strengthen New Mexico's military bases and federal defense installations and support our nation's service members and their families. In addition, I'm very proud that we approved several landmark public lands provisions that I have worked on for many years. Creating the Columbine Hondo wilderness near Wheeler Peak, making the Valles Caldera a unit of the National Park Service, and creating a Manhattan Project National Historical Park will allow us to preserve some of our state's most special landscapes…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1830	Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties [press_release]	2014-12-18	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties PILT helps counties provide services New Mexicans rely on, including schools and public safety WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation that fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT) for 2015. New Mexico counties rely on PILT to provide services, including schools, roads, and public safety. Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich are strong advocates for the PILT program because of how important it is to New Mexico communities, and they have pushed hard to ensure funding would be available in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds federal government programs through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. Passage of the bill means individual counties will receive PILT payments, on schedule, in June. Last year, all but one of New Mexico's counties received funding through the program - a total of $37 million. "The security of next year's PILT funding is a relief for New Mexico's counties, because the PILT program helps provide New Mexicans in almost every county with critical services like police, fire protection, and education - contributing more than $37 million this year alone," Udall said. "Our local governments rely on PILT to create jobs and pay for basic services, and that's why I pushed so hard as a member of the Appropriations Committee to secure these critical payments for next year. PILT is part of the federal government's obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land, and I'll continue making the case in Congress for why we must fund it well into the future." "Our effort to restore funding for the PILT program is a major victory for rural New Mexico. Many communities throughout New Mexico rely on PILT funds to provide better schools, maintain inf…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-critical-pilt-funding-for-new-mexico-counties	Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties	2014-12-18	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties PILT helps counties provide services New Mexicans rely on, including schools and public safety Thursday, December 18, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation that fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT) for 2015. New Mexico counties rely on PILT to provide services, including schools, roads, and public safety. Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich are strong advocates for the PILT program because of how important it is to New Mexico communities, and they have pushed hard to ensure funding would be available in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds federal government programs through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. Passage of the bill means individual counties will receive PILT payments, on schedule, in June. Last year, all but one of New Mexico's counties received funding through the program — a total of $37 million. “The security of next year’s PILT funding is a relief for New Mexico's counties, because the PILT program helps provide New Mexicans in almost every county with critical services like police, fire protection, and education — contributing more than $37 million this year alone,” Udall said. “Our local governments rely on PILT to create jobs and pay for basic services, and that's why I pushed so hard as a member of the Appropriations Committee to secure these critical payments for next year. PILT is part of the federal government's obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land, and I'll continue making the case in Congress for why we must fund it well into the future.” "Our effort to restore funding for the PILT program is a major victory for rural New Mexico. Many communities throughout New Mexico rely on PILT funds to provide better schools, maintain infrastructure, and support thousands of local jobs," Heinri…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-critical-pilt-funding-for-new-mexico-counties	Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties	2014-12-18	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Secure Critical PILT Funding for New Mexico Counties PILT helps counties provide services New Mexicans rely on, including schools and public safety WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the president has signed legislation that fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT) for 2015. New Mexico counties rely on PILT to provide services, including schools, roads, and public safety. Udall, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Heinrich are strong advocates for the PILT program because of how important it is to New Mexico communities, and they have pushed hard to ensure funding would be available in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds federal government programs through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. Passage of the bill means individual counties will receive PILT payments, on schedule, in June. Last year, all but one of New Mexico's counties received funding through the program - a total of $37 million. "The security of next year's PILT funding is a relief for New Mexico's counties, because the PILT program helps provide New Mexicans in almost every county with critical services like police, fire protection, and education - contributing more than $37 million this year alone," Udall said. "Our local governments rely on PILT to create jobs and pay for basic services, and that's why I pushed so hard as a member of the Appropriations Committee to secure these critical payments for next year. PILT is part of the federal government's obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land, and I'll continue making the case in Congress for why we must fund it well into the future." "Our effort to restore funding for the PILT program is a major victory for rural New Mexico. Many communities throughout New Mexico rely on PILT funds to provide better schools, maintain inf…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1828	Udall Statement on Relations with Cuba and Release of Alan Gross [press_release]	2014-12-17	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2014 Udall Statement on Relations with Cuba and Release of Alan Gross WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released a statement today on the president's announcement that he has taken steps to normalize relations with the country of Cuba and has secured the release of American prisoner Alan Gross, who had been held in a Cuban jail since 2009. In November, Udall traveled to Cuba with Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) where they met with Cuban officials as well as religious and business leaders to discuss the impacts of the embargo and travel restrictions on American and Cuban families. Udall also visited Alan Gross in prison and expressed optimism that he would be released soon. Below is Udall's statement: "I am happy for Alan Gross and his family today, and we welcome him home after 5 years of incarceration in Cuba. I applaud the president in his efforts to return him to his family and for taking steps to normalize relations with Cuba. Now is the time to end the failed embargo against Cuba and to take steps to normalize relations. This is a sea change as our nation is finally embarking on a 21st century approach with Cuba, one that will open opportunities for New Mexicans and other American interests in Cuba. American citizens are the best diplomats of our values and I hope their future interactions shine through with the Cuban people. It is time to act, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Obama administration, to build upon this announcement and move forward to lift the embargo on Cuba, which has only served to isolate the Cuban people and limit American opportunity." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-cuba-policy-changes-and-release-of-alan-gross	Heinrich Statement On Cuba Policy Changes And Release Of Alan Gross	2014-12-17	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Statement On Cuba Policy Changes And Release Of Alan Gross Wednesday, December 17, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) made the following statement today regarding President Obama's announcement of changes he's made to the economic and diplomatic relationship between the United States and Cuba, and the release of American prisoner Alan Gross, who had been held in a Cuban jail since 2009: "Today marks a welcome change of course in our nation’s relationship with Cuba. I support the Administration's decision to abandon an outdated Cold War policy of isolation that failed to advance America’s goal of an open and free society for the Cuban people. This new course is consistent with our national security interests, and will help make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba and increase economic opportunities. But more importantly, I hope this change in course will lead to more progress in reversing the Cuban government’s history of suppressing the human rights and other civil freedoms of its citizens. “The release of U.S. citizen Alan Gross is wonderful news. I’m pleased he is home safe and reunited with his family after five years of imprisonment.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-relations-with-cuba-and-release-of-alan-gross	Udall Statement on Relations with Cuba and Release of Alan Gross	2014-12-17	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2014 Udall Statement on Relations with Cuba and Release of Alan Gross WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released a statement today on the president's announcement that he has taken steps to normalize relations with the country of Cuba and has secured the release of American prisoner Alan Gross, who had been held in a Cuban jail since 2009. In November, Udall traveled to Cuba with Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) where they met with Cuban officials as well as religious and business leaders to discuss the impacts of the embargo and travel restrictions on American and Cuban families. Udall also visited Alan Gross in prison and expressed optimism that he would be released soon. Below is Udall's statement: "I am happy for Alan Gross and his family today, and we welcome him home after 5 years of incarceration in Cuba. I applaud the president in his efforts to return him to his family and for taking steps to normalize relations with Cuba. Now is the time to end the failed embargo against Cuba and to take steps to normalize relations. This is a sea change as our nation is finally embarking on a 21st century approach with Cuba, one that will open opportunities for New Mexicans and other American interests in Cuba. American citizens are the best diplomats of our values and I hope their future interactions shine through with the Cuban people. It is time to act, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Obama administration, to build upon this announcement and move forward to lift the embargo on Cuba, which has only served to isolate the Cuban people and limit American opportunity." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1827	Udall Welcomes Passage of Bill to Begin Reform of Federal Information Technology Systems [press_release]	2014-12-16	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 16, 2014 Udall Welcomes Passage of Bill to Begin Reform of Federal Information Technology Systems Udall authored reform legislation to improve how citizens interact with government, save billions of taxpayers dollars, increase transparency in IT purchasing WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, today announced that a bill he has helped champion in Congress, to begin needed reforms of federal information technology (IT) purchasing and management, has passed Congress as a part of major defense legislation. The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) passed last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). FITARA is designed to improve the way citizens interact with the federal government, save billions of taxpayers' dollars, and increase transparency in IT purchasing. The legislation includes major elements of a bill Udall introduced with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the Federal Information Technology Savings, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2013. The bill is set to be signed into law by the president. The federal government spends approximately $80 billion annually on IT, yet those investments continue to underperform, often incurring considerable cost overruns and delays. FITARA will improve how the federal government acquires, implements and manages its information technology investments by giving agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) more authority over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for agency Information Technology investments, and by improving transparency and review processes of agency IT investments. "The number one way most Americans interact with the federal government is online, but our purchasing and management systems date back to the days of floppy disks and telephone modems, and it's wasting billions of taxpayer …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-graduate-presents-research	Albuquerque Journal: Graduate presents research	2014-12-16	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Albuquerque Journal: Graduate presents research By: Journal Staff Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Mesalands Community College graduate Donald Price this fall presented his undergraduate research on fossils collected in Quay County at the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) National Poster Session at the Hart Senate Building in Washington, D.C. Only 43 students across the country were invited to present research at the event, and Price was the only one from New Mexico. Price graduated from Mesalands in 2010 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Natural Sciences with a Paleontology Option. He recently completed a 6-month internship at the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory. He now is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Colorado-Boulder. “I am grateful to the many people who have guided and supported my interests,” Price said in a news release. “I may not know what my future holds, but I can safely say that what I learned at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory, has laid the ground work for my future success.” At the CCURI National Poster Session, Price presented his research, called “Osteoderms of Machaeroprosopus gregorii Described and Compared to Modern Analogues.” Osteoderms are the armor plates of phytosaurs, Mesalands said in a news release. Phytosaurs were animals closely related to the common ancestor of birds and visually resembled the modern crocodile. Phytosaurs lived in the Late Triassic Period, approximately 206 million years ago. Many of the specimens Price used in his research were collected in Quay County by students participating in the paleontology field research classes. Gretchen Gurtler, Director of th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/heinrich-pushing-tech-transfer-possibilities-on-senate-armed-services-committee	Heinrich pushing tech-transfer possibilities on Senate Armed Services Committee	2014-12-16	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Albuquerque Business First: Heinrich pushing tech-transfer possibilities on Senate Armed Services Committee By: Dan Mayfield Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) says he'll now be in a position to protect New Mexico's military presence better as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. New Mexico is home to Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Cannon Air Force Base, Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, two major national laboratories and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The committee oversees these installations, which provide 50,000 jobs with an annual economic impact of $13 billion across the state. The facilities cut across the defense spectrum, from the Departments of Energy and Defense to the National Nuclear Security Administration. "At our DOD and NNSA facilities, we're always thinking about forward-thinking missions, and thinking ahead, and whether that's Holloman or Kirtland is relevant to the future," Heinrich told Business First on Tuesday. "It makes it easier to defend new missions and defend what we have." As a member of the committee, he said he's focusing on three main "buckets" of priorities: protecting the missions of the state's facilities, creating more technology-transfer opportunities and developing space-leadership opportunities, which is a major mission of Kirtland Air Force Base. "You continue to protect and develop what you have, and at the same time try to build the private-sector ecosystem that in my view has been underdeveloped around that," he said. " Technology transfer hasn't been fully developed. The more we can do to take advantage of the services and the business on the outside of the gates is the way to buffer you from the ups and downs of federa…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-praise-confirmation-of-nms-estevan-lopez-as-commissioner-of-bureau-of-reclamation	Udall, Heinrich Praise Confirmation of N.M.'s Estevan López as Commissioner of Bureau of Reclamation	2014-12-16	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Praise Confirmation of N.M.'s Estevan López as Commissioner of Bureau of Reclamation Tuesday, December 16, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in confirming Estevan López, a native New Mexican, as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. López, who previously served as the Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, replaces former Commissioner and fellow New Mexican, Michael Connor, who was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Interior in February. "Water is a defining issue in New Mexico and across the Western United States today, and the Bureau of Reclamation plays a critical role in meeting the water demands of the West, given competing needs and limited water resources," Udall said. "As a veteran water manager with more than two decades of experience handling water issues in both the public and private sectors at the local and state level, Estevan López has a solid grasp of policy and a sharp intellect that will enable him to successfully step into the vital role of Commissioner at the Bureau of Reclamation. Estevan has worked under both Republican and Democratic administrations in New Mexico, and demonstrated his great ability to work with diverse groups to find solutions to complex issues. He has a deep-rooted desire to solve water problems, and I look forward to working with him to address the immense challenges facing New Mexico and the West." “The Bureau of Reclamation is at the center of managing a variety of interests to address our nation's water needs. With important water projects across the West that affect our communities, tribes, local farmers, and wildlife habitat, we need a skilled commissioner at the helm," Heinrich said. "Estevan López’s experience as a water manager in New Mexico gives him the keen understanding needed to tackle our most pressing water issues, such as severe drought, devastating floods, and the need for smart water management into the f…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-passage-of-bill-to-begin-reform-of-federal-information-technology-systems	Udall Welcomes Passage of Bill to Begin Reform of Federal Information Technology Systems	2014-12-16	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 16, 2014 Udall Welcomes Passage of Bill to Begin Reform of Federal Information Technology Systems Udall authored reform legislation to improve how citizens interact with government, save billions of taxpayers dollars, increase transparency in IT purchasing WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, today announced that a bill he has helped champion in Congress, to begin needed reforms of federal information technology (IT) purchasing and management, has passed Congress as a part of major defense legislation. The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) passed last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). FITARA is designed to improve the way citizens interact with the federal government, save billions of taxpayers' dollars, and increase transparency in IT purchasing. The legislation includes major elements of a bill Udall introduced with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the Federal Information Technology Savings, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2013. The bill is set to be signed into law by the president. The federal government spends approximately $80 billion annually on IT, yet those investments continue to underperform, often incurring considerable cost overruns and delays. FITARA will improve how the federal government acquires, implements and manages its information technology investments by giving agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) more authority over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for agency Information Technology investments, and by improving transparency and review processes of agency IT investments. "The number one way most Americans interact with the federal government is online, but our purchasing and management systems date back to the days of floppy disks and telephone modems, and it's wasting billions of taxpayer d…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1825	Udall Secures Technology Transfer Provisions for N.M. Labs in Major Legislation [press_release]	2014-12-15	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 15, 2014 Udall Secures Technology Transfer Provisions for N.M. Labs in Major Legislation Provisions in defense and appropriations bills increase funding and direct Energy Department to emphasize tech transfer WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that two major bills passed by Congress last week include key reforms he has championed to improve technology transfer at New Mexico's national laboratories and create new businesses and jobs in New Mexico. Udall is pushing the federal government to improve its tech transfer efforts to bring to market research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs as well as White Sands Missile Range and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base. In March 2014, he introduced the Accelerating Technology Transfer to Advance Innovation for the Nation (ATTAIN) Act to further improve DOE's tech transfer program. While he will keep pushing for passage of the full bill, the two provisions approved last week will help implement elements of his legislation. "Improving tech transfer is key to helping researchers get innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. It's one important way we can help create new businesses and high-tech jobs in New Mexico," Udall said. "The Department of Energy hasn't been doing nearly enough with tech transfer, but with the passage of these provisions, we're making progress. These bills direct the Department of Energy to prioritize spending on technology transfer from our national labs and support pilot projects to encourage researchers to take the leap and create businesses based on their work." Udall pushed for the technology transfer provisions to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds the federal government through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. Both the NDAA and the "omnibus" passed Con…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-secures-technology-transfer-provisions-for-nm-labs-in-major-legislation	Udall Secures Technology Transfer Provisions for N.M. Labs in Major Legislation	2014-12-15	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 15, 2014 Udall Secures Technology Transfer Provisions for N.M. Labs in Major Legislation Provisions in defense and appropriations bills increase funding and direct Energy Department to emphasize tech transfer WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that two major bills passed by Congress last week include key reforms he has championed to improve technology transfer at New Mexico's national laboratories and create new businesses and jobs in New Mexico. Udall is pushing the federal government to improve its tech transfer efforts to bring to market research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs as well as White Sands Missile Range and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base. In March 2014, he introduced the Accelerating Technology Transfer to Advance Innovation for the Nation (ATTAIN) Act to further improve DOE's tech transfer program. While he will keep pushing for passage of the full bill, the two provisions approved last week will help implement elements of his legislation. "Improving tech transfer is key to helping researchers get innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. It's one important way we can help create new businesses and high-tech jobs in New Mexico," Udall said. "The Department of Energy hasn't been doing nearly enough with tech transfer, but with the passage of these provisions, we're making progress. These bills direct the Department of Energy to prioritize spending on technology transfer from our national labs and support pilot projects to encourage researchers to take the leap and create businesses based on their work." Udall pushed for the technology transfer provisions to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and in the so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which funds the federal government through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. Both the NDAA and the "omnibus" passed Con…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1826	Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities [press_release]	2014-12-14	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 14, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities Appropriations bill funds PILT, lab programs including B61, N.M. military bases, WIPP recovery, technology transfer, water projects and other programs WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich last night joined the full Senate in voting 56-40 for a so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill to fund the government, including critical New Mexico programs, through September 2015, the end of the Fiscal Year. The bill includes full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which helps pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other local government services New Mexicans rely on. It also provides over $100 million in additional funding to continue recovery from the radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), as well as continued work on the B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction and projects at Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; technology transfer to help stimulate job growth; rural water projects; and public lands programs. Udall said: "This bill includes critical funding for New Mexico, to sustain our national labs and military bases, continue recovery at WIPP, and ensure New Mexicans can count on basic government services like schools, public safety, roads and so many other needs. I'm extremely disappointed that this bill also contains measures that weaken campaign finance laws and roll back Wall Street reforms. Our duty is to the American people-not Wall Street billionaires and bankers. But at the end of the day, I could not risk a government shutdown. I will continue to do everything I can as a member of the Appropriations Committee to get Congress back to working for New Mexico and the American people. The American people deserve better than this broken process. They deserv…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/santa-fe-new-mexican-commentary-us-must-never-torture-again	Santa Fe New Mexican: Commentary: U.S. must never torture again	2014-12-14	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Santa Fe New Mexican: Commentary: U.S. must never torture again By: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Sunday, December 14, 2014 Torture is wrong. It is un-American, and it doesn’t work. Recognizing this, the president signed an executive order in 2009 that limited interrogations by any American personnel to the guidelines in the Army Field Manual, reinforcing our commitment to the Geneva Conventions. This closed the book on the Bush administration’s interrogation program. But make no mistake. These weren’t just “enhanced interrogations.” This was torture. Releasing the Senate Intelligence Committee’s study of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program to the American people will finally provide a thorough accounting of what happened and how it happened, and ensure that it never, ever happens again. This was a grave chapter in our history. The actions taken under this program cost our nation global credibility, and they put the lives of Americans at risk. Some have suggested that releasing this report could put American lives at risk. But let’s be clear, it has been the use of torture that puts Americans unnecessarily in harm’s way. There is no question that there would never be a “good time” to release this study. We all know that for months now, terrorists in the extremist group Islamic State have been kidnapping and barbarically killing innocent Americans because of what we, as a nation, stand for. The response to their threats and terrorism should not be for us to change our American values. It should be to stand firm in our values and work with our allies to root out extremism and terrorism in all its forms. The release of this study will finally let us face what was done in the name of the America…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-bill-to-fund-nm-priorities	Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities	2014-12-14	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities Appropriations bill funds PILT, lab programs including B61, N.M. military bases, WIPP recovery, technology transfer, water projects and other programs Sunday, December 14, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate in voting 56-40 for a so-called “omnibus” appropriations bill to fund the government, including critical New Mexico programs, through September 2015, the end of the Fiscal Year. The bill includes full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which helps pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other local government services New Mexicans rely on. It also provides over $100 million in additional funding to continue recovery from the radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), as well as continued work on the B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction and projects at Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; technology transfer to help stimulate job growth; rural water projects; and public lands programs. Udall said: “This bill includes critical funding for New Mexico, to sustain our national labs and military bases, continue recovery at WIPP, and ensure New Mexicans can count on basic government services like schools, public safety, roads and so many other needs. I’m extremely disappointed that this bill also contains measures that weaken campaign finance laws and roll back Wall Street reforms. Our duty is to the American people—not Wall Street billionaires and bankers. But at the end of the day, I could not risk a government shutdown. I will continue to do everything I can as a member of the Appropriations Committee to get Congress back to working for New Mexico and the American people. The American people deserve better than this broken process. They deserve a Congress that works—that is open and deliberate—n…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-bill-to-fund-nm-priorities	Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities	2014-12-14	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 14, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Bill to Fund N.M. Priorities Appropriations bill funds PILT, lab programs including B61, N.M. military bases, WIPP recovery, technology transfer, water projects and other programs WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich last night joined the full Senate in voting 56-40 for a so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill to fund the government, including critical New Mexico programs, through September 2015, the end of the Fiscal Year. The bill includes full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which helps pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other local government services New Mexicans rely on. It also provides over $100 million in additional funding to continue recovery from the radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), as well as continued work on the B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction and projects at Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; technology transfer to help stimulate job growth; rural water projects; and public lands programs. Udall said: "This bill includes critical funding for New Mexico, to sustain our national labs and military bases, continue recovery at WIPP, and ensure New Mexicans can count on basic government services like schools, public safety, roads and so many other needs. I'm extremely disappointed that this bill also contains measures that weaken campaign finance laws and roll back Wall Street reforms. Our duty is to the American people-not Wall Street billionaires and bankers. But at the end of the day, I could not risk a government shutdown. I will continue to do everything I can as a member of the Appropriations Committee to get Congress back to working for New Mexico and the American people. The American people deserve better than this broken process. They deserv…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1822	Udall, Barrasso Energy Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk [press_release]	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall, Barrasso Energy Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk Bipartisan bill included in NDAA will streamline oil and gas permitting on federal lands, strengthen environmental compliance WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-WY) welcomed the Senate's passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included their bill to permanently reauthorize and reform a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) balance complex demands, including oil and gas permitting and environmental management, in New Mexico, Wyoming and other parts of the West. The bipartisan BLM Permit Processing Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2440), which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 16, 2014, was subsequently included as section 3021 of the NDAA. The Act extends a pilot program from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which has helped the BLM reduce a backlog of oil and gas permit applications and streamline the permitting process in BLM offices in Farmington and Carlsbad, N.M., and Rawlins and Casper, WY, and other states. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives on December 4, and following today's vote, is headed to the President's desk for his signature. "The BLM permit processing bill is good for New Mexico, which relies on the revenue associated with oil and gas development to support our economy and create jobs," Udall said. "By providing the resources for environmentally responsible development, this section will provide certainty to industry and the BLM, support our nation's energy independence, and promote a ‘do it all, do it right' energy policy. Senator Barrasso, Senator Heinrich, and our bipartisan group of cosponsors have been great partners in moving these provisions forward, and I look forward to seeing the President sign this bill." "Our local BLM offices play a vital role in making sure Wyoming remains a l…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1823	Udall to Join Senate Commerce Committee [press_release]	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall to Join Senate Commerce Committee Assignment positions Udall to fight for issues critical to N.M. communities: Trade, broadband Internet, space, technology transfer, consumer safety WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that beginning in January 2015 (the 114th Congress), he will return to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Udall will also serve on the Senate Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Indian Affairs, and Rules committees. Udall previously served on the Commerce Committee from 2009-2012. "Returning to the Commerce Committee, in combination with my other committee assignments, puts me in an exciting position to fight for issues that will help create jobs and build New Mexico's economy - from trade and transportation to technology and the rapidly evolving space industry. "I believe New Mexico has all the building blocks for a strong high-tech sector, including our universities and research facilities, entrepreneurs and established companies that want to commercialize new technologies. Now is the time to encourage innovation and investments that will benefit our state and national economy for years to come. "We are also at a critical point in the expansion of broadband Internet, which is vital for small business, education and health care, particularly in rural communities. I intend to use my position to step up the fight to ensure every community in New Mexico has high-speed Internet access. "Finally, since my days as New Mexico's Attorney General, I have worked to strengthen consumer protection. I'm proud of my contributions to keep drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel, improve youth sports safety, prevent cell phone ‘bill shock,' and protect consumers from fraud, and the Commerce Committee gives me a position to fight to ensure New Mexicans have the tools they need to protect themselves and their families." The Commerce, Science…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1824	Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package [press_release]	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded the passage of a historic public lands package today. Several conservation and energy bills championed by the senators were included in the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act. The end of year package passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 11 and now goes to the President for his signature. "This is an exciting day for everyone who enjoys public lands and parks in New Mexico. With today's vote we are protecting some of the most beloved landscapes in New Mexico and establishing a program allowing the BLM to improve its operations in Carlsbad and Farmington," Udall said. "Scores of New Mexicans deserve credit for helping us get these bills across the finish line -- from former Senator Bingaman, who first introduced them, to the diverse group of sportsmen, conservationists, local business people and others who have put years of hard work into them. Protecting these special and important places will increase tourism and create jobs in the surrounding communities while ensuring New Mexicans can enjoy them for generations to come." "This is a historic moment and absolutely critical for jobs across the western United States and particularly in New Mexico. The public lands package will help grow our economy in the energy, tourism, sporting and recreation sectors. And new wilderness and National Park Service units will continue to make New Mexico a unmatched destination for world travelers as well as for the local families who have known for centuries that New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment," Heinrich said. "None of this would be possible were it not for years of effort and support from the local communities that helped craft these bills. Together, we have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards of our shared culture and our natural world." Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-secures-key-provisions-in-defense-spending-bill__	Heinrich Secures Key Provisions In Defense Spending Bill	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Secures Key Provisions In Defense Spending Bill Friday, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) key provisions to strengthen national security and New Mexico's military bases, and boost New Mexico's economy were included in the final passage of the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA sets the Department of Defense (DOD) spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 11 and now goes to the President for his signature. "Passing the National Defense Authorization Act reflects a commitment to military readiness and upholding our responsibility to our service members and their families," said Sen. Heinrich. "Furthermore, it has significant positive implications for New Mexico given our state's pivotal role in our national security. I'm pleased that this bill includes provisions I fought for, including maintaining the ORS mission at Kirtland Air Force Base, funding military construction projects that serve our troops and create jobs, and strengthening the partnership between the film industry and New Mexico's military installations. These investments will continue New Mexico's tradition of protecting our nation and spurring innovation." Heinrich fought to include the following provisions in the FY15 NDAA: Military Equitable Reimbursement Act (S. 1669): Senator Heinrich introduced a bill with Senator Vitter (R-La.) that would allow the DOD to retain payments for costs incurred during support of non-governmental film productions. Currently, DOD units can accept reimbursement for expenses associated with the use of military assets for production. However, due to ambiguity in existing law, there is uncertainty about whether DOD components, including installations like White Sands Missile Range, are eligible to keep these payments. As a result of Senator Heinrich's legislation, military installations will be able to retain payment. Operationally Responsive Spac…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-serve-on-senate-armed-services-committee-	Heinrich To Serve On Senate Armed Services Committee	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich To Serve On Senate Armed Services Committee Position will be instrumental in Senator’s commitment to New Mexico Friday, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after receiving an assignment to serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. Senator Heinrich currently serves, and will continue to serve, on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources, Intelligence, and Joint Economic Committees. "I look forward to serving on the Senate Armed Service Committee to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep our nation safe and to fulfill the promises we've made to those who serve. There are a number of evolving national security challenges that the United States and our allies must confront around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. This committee will be instrumental in crafting the policies and the budget to confront those challenges. "New Mexico is home to several military installations -- Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Cannon Air Force Base, Fort Bliss, and White Sands Missile Range -- and two major national laboratories and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. New Mexico plays a pivotal role in our national security, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for our personnel and missions in my role on this committee." The Senate Democratic Steering Committee today announced Democratic Committee memberships for the 114th Congress, which are subject to ratification by the caucus and the Senate when Congress convenes in January. For more information about the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, visit: http://armed-services.senate.gov	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-momentous-gains-for-new-mexico-with-passage-of-public-lands-package	Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package Friday, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) applauded the passage of a historic public lands package today. Several conservation and energy bills championed by the senators were included in the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act. The end of year package passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 11 and now goes to the President for his signature. "This is an exciting day for everyone who enjoys public lands and parks in New Mexico. With today's vote we are protecting some of the most beloved landscapes in New Mexico and establishing a program allowing the BLM to improve its operations in Carlsbad and Farmington," Udall said. "Scores of New Mexicans deserve credit for helping us get these bills across the finish line -- from former Senator Bingaman, who first introduced them, to the diverse group of sportsmen, conservationists, local business people and others who have put years of hard work into them. Protecting these special and important places will increase tourism and create jobs in the surrounding communities while ensuring New Mexicans can enjoy them for generations to come." "This is a historic moment and absolutely critical for jobs across the western United States and particularly in New Mexico. The public lands package will help grow our economy in the energy, tourism, sporting and recreation sectors. And new wilderness and National Park Service units will continue to make New Mexico a unmatched destination for world travelers as well as for the local families who have known for centuries that New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment," Heinrich said. "None of this would be possible were it not for years of effort and support from the local communities that helped craft these bills. Together, we have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards of our shared culture and our natural world." Senator…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-barrasso-energy-bill-passes-senate-heads-to-president-and-146s-desk	Udall, Barrasso Energy Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall, Barrasso Energy Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk Bipartisan bill included in NDAA will streamline oil and gas permitting on federal lands, strengthen environmental compliance WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-WY) welcomed the Senate's passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included their bill to permanently reauthorize and reform a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) balance complex demands, including oil and gas permitting and environmental management, in New Mexico, Wyoming and other parts of the West. The bipartisan BLM Permit Processing Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2440), which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 16, 2014, was subsequently included as section 3021 of the NDAA. The Act extends a pilot program from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which has helped the BLM reduce a backlog of oil and gas permit applications and streamline the permitting process in BLM offices in Farmington and Carlsbad, N.M., and Rawlins and Casper, WY, and other states. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives on December 4, and following today's vote, is headed to the President's desk for his signature. "The BLM permit processing bill is good for New Mexico, which relies on the revenue associated with oil and gas development to support our economy and create jobs," Udall said. "By providing the resources for environmentally responsible development, this section will provide certainty to industry and the BLM, support our nation's energy independence, and promote a do it all, do it right' energy policy. Senator Barrasso, Senator Heinrich, and our bipartisan group of cosponsors have been great partners in moving these provisions forward, and I look forward to seeing the President sign this bill." "Our local BLM offices play a vital role in making sure Wyoming remains a lea…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-momentous-gains-for-new-mexico-with-passage-of-public-lands-package	Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce Momentous Gains For New Mexico With Passage Of Public Lands Package WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded the passage of a historic public lands package today. Several conservation and energy bills championed by the senators were included in the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act. The end of year package passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 11 and now goes to the President for his signature. "This is an exciting day for everyone who enjoys public lands and parks in New Mexico. With today's vote we are protecting some of the most beloved landscapes in New Mexico and establishing a program allowing the BLM to improve its operations in Carlsbad and Farmington," Udall said. "Scores of New Mexicans deserve credit for helping us get these bills across the finish line -- from former Senator Bingaman, who first introduced them, to the diverse group of sportsmen, conservationists, local business people and others who have put years of hard work into them. Protecting these special and important places will increase tourism and create jobs in the surrounding communities while ensuring New Mexicans can enjoy them for generations to come." "This is a historic moment and absolutely critical for jobs across the western United States and particularly in New Mexico. The public lands package will help grow our economy in the energy, tourism, sporting and recreation sectors. And new wilderness and National Park Service units will continue to make New Mexico a unmatched destination for world travelers as well as for the local families who have known for centuries that New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment," Heinrich said. "None of this would be possible were it not for years of effort and support from the local communities that helped craft these bills. Together, we have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards of our shared culture and our natural world." Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-to-join-senate-commerce-committee	Udall to Join Senate Commerce Committee	2014-12-12	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2014 Udall to Join Senate Commerce Committee Assignment positions Udall to fight for issues critical to N.M. communities: Trade, broadband Internet, space, technology transfer, consumer safety WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that beginning in January 2015 (the 114th Congress), he will return to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Udall will also serve on the Senate Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Indian Affairs, and Rules committees. Udall previously served on the Commerce Committee from 2009-2012. "Returning to the Commerce Committee, in combination with my other committee assignments, puts me in an exciting position to fight for issues that will help create jobs and build New Mexico's economy - from trade and transportation to technology and the rapidly evolving space industry. "I believe New Mexico has all the building blocks for a strong high-tech sector, including our universities and research facilities, entrepreneurs and established companies that want to commercialize new technologies. Now is the time to encourage innovation and investments that will benefit our state and national economy for years to come. "We are also at a critical point in the expansion of broadband Internet, which is vital for small business, education and health care, particularly in rural communities. I intend to use my position to step up the fight to ensure every community in New Mexico has high-speed Internet access. "Finally, since my days as New Mexico's Attorney General, I have worked to strengthen consumer protection. I'm proud of my contributions to keep drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel, improve youth sports safety, prevent cell phone bill shock,' and protect consumers from fraud, and the Commerce Committee gives me a position to fight to ensure New Mexicans have the tools they need to protect themselves and their families." The Commerce, Science,…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1821	Udall Votes for Authorization of Military Force Against ISIS [press_release]	2014-12-11	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2014 Udall Votes for Authorization of Military Force Against ISIS Offers two bipartisan amendments to limit AUMF to 1 year and restrict war to Iraq and Syria WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined the full committee to debate and pass a resolution authorizing war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for three years. During the hearing, Udall offered two amendments with Senator Rand Paul (R-Kent.): to limit the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to just one year, and to ensure the use of force doesn't extend beyond Iraq and Syria without congressional approval. Both amendments were unsuccessful. Udall issued the following statement after the hearing: "ISIS is a brutal terrorist group that poses a real threat to security in the region and to our nation, and the military action we have taken in Operation Inherent Resolve was necessary to prevent genocide and protect our interests and those of our allies in the Middle East. But I'm concerned that we're on the verge of a third Iraq War - this time against a terrorist organization, not a nation - with no limitations on time, geographic scope or cost. "The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to declare war, and we should take it seriously. We should revisit this authorization every year, to exercise real oversight and to try to do everything we can to make sure there aren't unintended consequences. While I'm disappointed my amendments weren't successful, I'm pleased the Senate Foreign Relations Committee honored its responsibility with today's vote. The next step should be a debate by the full Congress, and we should stay in session as long as it takes to do our constitutional duty and debate and pass an AUMF." Print Email Tweet …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-delivers-floor-speech-on-importance-of-public-lands-package	Heinrich Delivers Floor Speech On Importance Of Public Lands Package	2014-12-11	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Delivers Floor Speech On Importance Of Public Lands Package Thursday, December 11, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivered a Senate floor speech today to highlight key conservation and energy bills he helped secure in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). "We stand on the cusp of passing one of the most significant pieces of public land legislation since 2009," said Sen. Heinrich in his remarks. "None of this would be possible were it not for years of effort and support from the local communities that helped craft these bills. Thanks to their work, New Mexico's critical public land based economic engine will continue to grow in the energy, tourism, sporting and recreation sectors." Below are Senator Heinrich's remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, we stand on the cusp of passing one of the most significant pieces of public land legislation since 2009. I stand here to speak on behalf of this well-balanced package, which is absolutely critical for jobs across the western United States and particularly in my home state of New Mexico. None of this would be possible were it not for years of effort and support from the local communities that helped craft these bills. Thanks to their work, New Mexico's critical public land based economic engine will continue to grow in the energy, tourism, sporting and recreation sectors. And new wilderness and National Park Service units will continue to make New Mexico a unmatched destination for world travelers as well as for the local families that have known for centuries that New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment. Located in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, the area known as Columbine-Hondo has been managed as a Wilderness Study Area since 1980. Columbine-Hondo is cherished by all who know it and is a key attraction for the local tourism and outdoor recreation economy. When I was a young outfitter guide and the Executive Director of the Cottonwood…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-for-authorization-of-military-force-against-isis	Udall Votes for Authorization of Military Force Against ISIS	2014-12-11	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2014 Udall Votes for Authorization of Military Force Against ISIS Offers two bipartisan amendments to limit AUMF to 1 year and restrict war to Iraq and Syria WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined the full committee to debate and pass a resolution authorizing war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for three years. During the hearing, Udall offered two amendments with Senator Rand Paul (R-Kent.): to limit the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to just one year, and to ensure the use of force doesn't extend beyond Iraq and Syria without congressional approval. Both amendments were unsuccessful. Udall issued the following statement after the hearing: "ISIS is a brutal terrorist group that poses a real threat to security in the region and to our nation, and the military action we have taken in Operation Inherent Resolve was necessary to prevent genocide and protect our interests and those of our allies in the Middle East. But I'm concerned that we're on the verge of a third Iraq War - this time against a terrorist organization, not a nation - with no limitations on time, geographic scope or cost. "The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to declare war, and we should take it seriously. We should revisit this authorization every year, to exercise real oversight and to try to do everything we can to make sure there aren't unintended consequences. While I'm disappointed my amendments weren't successful, I'm pleased the Senate Foreign Relations Committee honored its responsibility with today's vote. The next step should be a debate by the full Congress, and we should stay in session as long as it takes to do our constitutional duty and debate and pass an AUMF." Print Email Tweet …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1820	Udall Urges Congress to Do its Work, Pass Bill to Fund Important Programs for N.M., Avoid Shutdown [press_release]	2014-12-10	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 10, 2014 Udall Urges Congress to Do its Work, Pass Bill to Fund Important Programs for N.M., Avoid Shutdown Appropriations bill funds PILT, lab programs including B61, N.M. military bases, WIPP recovery, technology transfer, water projects and other priorities WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed the release of a so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which includes critical funding for New Mexico and keeps the government running through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. The bill funds many New Mexico priorities that Udall has fought for, such as the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which helps pay for local services New Mexicans rely on, including law enforcement, schools, roads and other needs. The bill also provides additional funding to continue cleanup from the radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), as well as continued work on the B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction and projects at New Mexico's Air Force bases; technology transfer to help stimulate job growth; rural N.M. water projects; and public lands programs. Because a temporary spending measure expires on Thursday, the omnibus bill must be approved by the House and Senate this week or funding must be temporarily extended. While the bill is vital for New Mexico communities, which depend on funding for PILT, the labs and bases, public lands agencies and many other programs, the omnibus also includes provisions tacked on at the last minute, which chip away at campaign finance reforms and Wall Street reforms intended to prevent a financial collapse like that in 2008. Udall said he is continuing to review the last-minute additions to the bill before deciding how to vote, and he decried the so-called "riders" as well as threats by lawmakers to shut down the government over disagreements with…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-urges-congress-to-do-its-work-pass-bill-to-fund-important-programs-for-nm-avoid-shutdown	Udall Urges Congress to Do its Work, Pass Bill to Fund Important Programs for N.M., Avoid Shutdown	2014-12-10	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 10, 2014 Udall Urges Congress to Do its Work, Pass Bill to Fund Important Programs for N.M., Avoid Shutdown Appropriations bill funds PILT, lab programs including B61, N.M. military bases, WIPP recovery, technology transfer, water projects and other priorities WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed the release of a so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill, which includes critical funding for New Mexico and keeps the government running through September 2015, the end of the fiscal year. The bill funds many New Mexico priorities that Udall has fought for, such as the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which helps pay for local services New Mexicans rely on, including law enforcement, schools, roads and other needs. The bill also provides additional funding to continue cleanup from the radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), as well as continued work on the B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction and projects at New Mexico's Air Force bases; technology transfer to help stimulate job growth; rural N.M. water projects; and public lands programs. Because a temporary spending measure expires on Thursday, the omnibus bill must be approved by the House and Senate this week or funding must be temporarily extended. While the bill is vital for New Mexico communities, which depend on funding for PILT, the labs and bases, public lands agencies and many other programs, the omnibus also includes provisions tacked on at the last minute, which chip away at campaign finance reforms and Wall Street reforms intended to prevent a financial collapse like that in 2008. Udall said he is continuing to review the last-minute additions to the bill before deciding how to vote, and he decried the so-called "riders" as well as threats by lawmakers to shut down the government over disagreements with…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1816	Udall Statement on Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices [press_release]	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall Statement on Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the Senate Intelligence Committee's review of the Central Intelligence Agency's detention and interrogation program. A copy of the report is available HERE. "The Senate investigators' report documents the use of brutal interrogation techniques that I believe constitute torture and violate U.S. and international law. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, we compromised the values that make our nation great. This report underscores that torture is not only brutal and inhumane, it so often produces unreliable intelligence that it is also ineffective. "The release of today's report has been controversial, but it's an important step forward in addressing a stain on our nation's history. While we can understand the intelligence community's desire to prevent another attack, a civilized nation should never resort to torture in the name of security. My hope is that this report informs future generations of Americans and ensures that we never undertake programs like this again." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1818	Udall, Merkley Urge McConnell to Continue Rules Reform to Fix Broken Senate [press_release]	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall, Merkley Urge McConnell to Continue Rules Reform to Fix Broken Senate WASHINGTON - In a letter delivered today to incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced that they will continue their effort to reform the Senate rules on the first day of the next legislative session, and they urged McConnell to allow debate and support efforts to restore a healthy legislative process. Since joining the Senate in 2009, Udall and Merkley have led the effort to increase transparency, restore accountability and foster debate in an institution where obstruction and dysfunction have pushed aside progress for the American people. "It is our hope that you will allow the Senate to debate these rules changes, as well as any others offered by our colleagues, and that each can receive an up or down vote," Udall and Merkley wrote to McConnell. "Many members on both sides recognize the recent dysfunction in the Senate and we believe that a full and open rules debate at the start of the new Congress is a necessary step towards restoring a healthy legislative process." In 2011 and 2013, Udall, Merkley, and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced a comprehensive package of rules reforms to address the systematic abuse of the filibuster and other procedural tactics that prevent the Senate from doing its work. Republicans objected to the proposed reforms, but the growing support for the effort led to a "gentlemen's agreement" in January 2013 between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to enact more moderate reforms. That agreement quickly broke down as Republicans continued to regularly filibuster nominees. In November 2013, Reid decided to use the so-called "nuclear option" -- with the support of Udall and Merkley - forcing a Senate vote to change the rules and end filibusters on presidential executive and judicial nominations, except to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ending filibusters on many nominations has relieve…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1819	Udall Presses Kerry on Strategy, Authority for War Against ISIS [press_release]	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall Presses Kerry on Strategy, Authority for War Against ISIS At Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, expresses skepticism, frustration that White House has not worked with Congress on AUMF WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, attended a hearing on the war with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to share his grave concerns about the United States entering a third war in the region. Udall expressed his frustration with the administration's reluctance to work with Congress to define the scope of and authorization for its military engagement against ISIS. Udall questioned Secretary of State John Kerry about the continuing role Congress should play in granting authority for military operations. And he pressed Kerry for answers about how the administration plans to pay for the war, highlighting that recent military engagements in the region have been "paid on the government credit card." Udall continues to push for Congress to live up to its constitutional responsibility to define the president's authority in engaging with ISIS, and believes it is critical to repeal the broad authorizations used to justify our current military involvement against ISIS, Operation Inherent Resolve. Finally, Udall said he will push for a one-year limit to this authority, and that Congress must have a say in extending the engagement or broadening the scope of U.S. military action. Udall issued the following statement: "To be frank, I share in the disappointment expressed by many of my colleagues-that it took this long...for the administration to engage with us to develop a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force. I agree that the threat posed by ISIS is very real. We must face this challenge. We owe it to the families of the three servicemen who have already lost their lives in Operation Inherent Resolve. We owe it every American citi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20160907004317/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=audio&id=1817	Tuesdays with Tom 12-9-2014 [audio]	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	web.archive.org	legacy	Play Audio requires Flash Player WASHINGTON - Today, on a conference call with New Mexico reporters, U.S. Senator Tom Udall affirmed that he stands by the state of New Mexico's recent decision to fine the Department of Energy for the radiation leak at WIPP last February, and underscored that under no circumstances should penalties come out of DOE cleanup funds, or other programs in New Mexico. Udall also discussed several items Congress is working on this week, including the need to pass both a budget and the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes several proposals Udall introduced related to public lands in New Mexico. These proposals would improve access at Valles Caldera and designate the Columbine Hondo wilderness near Wheeler Peak, streamline oil and gas permitting at the Bureau of Land Management's field offices in Carlsbad and Farmington, and create a national park dedicated to the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos. Finally, Udall discussed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing taking place this afternoon on whether Congress should formally authorize military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Udall expressed his opposition to sending ground troops and his concerns about potentially entering a third Iraq war - this time including Syria - without a clear understanding of the length and extent of the U.S. commitment. Below are highlights from Udall's remarks: 0:00 - Udall thanks everyone for joining the call. 0:15 - "I stand by the state's decision to fine the department for hazardous waste violations. It's why I fought to ensure New Mexico has environmental authority over WIPP waste operations as part of the deal that allowed WIPP to open 15 years ago. I want to make it clear that under no circumstances should penalties come out of DOE cleanup activities or other programs in New Mexico." 0:49 -"As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will do everything I can to ensure DOE does not take the fines out of New Mexico lab funding. We're still waiting on…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-continues-to-lead-on-modernizing-energy-infrastructure	Heinrich Continues To Lead On Modernizing Energy Infrastructure	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Continues To Lead On Modernizing Energy Infrastructure PREPARE Act Aims to Help States and Regions Build Cleaner, More Resilient Energy Systems Tuesday, December 9, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, cosponsored the Promoting Regional Energy Partnerships for Advancing Resilient Energy Systems Act (PREPARE Act), a bill to help states modernize U.S. energy systems to make them cleaner, more efficient, cost-effective, reliable and resilient. With an aging U.S. energy infrastructure in need of replacement and growing challenges to grid security, the PREPARE Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to enter into regional cooperative agreements with states to provide support and funding that will help states develop strategies and plans that address the unique energy needs of the region. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) introduced the bill. "Our nation's electric power industry is going through substantial changes. This bill provides an opportunity for states to collaborate on regional approaches for cleaner power generation and transmission -- which are critical to reducing carbon pollution and keeping prices low for consumers," said Sen. Heinrich. "Our state has a unique role to play in coordinating and siting significant new generation and transmission infrastructure that will be essential for growing our economy. Additionally, we are well poised to capitalize on a diversified, but rapidly transforming energy sector, and we stand to benefit from this kind of regional collaboration." "In Hawai‘i, we have seen great success in developing an energy strategy that has increased clean energy production and cut electricity bills, saving customers $1.5 billion since 2009. But we were only able to do this by working collaboratively with the Department of Energy and business and community leaders in the state," said Sen. Schatz. "Our bill empowers the Energy…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-remarks-on-release-of-report-on-cia-detention-interrogation-program	Heinrich Remarks On Release Of Report On CIA Detention, Interrogation Program	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, will deliver the following remarks today on the release of the executive summary and the findings and conclusions of the committee’s five-year review of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program. Senator Heinrich has been a leading proponent of declassifying the report. A copy of the report is available, HERE. Senator Heinrich's remarks as prepared for delivery are below: U.S. SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE'S STUDY OF THE CIA'S DETENTION AND INTERROGATION PROGRAM Torture is wrong; it is un-American; and it doesn't work. Recognizing these important realities, the President signed an Executive Order in January 2009 that limited interrogations by any American personnel to the guidelines in the Army Field Manual, and reinforcing the commitment that prisoners in U.S. custody are entitled to rights under the Geneva Conventions. This closed the book on the Bush Administration's interrogation program. But make no mistake. These weren't just "enhanced interrogations." This was torture. Releasing the Intelligence Committee's study of the CIA's detention and interrogation program to the American people today will finally provide a thorough accounting of what happened and how it happened. In addition, I hope that this process helps to ensure that it never, ever happens again. This was a grave chapter in our history. The actions taken under this program cost our nation global credibility and they put the lives of Americans at risk. Some have suggested that releasing this report could put American lives at risk. Let's be clear, it has been the use of torture that puts Americans unnecessarily in harm's way. There is no question that there will never be a "good time" to release this study. We all know that for months now terrorists in the extremist group ISIS have been kidnapping and barbarically killing innocent Americans because of what we, as a nation, stand for. The response …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/video_-heinrich-torture-is-immoral-it-is-un-america-and-it-doesnt-work	Video - Heinrich: Torture Is Immoral, It Is Un-American, And It Doesn't Work	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Video - Heinrich: Torture Is Immoral, It Is Un-American, And It Doesn't Work Tuesday, December 9, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, spoke on the Senate floor today following the release of the executive summary and the findings and conclusions of the committee's five-year review of the CIA's detention and interrogation program. Senator Heinrich has been a leading proponent of declassifying the report. "Releasing the Intelligence Committee's study of the CIA's detention and interrogation program to the American people today will finally provide a thorough accounting of what happened and how it happened. In addition, I hope that this process helps to ensure that it never, ever happens again," said Sen. Heinrich. "This was a grave chapter in our history. The actions taken under this program cost our nation global credibility and they put the lives of Americans at risk." A copy of the report is available, HERE.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-merkley-urge-mcconnell-to-continue-rules-reform-to-fix-broken-senate	Udall, Merkley Urge McConnell to Continue Rules Reform to Fix Broken Senate	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall, Merkley Urge McConnell to Continue Rules Reform to Fix Broken Senate WASHINGTON - In a letter delivered today to incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced that they will continue their effort to reform the Senate rules on the first day of the next legislative session, and they urged McConnell to allow debate and support efforts to restore a healthy legislative process. Since joining the Senate in 2009, Udall and Merkley have led the effort to increase transparency, restore accountability and foster debate in an institution where obstruction and dysfunction have pushed aside progress for the American people. "It is our hope that you will allow the Senate to debate these rules changes, as well as any others offered by our colleagues, and that each can receive an up or down vote," Udall and Merkley wrote to McConnell. "Many members on both sides recognize the recent dysfunction in the Senate and we believe that a full and open rules debate at the start of the new Congress is a necessary step towards restoring a healthy legislative process." In 2011 and 2013, Udall, Merkley, and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced a comprehensive package of rules reforms to address the systematic abuse of the filibuster and other procedural tactics that prevent the Senate from doing its work. Republicans objected to the proposed reforms, but the growing support for the effort led to a "gentlemen's agreement" in January 2013 between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to enact more moderate reforms. That agreement quickly broke down as Republicans continued to regularly filibuster nominees. In November 2013, Reid decided to use the so-called "nuclear option" -- with the support of Udall and Merkley - forcing a Senate vote to change the rules and end filibusters on presidential executive and judicial nominations, except to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ending filibusters on many nominations has relieve…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-presses-kerry-on-strategy-authority-for-war-against-isis	Udall Presses Kerry on Strategy, Authority for War Against ISIS	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall Presses Kerry on Strategy, Authority for War Against ISIS At Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, expresses skepticism, frustration that White House has not worked with Congress on AUMF WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, attended a hearing on the war with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to share his grave concerns about the United States entering a third war in the region. Udall expressed his frustration with the administration's reluctance to work with Congress to define the scope of and authorization for its military engagement against ISIS. Udall questioned Secretary of State John Kerry about the continuing role Congress should play in granting authority for military operations. And he pressed Kerry for answers about how the administration plans to pay for the war, highlighting that recent military engagements in the region have been "paid on the government credit card." Udall continues to push for Congress to live up to its constitutional responsibility to define the president's authority in engaging with ISIS, and believes it is critical to repeal the broad authorizations used to justify our current military involvement against ISIS, Operation Inherent Resolve. Finally, Udall said he will push for a one-year limit to this authority, and that Congress must have a say in extending the engagement or broadening the scope of U.S. military action. Udall issued the following statement: "To be frank, I share in the disappointment expressed by many of my colleagues-that it took this long...for the administration to engage with us to develop a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force. I agree that the threat posed by ISIS is very real. We must face this challenge. We owe it to the families of the three servicemen who have already lost their lives in Operation Inherent Resolve. We owe it every American citi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-senate-intelligence-committee-report-on-cia-interrogation-practices	Udall Statement on Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices	2014-12-09	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2014 Udall Statement on Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA Interrogation Practices WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the Senate Intelligence Committee's review of the Central Intelligence Agency's detention and interrogation program. A copy of the report is available HERE. "The Senate investigators' report documents the use of brutal interrogation techniques that I believe constitute torture and violate U.S. and international law. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, we compromised the values that make our nation great. This report underscores that torture is not only brutal and inhumane, it so often produces unreliable intelligence that it is also ineffective. "The release of today's report has been controversial, but it's an important step forward in addressing a stain on our nation's history. While we can understand the intelligence community's desire to prevent another attack, a civilized nation should never resort to torture in the name of security. My hope is that this report informs future generations of Americans and ensures that we never undertake programs like this again." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1815	Udall Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy Following Accident at WIPP [press_release]	2014-12-08	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 08, 2014 Udall Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy Following Accident at WIPP WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the state of New Mexico's decision to fine the U.S. Department of Energy over $54 million for numerous violations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Los Alamos National Laboratory: "The investigation by the state of New Mexico found that the accident last February put at risk the health of workers and the nearby community. The action the state has taken is appropriate and shows why I have long fought for state environmental authority over WIPP waste operations. WIPP and LANL are a vital part of New Mexico's economy and our national security, and with such high stakes, there is no room for error or denial. Fines should not come out of DOE clean-up activities, and those responsible should not get bonuses or rewards for their mistakes. Further investigation into what led to the radiation release at WIPP will determine whether more penalties or action are necessary." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-state-of-new-mexico-and-039s-decision-to-fine-us-department-of-energy-following-accident-at-wipp	Udall Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy Following Accident at WIPP	2014-12-08	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 08, 2014 Udall Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy Following Accident at WIPP WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the state of New Mexico's decision to fine the U.S. Department of Energy over $54 million for numerous violations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Los Alamos National Laboratory: "The investigation by the state of New Mexico found that the accident last February put at risk the health of workers and the nearby community. The action the state has taken is appropriate and shows why I have long fought for state environmental authority over WIPP waste operations. WIPP and LANL are a vital part of New Mexico's economy and our national security, and with such high stakes, there is no room for error or denial. Fines should not come out of DOE clean-up activities, and those responsible should not get bonuses or rewards for their mistakes. Further investigation into what led to the radiation release at WIPP will determine whether more penalties or action are necessary." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pearce.house.gov/editorial/sunzia-project-threatens-national-security	SUNZIA PROJECT THREATENS NATIONAL SECURITY	2014-12-07	2014	2014-12	Republican	House	NM	Steve Pearce	P000588	pearce.house.gov	legacy	By: State Senator Mary Kay Papen and Congressman Steve Pearce Washington, DC (Dec. 7, 2014) Today, we in the United States face an unprecedented variety and quantity of threats against our safety. From Chinese cyber aggression, to the possibility of ISIS terror attacks – our nation must defend itself. In order to do that, our military requires the ability to train and adapt to threats as they emerge and evolve, as well as the ability to develop and test new technology that will assist in strengthening our security. There is only one military installation in the world that is able to provide this dual capability for the U.S. – White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). WSMR is the nation’s premier development and test facility. Unlike any other range, WSMR allows the military to conduct live tests of everything from Patriot missiles to laser interceptors. This diversity is possible because of WSMR’s size and location. Covering roughly 4,000 square miles, with 100 percent restricted airspace; the Army, Navy, and Air Force have a unique environment to create and engage in virtually any test that is needed. Under current global conditions – this versatility makes WSMR invaluable to our national security and the protection of our men and women in uniform. Unfortunately, some appear to believe that corporate profits come before the defense and security of the United States. In 2008, the SunZia Corporation began plans to construct a 515 mile long transmission line across New Mexico to Arizona. Utilizing alternative energy sources, the line will support Phoenix and other large Arizona cities with significant energy assistance. To be clear, we support the prospects of alternative energy development in New Mexico, and we do not oppose the construction of the SunZia transmission project. What is unsupportable is the route. Currently, the route would directly impact WSMR by cutting through an important section of the installation. It is utilized for nearly 30 percent of the test and evaluation operations ongoing at WSMR, …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-state-of-new-mexicos-decision-to-fine-us-department-of-energy-for-violations-at-wipp	Heinrich Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy for Violations at WIPP	2014-12-06	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Statement on State of New Mexico's Decision to Fine U.S. Department of Energy for Violations at WIPP Saturday, December 6, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued the following statement on the state of New Mexico's decision to fine the U.S. Department of Energy over $54 million for numerous violations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Los Alamos National Laboratory: “The State's action is warranted and I agree that these fines should not jeopardize completing the environmental cleanup at Los Alamos National Lab and WIPP. Our nation’s security relies heavily on the important work being done at these facilities, which are also big employers and critical to New Mexico’s economy. Collaboration between the Department of Energy, regulators, WIPP, and the community will be critical. The safety and health of our workers and community is of the utmost importance. Ensuring that the lines of communication remain open and that key maintenance and management programs are in place will continue to be a priority.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1814	Udall Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense [press_release]	2014-12-05	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 05, 2014 Udall Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the president's decision to nominate Ashton Carter to serve as Secretary of Defense: "The United States and the broader international community are confronting multiple quickly evolving threats in the Middle East, including the emergence of the brutal terrorist organization ISIS. Ashton Carter has the respect of senior military leaders having served under multiple secretaries of defense, managed large budgets and handled many demands under scrutiny. I have appreciated Secretary Hagel's strong understanding of the strategic importance of our national laboratories to our national defense, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Carter during the confirmation process to discuss his views on New Mexico's national security mission." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-bill-to-establish-tech-transfer-maturation-program	Heinrich Introduces Bill To Establish Tech Transfer Maturation Program	2014-12-05	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Introduces Bill To Establish Tech Transfer Maturation Program Friday, December 5, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced S. 2973, the National Laboratory Technology Maturation Act. The bill would launch a new National Laboratory Technology Maturation Program (NLTMP) at the U.S. Department of Energy to facilitate successful commercialization of laboratory-developed technologies. The new program would provide funding to each national laboratory to be used by small businesses with a licensed technology from a laboratory, such as Sandia National Laboratories or Los Alamos National Laboratory, to purchase up to $250,000 in assistance from lab scientists and engineers to help commercialize the lab-developed technology. The goal of the program is to encourage small businesses to further advance new products or services until they are market-ready. The bill emphasizes national labs partnering with near-by small businesses. "Supporting partnerships between small businesses and our national labs to develop new technologies is a job-creating formula that will spur innovation. And that's what my bill helps do," said Sen. Heinrich. "New Mexico business owners and the scientists and engineers at our national labs' have the intellect and capacity to provide a steady stream of technologies that could yield dividends in commercial markets. Great things can happen when we bring our small businesses and national labs together -- it sparks the imagination of future innovators and widens the impact for great discoveries." A recent Brookings Institution report suggested a voucher program for local businesses could help connect national laboratories with their regions and support innovation and economic growth. The report indicated that the labs should "embrace a new mission that includes more active engagement with regional innovation systems within which they are located. Such engagement…	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-lordsburg-and-silver-city	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lordsburg And Silver City	2014-12-05	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lordsburg And Silver City Friday, December 5, 2014 LAS 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 Lordsburg and Silver City on Monday, December 8, 2014. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, and other federal programs. Information regarding health care open enrollment will also be available at Mobile Office Hours. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section or Health Care Resources page of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Lordsburg - Monday, December 8, 2014 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE: Ena Mitchell Senior & Wellness Citizens Center, 532 DeMoss Street, Lordsburg, N.M. 88045 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561 Silver City - Monday, December 8, 2014 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 1 to 3 p.m. WHERE: The Volunteer Center of Grant County, 501 E. 13th Street, Silver City, N.M. 88061 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-nomination-of-ashton-carter-as-secretary-of-defense	Udall Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense	2014-12-05	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 05, 2014 Udall Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the president's decision to nominate Ashton Carter to serve as Secretary of Defense: "The United States and the broader international community are confronting multiple quickly evolving threats in the Middle East, including the emergence of the brutal terrorist organization ISIS. Ashton Carter has the respect of senior military leaders having served under multiple secretaries of defense, managed large budgets and handled many demands under scrutiny. I have appreciated Secretary Hagel's strong understanding of the strategic importance of our national laboratories to our national defense, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Carter during the confirmation process to discuss his views on New Mexico's national security mission." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1812	Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges Careful Consideration of States Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor [press_release]	2014-12-04	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2014 Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges Careful Consideration of States Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce announced that they have sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), thanking retiring BLM New Mexico State Director Jesse Juen for his thoughtful and balanced leadership, and urging the BLM to proceed carefully to hire Juen's successor. BLM State Director is a critical position in New Mexico, responsible for 850 employees and the management of more than 13.4 million acres of public lands and 26 million acres of federal oil, natural gas, and minerals. "We have been fortunate to have a dedicated leader like Jesse, who has shown a focus and attention to the balanced management of BLM lands within New Mexico, and to the unique issues that our state's public lands face," the lawmakers wrote. "New Mexico's unique landscape, history, and culture is reflected in the state's public lands. We would encourage you to select an individual to fill the New Mexico State Director position who is familiar with the state and the unique issues that BLM land managers and BLM land users face." Those unique issues include the importance of balancing public lands management to support oil, gas and mineral leasing, grazing, recreation and conservation; as well as the needs of diverse communities, including Native Americans, and Spanish Land Grant Communities. Public lands also are critical to New Mexico's economy. In fiscal year 2012, they supported more than 85,000 jobs and boosted the economy by more than $7.8 billion. "We again applaud Jesse for his tireless work in balancing the complex issues that face New Mexico's public lands," the letter concludes. "He will be a tough act for anyone to follow, but we respectfully request your careful consideration in selecting a new State Director who will be equally capable of man…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1813	Wind Energy Could Slow Global Warming, but Tax Credits Needed, Udall and Advocates Say [press_release]	2014-12-04	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2014 Wind Energy Could Slow Global Warming, but Tax Credits Needed, Udall and Advocates Say WASHINGTON -- Expanding wind power across the country could cut as much global warming pollution as 254 coal plants produce in a year, according to a new report, but congressional action is needed to make that expansion a reality, U.S. Senator Tom Udall and other clean energy advocates said today. "Speeding the development of pollution-free wind energy will slow global warming," said Anna Aurilio, global warming solutions program director for Environment America. "But Congress needs to invest now in clean air and a healthy planet." The Environment America Research & Policy Center analysis, More Wind, Less Warming, comes as Congress debates renewing tax incentives that have spurred the nation's growth in wind power, which in 2013 supplied enough energy to power more than 15 million homes. Clean energy champions Udall and Ed Markey (D-MA), and the American Wind Energy Association joined Environment America in the Capitol Visitors Center to release the report and call for action. "New Mexico is at the eye of the storm when it comes to the impacts of climate change. But while global warming is a threat we must fight, it's also a tremendous opportunity to invest in clean energy jobs of the future, " said U.S. Sen. Udall of New Mexico. "Wind has huge potential -- not only is it carbon free, it's abundant in New Mexico, and it uses almost no water. Now is the time for Congress to make a commitment to fight climate change and help create jobs of the future by extending the wind production tax credit - not just for one year but long enough for this important industry to meet its full potential." If wind power kept its recent pace of development, it could supply 30 percent of the nation's electricity needs by 2030, providing more than enough carbon reductions to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Clean Power Plan, and a third of the reductions the U.S. committed to achieving in its …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/delegation-praises-retiring-blm-director-for-nm-urges-careful-consideration-of-states-diverse-public-lands-issues-in-selecting-successor	Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges ‘Careful Consideration’ of State’s Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor	2014-12-04	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges ‘Careful Consideration’ of State’s Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor Thursday, December 4, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce announced that they have sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), thanking retiring BLM New Mexico State Director Jesse Juen for his thoughtful and balanced leadership, and urging the BLM to proceed carefully to hire Juen’s successor. BLM State Director is a critical position in New Mexico, responsible for 850 employees and the management of more than 13.4 million acres of public lands and 26 million acres of federal oil, natural gas, and minerals. “We have been fortunate to have a dedicated leader like Jesse, who has shown a focus and attention to the balanced management of BLM lands within New Mexico, and to the unique issues that our state’s public lands face,” the lawmakers wrote. “New Mexico’s unique landscape, history, and culture is reflected in the state’s public lands. We would encourage you to select an individual to fill the New Mexico State Director position who is familiar with the state and the unique issues that BLM land managers and BLM land users face.” Those unique issues include the importance of balancing public lands management to support oil, gas and mineral leasing, grazing, recreation and conservation; as well as the needs of diverse communities, including Native Americans, and Spanish Land Grant Communities. Public lands also are critical to New Mexico’s economy. In fiscal year 2012, they supported more than 85,000 jobs and boosted the economy by more than $7.8 billion. “We again applaud Jesse for his tireless work in balancing the complex issues that face New Mexico’s public lands,” the letter concludes. “He will be a tough act for anyone to follow, but we respectfully request your careful consideration in selecting a new State Di…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delegation-praises-retiring-blm-director-for-nm-urges-and-145careful-consideration-and-146-of-state-and-146s-diverse-public-lands-issues-in-selecting-successor	Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges Careful Consideration of States Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor	2014-12-04	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2014 Delegation Praises Retiring BLM Director for N.M., Urges Careful Consideration of States Diverse Public Lands Issues in Selecting Successor WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Lujn, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce announced that they have sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), thanking retiring BLM New Mexico State Director Jesse Juen for his thoughtful and balanced leadership, and urging the BLM to proceed carefully to hire Juen's successor. BLM State Director is a critical position in New Mexico, responsible for 850 employees and the management of more than 13.4 million acres of public lands and 26 million acres of federal oil, natural gas, and minerals. "We have been fortunate to have a dedicated leader like Jesse, who has shown a focus and attention to the balanced management of BLM lands within New Mexico, and to the unique issues that our state's public lands face," the lawmakers wrote. "New Mexico's unique landscape, history, and culture is reflected in the state's public lands. We would encourage you to select an individual to fill the New Mexico State Director position who is familiar with the state and the unique issues that BLM land managers and BLM land users face." Those unique issues include the importance of balancing public lands management to support oil, gas and mineral leasing, grazing, recreation and conservation; as well as the needs of diverse communities, including Native Americans, and Spanish Land Grant Communities. Public lands also are critical to New Mexico's economy. In fiscal year 2012, they supported more than 85,000 jobs and boosted the economy by more than $7.8 billion. "We again applaud Jesse for his tireless work in balancing the complex issues that face New Mexico's public lands," the letter concludes. "He will be a tough act for anyone to follow, but we respectfully request your careful consideration in selecting a new State Director who will be equally capable of managin…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wind-energy-could-slow-global-warming-but-tax-credits-needed-udall-and-advocates-say	Wind Energy Could Slow Global Warming, but Tax Credits Needed, Udall and Advocates Say	2014-12-04	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2014 Wind Energy Could Slow Global Warming, but Tax Credits Needed, Udall and Advocates Say WASHINGTON-- Expanding wind power across the country could cut as much global warming pollution as 254 coal plants produce in a year, according to a new report, but congressional action is needed to make that expansion a reality, U.S. Senator Tom Udall and other clean energy advocates said today. "Speeding the development of pollution-free wind energy will slow global warming," said Anna Aurilio, global warming solutions program director for Environment America. "But Congress needs to invest now in clean air and a healthy planet." The Environment America Research & Policy Center analysis, More Wind, Less Warming, comes as Congress debates renewing tax incentives that have spurred the nation's growth in wind power, which in 2013 supplied enough energy to power more than 15 million homes. Clean energy champions Udall and Ed Markey (D-MA), and the American Wind Energy Association joined Environment America in the Capitol Visitors Center to release the report and call for action. "New Mexico is at the eye of the storm when it comes to the impacts of climate change. But while global warming is a threat we must fight, it's also a tremendous opportunity to invest in clean energy jobs of the future, " said U.S. Sen. Udall of New Mexico. "Wind has huge potential -- not only is it carbon free, it's abundant in New Mexico, and it uses almost no water. Now is the time for Congress to make a commitment to fight climate change and help create jobs of the future by extending the wind production tax credit - not just for one year but long enough for this important industry to meet its full potential." If wind power kept its recent pace of development, it could supply 30 percent of the nation's electricity needs by 2030, providing more than enough carbon reductions to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Clean Power Plan, and a third of the reductions the U.S. committed to achieving in its a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1810	Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package [press_release]	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several landmark conservation and energy bills championed by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was finalized last night. The critical annual bill is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate before the end of the year. The New Mexico senators successfully fought to include provisions to designate the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to new management to increase public access, and establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Additionally, a measure to extend a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) streamline the oil and gas drilling permit process while strengthening a review system that helps meet environmental and safety standards was also included in the bill language. These provisions have received overwhelming support from the community and are in a strong position to become law. "This is an exciting step - we're extremely close to the finish line and being able to protect these beautiful New Mexico landscapes for generations to come," Udall said. "These bills are vital for our economy. Designating the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, increasing access to Valles Caldera, and dedicating a Manhattan Project historical park will help expand tourism and create jobs, while renewing the BLM permitting program is critical to energy development in Northwestern and Southeastern New Mexico. I want to thank all of the stakeholders and local communities who have worked hard on these proposals for so long - as well as Senator Heinrich who has been a strong partner pushing to get them through the Senate." "We are closer than ever to making historic gains in protecting some of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes. From designating the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, increasing public access to the Valles Ca…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1811	Udall Secures Provisions in NDAA to Improve Tech Transfer at New Mexico's National Labs, Begin Federal IT Reform [press_release]	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2014 Udall Secures Provisions in NDAA to Improve Tech Transfer at New Mexico's National Labs, Begin Federal IT Reform WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that he has successfully pushed for key reforms to fund technology transfer at New Mexico's national laboratories and upgrade how the federal government buys and manages information technology (IT) as part of a critical national defense bill. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall has championed tech transfer and IT reform, and the inclusion of his provisions in the end-of-year National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will help researchers spin off new businesses from New Mexico's national labs and modernize the government's technology systems while saving billions of taxpayers' dollars. "By directing the Department of Energy to prioritize spending on technology transfer from our national labs, my provisions will support Los Alamos and Sandia labs as they move innovation from the lab bench to the marketplace," Udall said of the provision on technology transfer. Regarding federal IT reform, Udall added: "It's past time to develop federal information technology (IT) systems for the 21st century, and the provisions included in this bill constitute the first major overhaul of government IT procurement in more than a decade. When enacted, these reforms will cut waste to save New Mexico taxpayers' money and help avoid IT failures like the initial rollout of the healthcare.gov website." Federal IT Reform The federal government spends about $80 billion on information technology annually. At a May 2014 Senate hearing chaired by Udall, the Government Accountability Office announced that at least 154 major federal IT investments totaling $10.4 billion are at risk and in need of management attention. In December 2013, Udall and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced a bipartisan bill to overhaul the IT procurement process, which served as the basis for the reforms announced today as part of the NDAA. The provisi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-secures-key-provisions-in-defense-authorization-act-to-strengthen-nm-military-bases-national-security	Heinrich Secures Key Provisions In Defense Authorization Act To Strengthen N.M. Military Bases, National Security	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Secures Key Provisions In Defense Authorization Act To Strengthen N.M. Military Bases, National Security Wednesday, December 3, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) successfully included several key provisions in the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen national security and New Mexico's military bases, and boost the economy. The NDAA sets the Department of Defense (DOD) spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. "New Mexico's military bases are home to thousands of men and women who dedicate their lives to the safety and security of our great nation," said Sen. Heinrich. "This bill supports their work by strengthening the partnership between the film industry and New Mexico's military ranges, maintaining the formerly endangered ORS mission at Kirtland Air Force Base, and funding military construction projects that serve our servicemen and women while putting our building trades sector to work. New Mexico is at the forefront of protecting our nation and spurring innovation, and these investments will ensure that tradition continues." Heinrich fought to include the following provisions in the FY15 NDAA: Military Equitable Reimbursement Act (S. 1669): Senator Heinrich introduced a bill with Senator Vitter (R-La.) that would allow the DOD to retain payments for costs incurred during support of non-governmental film productions. Currently, DOD units can accept reimbursement for expenses associated with the use of military assets for production. However, due to ambiguity in existing law, there is uncertainty about whether DOD components, including installations like White Sands Missile Range, are eligible to keep these payments. As a result of Senator Heinrich's legislation, military installations will be able to retain payment. Operationally Responsive Space (ORS): Authorizes $20 million to continue the ORS program at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Since elected to Congress, Senator…	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-fort-sumner-dec-5-2014	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Fort Sumner	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Fort Sumner Wednesday, December 3, 2014 ROSWELL, 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 Fort Sumner on Friday, December 5, 2014. 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. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Fort Sumner - Friday, December 5, 2014 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 10 to 11 a.m. WHERE: De Baca Family Practice Clinic Conference Room, 546 N. 10th Street, Fort Sumner, N.M. 88119 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Roswell Office at (575) 622-7113	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-landmark-conservation-and-energy-bills-in-end-of-year-package	Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several landmark conservation and energy bills championed by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was finalized last night. The critical annual bill is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate before the end of the year. The New Mexico senators successfully fought to include provisions to designate the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to new management to increase public access, and establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Additionally, a measure to extend a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) streamline the oil and gas drilling permit process while strengthening a review system that helps meet environmental and safety standards was also included in the bill language. These provisions have received overwhelming support from the community and are in a strong position to become law. "This is an exciting step - we're extremely close to the finish line and being able to protect these beautiful New Mexico landscapes for generations to come," Udall said. "These bills are vital for our economy. Designating the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, increasing access to Valles Caldera, and dedicating a Manhattan Project historical park will help expand tourism and create jobs, while renewing the BLM permitting program is critical to energy development in Northwestern and Southeastern New Mexico. I want to thank all of the stakeholders and local communities who have worked hard on these proposals for so long - as well as Senator Heinrich who has been a strong partner pushing to get them through the Senate." "We are closer than ever to making historic gains in protecting some of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes. From designating the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, increasing public access to the Valles Cal…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-secures-provisions-in-ndaa-to-improve-tech-transfer-at-new-mexico-and-039s-national-labs-begin-federal-it-reform	Udall Secures Provisions in NDAA to Improve Tech Transfer at New Mexico's National Labs, Begin Federal IT Reform	2014-12-03	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2014 Udall Secures Provisions in NDAA to Improve Tech Transfer at New Mexico's National Labs, Begin Federal IT Reform WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that he has successfully pushed for key reforms to fund technology transfer at New Mexico's national laboratories and upgrade how the federal government buys and manages information technology (IT) as part of a critical national defense bill. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall has championed tech transfer and IT reform, and the inclusion of his provisions in the end-of-year National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will help researchers spin off new businesses from New Mexico's national labs and modernize the government's technology systems while saving billions of taxpayers' dollars. "By directing the Department of Energy to prioritize spending on technology transfer from our national labs, my provisions will support Los Alamos and Sandia labs as they move innovation from the lab bench to the marketplace," Udall said of the provision on technology transfer. Regarding federal IT reform, Udall added: "It's past time to develop federal information technology (IT) systems for the 21st century, and the provisions included in this bill constitute the first major overhaul of government IT procurement in more than a decade. When enacted, these reforms will cut waste to save New Mexico taxpayers' money and help avoid IT failures like the initial rollout of the healthcare.gov website." Federal IT Reform The federal government spends about $80 billion on information technology annually. At a May 2014 Senate hearing chaired by Udall, the Government Accountability Office announced that at least 154 major federal IT investments totaling $10.4 billion are at risk and in need of management attention. In December 2013, Udall and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced a bipartisan bill to overhaul the IT procurement process, which served as the basis for the reforms announced today as part of the NDAA. The provisi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1809	Udall Recruiting Spring Interns for New Mexico Offices [press_release]	2014-12-02	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 02, 2014 Udall Recruiting Spring Interns for New Mexico Offices Positions available in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Portales and Santa Fe offices WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall invites New Mexico college students interested in gaining legislative or press relations experience to apply for spring semester internships in his Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Portales and Santa Fe offices. For more information and to apply for an internship, please visit http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/internships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to submit their applications early. "Congressional internships provide a unique and engaging opportunity for students to develop their perspective on the federal government and policy," Udall said. "Interns play a vital role in the daily operations of my offices, and I invite college students interested in gaining insight into the inner-workings of Congress or pursuing a career in public service to apply." Students of all majors are welcome to apply and internships in any of Udall's offices may count toward college credit. Students should check with their respective college or university for requirements. Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/advisory-heinrich-to-deliver-keynote-at-quality-of-life-initiative-symposium-in-santa-fe	ADVISORY: Heinrich To Deliver Keynote At Quality Of Life Initiative Symposium In Santa Fe	2014-12-02	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	ADVISORY: Heinrich To Deliver Keynote At Quality Of Life Initiative Symposium In Santa Fe Tuesday, December 2, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will deliver the keynote address to kick off the second annual Quality of Life Initiative Symposium on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 1:10 p.m. MT at the Santa Fe Community College. The two-day symposium, entitled, "Education, Engagement, Empowerment, Equity," will focus on ways the community can strengthen their efforts to improve the quality of life in Santa Fe's south side. Senator Heinrich will be joined by local leaders, including Santa Fe City Councilors Carmichael Dominguez and Chris Rivera, and health, education, food access, transportation, and youth and teen service advocates. The Quality of Life Initiative brings together service providers, nonprofits, employers, educators, and residents to address the needs of Santa Fe's south side and discuss issues most important to the community. Following a series of community listening sessions, the initiative has focused its work on a wide-range of areas including access to affordable and healthy foods, transportation and walkability, access to quality health care, youth and teen services, veterans' issues, and parks and recreation. Senator Heinrich's office has played an integral role in the initiative by organizing events aimed at helping to promote civic engagement, collaborative governance, and better alignment between service providers in the area. In February, Senator Heinrich met with the Quality of Life Initiative steering committee at La Familia Medical Center's Southside Clinic in Santa Fe where they discussed how best to strengthen the initiative's effort to help the community. This two-day symposium is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Information will be available in English and Spanish. Events will include free food, panel discussions, group work sessions, and teen and youth support dialogues. Staff from the Ocot…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-landmark-conservation-and-energy-bills-in-end-of-year-package	Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package	2014-12-02	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Secure Landmark Conservation and Energy Bills In End of Year Package Tuesday, December 2, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several landmark conservation and energy bills championed by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was finalized today. The critical annual bill is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate before the end of the year. The New Mexico senators successfully fought to include provisions to designate the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to new management to increase public access, and establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Additionally, a measure to extend a pilot program that has helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) streamline the oil and gas drilling permit process while strengthening a review system that helps meet environmental and safety standards was also included in the bill language. These provisions have received overwhelming support from the community and are in a strong position to become law. "This is an exciting step — we're extremely close to the finish line and being able to protect these beautiful New Mexico landscapes for generations to come," Udall said. "These bills are vital for our economy. Designating the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, increasing access to Valles Caldera, and dedicating a Manhattan Project historical park will help expand tourism and create jobs, while renewing the BLM permitting program is critical to energy development in Northwestern and Southeastern New Mexico. I want to thank all of the stakeholders and local communities who have worked hard on these proposals for so long — as well as Senator Heinrich who has been a strong partner pushing to get them through the Senate." "We are closer than ever to making historic gains in protecting some of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes. From designating the Columbine-Hondo as wilderness, increasin…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-recruiting-spring-interns-for-new-mexico-offices	Udall Recruiting Spring Interns for New Mexico Offices	2014-12-02	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 02, 2014 Udall Recruiting Spring Interns for New Mexico Offices Positions available in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Portales and Santa Fe offices WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall invites New Mexico college students interested in gaining legislative or press relations experience to apply for spring semester internships in his Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Portales and Santa Fe offices. For more information and to apply for an internship, please visit http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/internships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to submit their applications early. "Congressional internships provide a unique and engaging opportunity for students to develop their perspective on the federal government and policy," Udall said. "Interns play a vital role in the daily operations of my offices, and I invite college students interested in gaining insight into the inner-workings of Congress or pursuing a career in public service to apply." Students of all majors are welcome to apply and internships in any of Udall's offices may count toward college credit. Students should check with their respective college or university for requirements. Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1808	Udall, Crapo Lead Bipartisan Coalition on PILT/SRS Funding for Critical Local Government Services [press_release]	2014-12-01	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 01, 2014 Udall, Crapo Lead Bipartisan Coalition on PILT/SRS Funding for Critical Local Government Services Lawmakers request full funding in end-of-year legislation WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) led a bipartisan coalition urging Senate leaders to fully fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in any end-of-year legislation. PILT provides federal payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes because of nontaxable federal land within their boundaries, and these resources are critical to rural counties across the country, which use the funding to provide services, such as police, fire protection, and emergency response. The SRS program, which benefits rural counties near national forests, supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, and other county projects. Along with PILT, rural counties rely heavily on SRS to help provide essential services to residents. Funding for both PILT and SRS has expired, and unless the programs are renewed, counties across the country will see major budget cuts. Annually, PILT and SRS combined provide more than $700 million to rural counties across the country. "Moving forward, we hope that we can work together to seek a long-term solution to provide a consistent and stable source of funding for the nation's counties containing federal lands," the lawmakers wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As we approach the end of the 113th Congress, however, we urge you to consider the economic hardship and uncertainty that these counties will face if the PILT program is not given consistent funding." The lawmakers added, "In supporting the PILT and SRS programs, we have the opportunity to fulfill the federal government's obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land." In addition to Udall and Crapo, the le…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-calls-for-full-funding-of-pilt-srs-for-critical-local-government-services	Heinrich Calls For Full Funding Of PILT, SRS For Critical Local Government Services	2014-12-01	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Calls For Full Funding Of PILT, SRS For Critical Local Government Services Monday, December 1, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 1, 2014) - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined a bipartisan coalition urging Senate leaders to fully fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in any end-of-year legislation. "Moving forward, we hope that we can work together to seek a long-term solution to provide a consistent and stable source of funding for the nation's counties containing federal lands," the lawmakers wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As we approach the end of the 113th Congress, however, we urge you to consider the economic hardship and uncertainty that these counties will face if the PILT program is not given consistent funding." PILT provides federal payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes because of nontaxable federal land within their boundaries, and these resources are critical to rural counties across the country, which use the funding to provide services, such as police, fire protection, and emergency response. The SRS program, which benefits rural counties near national forests, supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, and other county projects. Along with PILT, rural counties rely heavily on SRS to help provide essential services to residents. Funding for both PILT and SRS has expired, and unless the programs are renewed, counties across the country will see major budget cuts. Annually, PILT and SRS combined provide more than $700 million to rural counties across the country. The letter, led by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), was also signed by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Ron Wyden, (D-OR) Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Carl Levin (D-MI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-crapo-lead-bipartisan-coalition-on-pilt/srs-funding-for-critical-local-government-services	Udall, Crapo Lead Bipartisan Coalition on PILT/SRS Funding for Critical Local Government Services	2014-12-01	2014	2014-12	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	December 01, 2014 Udall, Crapo Lead Bipartisan Coalition on PILT/SRS Funding for Critical Local Government Services Lawmakers request full funding in end-of-year legislation WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) led a bipartisan coalition urging Senate leaders to fully fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in any end-of-year legislation. PILT provides federal payments to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes because of nontaxable federal land within their boundaries, and these resources are critical to rural counties across the country, which use the funding to provide services, such as police, fire protection, and emergency response. The SRS program, which benefits rural counties near national forests, supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, and other county projects. Along with PILT, rural counties rely heavily on SRS to help provide essential services to residents. Funding for both PILT and SRS has expired, and unless the programs are renewed, counties across the country will see major budget cuts. Annually, PILT and SRS combined provide more than $700 million to rural counties across the country. "Moving forward, we hope that we can work together to seek a long-term solution to provide a consistent and stable source of funding for the nation's counties containing federal lands," the lawmakers wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As we approach the end of the 113th Congress, however, we urge you to consider the economic hardship and uncertainty that these counties will face if the PILT program is not given consistent funding." The lawmakers added, "In supporting the PILT and SRS programs, we have the opportunity to fulfill the federal government's obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land." In addition to Udall and Crapo, the le…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-nm-needs-to-focus-on-clean-energy	Albuquerque Journal: NM needs to focus on clean energy	2014-11-30	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Albuquerque Journal: NM needs to focus on clean energy By: U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich Sunday, November 30, 2014 Climate change is one of the greatest economic challenges, and opportunities, of this century. We can deny that our climate is warming, and remain stuck behind our economic competitors in the developed – and increasingly, in the developing – world. Or we can move forward with a clean energy economy that will create jobs and protect the environment, with New Mexico leading the way. We firmly believe that we must follow the latter path. We can’t stick our heads in the sand and turn our backs on the scientists who say we must take action now to reduce global warming pollution. We believe that ignoring climate change is not only dangerous for our health, it is disastrous for our economy. Last week, we both voted against a highly politicized bill authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Rather than mandating the construction of oil pipelines for private foreign corporations, Congress should be focused on supporting domestic energy production that creates permanent American jobs. First, let’s be clear. Climate change is real. New Mexico is at the eye of the storm, experiencing historic drought, severe flooding when it does rain and increasingly frequent wildfires. If we do nothing, it will get worse. According to a study at Los Alamos National Laboratory, by 2050 we may not have any forests left in our state. It will be as if New Mexico is dragged 300 miles to the South, to the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. We’re already seeing the impact on our economy. Just this month, the Government Accountability Office reported that climate change will continue to increase costs to taxpayers for the feder…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1807	Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund [press_release]	2014-11-26	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 26, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich this week joined 39 other U.S. senators in calling on Senate leadership to work with them to find a permanent funding solution for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). "The Land and Water Conservation Fund guarantees a prosperous and vital future for the next generation while preserving our uniquely American way of life across this nation," the senators wrote in the letter. "Accordingly, we urge you to enact a permanent and comprehensive solution for this vital program before the 113th Congress adjourns." The LWCF has helped create and protect urban parks and open spaces that enhance recreation and outdoor opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. The LWCF is funded almost entirely by oil and gas leasing along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Congress authorized the fund at $900 million through the end of the fiscal year, on Sept. 30, 2015. Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1964 to help state and local governments conserve open spaces for the benefit of all Americans. For Fiscal Year 2014, $507,107 has been allocated to support projects in New Mexico. Since its inception, more than $4 billion has been made available for state and local governments to fund over 40,000 projects across the nation. A recent analysis found that every $1 invested in land acquisition generated a $4 return on the investment for communities. The letter was signed by 39 other senators: Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Richard Burr, R-N.C.; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; John Walsh, D-Mont.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Joe Manchin, D-W.V.; Bernard Sanders, I-Vt.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Angus King, I-Maine; Kay Hagan, D-N.C.; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D.; Brian Sch…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-funding-solution-for-land-and-water-conservation-fund	Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund	2014-11-26	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund Wednesday, November 26, 2014 U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich this week joined 39 other U.S. senators in calling on Senate leadership to work with them to find a permanent funding solution for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). “The Land and Water Conservation Fund guarantees a prosperous and vital future for the next generation while preserving our uniquely American way of life across this nation,” the senators wrote in the letter. “Accordingly, we urge you to enact a permanent and comprehensive solution for this vital program before the 113th Congress adjourns.” The LWCF has helped create and protect urban parks and open spaces that enhance recreation and outdoor opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. The LWCF is funded almost entirely by oil and gas leasing along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Congress authorized the fund at $900 million through the end of the fiscal year, on Sept. 30, 2015. Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1964 to help state and local governments conserve open spaces for the benefit of all Americans. For Fiscal Year 2014, $507,107 has been allocated to support projects in New Mexico. Since its inception, more than $4 billion has been made available for state and local governments to fund over 40,000 projects across the nation. A recent analysis found that every $1 invested in land acquisition generated a $4 return on the investment for communities. The letter was signed by 39 other senators: Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Richard Burr, R-N.C.; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; John Walsh, D-Mont.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Joe Manchin, D-W.V.; Bernard Sanders, I-Vt.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Angus King, I-Maine; Kay Hagan, D-N.C.; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Tim J…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-urge-funding-solution-for-land-and-water-conservation-fund	Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund	2014-11-26	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 26, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Urge Funding Solution For Land And Water Conservation Fund WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich this week joined 39 other U.S. senators in calling on Senate leadership to work with them to find a permanent funding solution for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). "The Land and Water Conservation Fund guarantees a prosperous and vital future for the next generation while preserving our uniquely American way of life across this nation," the senators wrote in the letter. "Accordingly, we urge you to enact a permanent and comprehensive solution for this vital program before the 113th Congress adjourns." The LWCF has helped create and protect urban parks and open spaces that enhance recreation and outdoor opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. The LWCF is funded almost entirely by oil and gas leasing along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Congress authorized the fund at $900 million through the end of the fiscal year, on Sept. 30, 2015. Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1964 to help state and local governments conserve open spaces for the benefit of all Americans. For Fiscal Year 2014, $507,107 has been allocated to support projects in New Mexico. Since its inception, more than $4 billion has been made available for state and local governments to fund over 40,000 projects across the nation. A recent analysis found that every $1 invested in land acquisition generated a $4 return on the investment for communities. The letter was signed by 39 other senators: Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Richard Burr, R-N.C.; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; John Walsh, D-Mont.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Joe Manchin, D-W.V.; Bernard Sanders, I-Vt.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Angus King, I-Maine; Kay Hagan, D-N.C.; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D.; Brian Sch…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1806	Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices [press_release]	2014-11-25	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 25, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are supporting the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the Senators expressed strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families. "As our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders," the Senators wrote. "We strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness." Following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that "predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force," Congress passed the MLA. This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered. The DOD's 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit. In the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule. Today's letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a bett…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-back-dod-plan-to-better-protect-military-families-from-abusive-financial-practices	Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices	2014-11-25	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices Tuesday, November 25, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are supporting the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the Senators expressed strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families. "As our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders," the Senators wrote. "We strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness." Following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that "predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force," Congress passed the MLA. This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered. The DOD's 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit. In the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule. Today's letter voices strong support for the proposed rule…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-back-dod-plan-to-better-protect-military-families-from-abusive-financial-practices	Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices	2014-11-25	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 25, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are supporting the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the Senators expressed strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families. "As our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders," the Senators wrote. "We strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness." Following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that "predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force," Congress passed the MLA. This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered. The DOD's 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit. In the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule. Today's letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a bett…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1803	Udall Statement on Chuck Hagel [press_release]	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 24, 2014 Udall Statement on Chuck Hagel WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after President Obama announced that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down: "Over the last year, we have seen the emergence of a brutal terrorist organization as well as other security threats that have required a targeted, strategic response, with little room for mistakes. As the commander in chief, President Obama needs to have a strong defense secretary who will handle these challenges with authority and clear leadership. I thank Secretary Hagel for his many years of service to our country and to the administration. I particularly appreciate Secretary Hagel's strong understanding of the strategic importance of our national laboratories, and I hope his successor will share that focus. I look forward to more information from the president about his next steps as well as the upcoming confirmation process." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1805	Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning [press_release]	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 24, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced $447,748 in funding for a distance learning initiative for the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, N.M. This funding, made possible through the Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, is intended to counteract high unemployment and poverty in the Navajo community. Quality distance learning is an important tool, especially for the large Navajo Nation, where many students have to travel long distances in order to take classes on campus. Distance learning allows students to work during the day and take classes at night, and can also provide access to certificate programs and courses to enhance job skills. "It is critical that New Mexico's tribes have the tools to build sustainable economies and vibrant businesses, and this grant for distance learning will help the Navajo Nation provide the technical education students need to compete in today's economy," Udall said. "The Navajo Technical University fills a vital role in educating tomorrow's tribal leaders, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to support investments in tribal education and advancement." "These funds for distance learning programs will provide critical education and training tools to the Navajo community and should be a model for other colleges serving rural areas," Heinrich said. "By increasing access to education programs and job training, especially in telemedicine, we improve the quality of life and future economic prospects for our communities." Through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program, USDA has awarded grants to provide rural Americans access to medical services, improve educational opportunities, and support Native American communities. The program helps rural communities acquire distance learning and telemedicine technologies to better serve rural residents. …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206023829/http://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-applauds-decision-interstate-stream-commission	Pearce Applauds Decision by Interstate Stream Commission	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Republican	House	NM	Steve Pearce	P000588	web.archive.org	legacy	Washington, DC (Nov. 24, 2014) Today, the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) voted to accept $128 million in federal funding to claim 14,000 acre feet of water from the Gila River. Under the Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004, the State of New Mexico has the legal right to claim the water and take the funds by December 31, 2014. “I applaud the ISC for doing what is best for New Mexico: ignoring special interest groups, and acquiring much-needed water that the state is legally entitled to,” said Pearce. “For almost a decade, there has been a spirited debate over whether or not to proceed with a plan to take this water. Had the State not taken it, we would have lost millions of gallons of water that New Mexicans desperately need. Instead, the ISC came up with a plan that will move water to thousands of households in Southwestern New Mexico.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141207050253/http://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1493	Lujan Introduces Legislation to Preserve Native American Languages	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Ben Luján	L000570	web.archive.org	legacy	Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District announced that he recently introduced legislation to help Native American communities preserve their traditional languages. This updated reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act improves and reauthorizes an existing program to support tribal communities and makes resources available to achieve this vital goal. “Language preservation is a vital component of broader efforts to preserve the nuances of Native American culture and traditions that are often lost in translation. Language is an essential part of history, culture, and way of life,” Congressman Luján said. “The preservation of culture depends upon the endurance of native languages that have been an integral part of tribes in New Mexico and across the country. Continuing the successful programs implemented by the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act will help expand fluency in native languages, helping tribal communities preserve their cultural traditions and ensuring that these languages will continue to provide meaning and value to future generations.” In 2006, the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act was signed into law to support language immersion programs, language survival schools, and language restoration programs. In addition to reauthorizing this important effort, Luján’s bill also increases the sustainability and flexibility of the program by extending the duration of grant awards to up to five years, giving projects a more stable funding source and increasing the impact of each project. Additionally, more language schools and language nests in low populated and remote areas will be eligible to access this important grant funding. The reauthorization of this legislation would allow existing programs to continue through Fiscal Year 2019. Previously, in February of 2013, Luján introduced legislation to extend the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act. This new, s…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-more-than-400000-for-navajo-distance-learning	Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning Monday, November 24, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced $447,748 in funding for a distance learning initiative for the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, N.M. This funding, made possible through the Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, is intended to counteract high unemployment and poverty in the Navajo community. Quality distance learning is an important tool, especially for the large Navajo Nation, where many students have to travel long distances in order to take classes on campus. Distance learning allows students to work during the day and take classes at night, and can also provide access to certificate programs and courses to enhance job skills. “It is critical that New Mexico's tribes have the tools to build sustainable economies and vibrant businesses, and this grant for distance learning will help the Navajo Nation provide the technical education students need to compete in today's economy,” Udall said. “The Navajo Technical University fills a vital role in educating tomorrow's tribal leaders, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to support investments in tribal education and advancement.” “These funds for distance learning programs will provide critical education and training tools to the Navajo community and should be a model for other colleges serving rural areas,” Heinrich said. “By increasing access to education programs and job training, especially in telemedicine, we improve the quality of life and future economic prospects for our communities.” Through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program, USDA has awarded grants to provide rural Americans access to medical services, improve educational opportunities, and support Native American communities. The program helps rural communities acquire distance learning and telemedicine technologies to better serve r…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-more-than-400-000-for-navajo-distance-learning	Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 24, 2014 Udall, Heinrich Announce More Than $400,000 for Navajo Distance Learning WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced $447,748 in funding for a distance learning initiative for the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, N.M. This funding, made possible through the Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, is intended to counteract high unemployment and poverty in the Navajo community. Quality distance learning is an important tool, especially for the large Navajo Nation, where many students have to travel long distances in order to take classes on campus. Distance learning allows students to work during the day and take classes at night, and can also provide access to certificate programs and courses to enhance job skills. "It is critical that New Mexico's tribes have the tools to build sustainable economies and vibrant businesses, and this grant for distance learning will help the Navajo Nation provide the technical education students need to compete in today's economy," Udall said. "The Navajo Technical University fills a vital role in educating tomorrow's tribal leaders, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to support investments in tribal education and advancement." "These funds for distance learning programs will provide critical education and training tools to the Navajo community and should be a model for other colleges serving rural areas," Heinrich said. "By increasing access to education programs and job training, especially in telemedicine, we improve the quality of life and future economic prospects for our communities." Through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program, USDA has awarded grants to provide rural Americans access to medical services, improve educational opportunities, and support Native American communities. The program helps rural communities acquire distance learning and telemedicine technologies to better serve rural residents. …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-chuck-hagel	Udall Statement on Chuck Hagel	2014-11-24	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 24, 2014 Udall Statement on Chuck Hagel WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after President Obama announced that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down: "Over the last year, we have seen the emergence of a brutal terrorist organization as well as other security threats that have required a targeted, strategic response, with little room for mistakes. As the commander in chief, President Obama needs to have a strong defense secretary who will handle these challenges with authority and clear leadership. I thank Secretary Hagel for his many years of service to our country and to the administration. I particularly appreciate Secretary Hagel's strong understanding of the strategic importance of our national laboratories, and I hope his successor will share that focus. I look forward to more information from the president about his next steps as well as the upcoming confirmation process." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206023840/http://pearce.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-three-bills-address-transparency-efficiency-epa-and-ensure-science-used	House passes three bills to address transparency, efficiency in the EPA and ensure science used in regulatory process	2014-11-22	2014	2014-11	Republican	House	NM	Steve Pearce	P000588	web.archive.org	legacy	Washington, DC (Nov. 22, 2014) The U.S. House of Representatives passed three bills this week to address transparency and efficiency in EPA’s permitting process and ensure that the Agency is prevented from implementing economically harmful regulations without publishing the science behind it. Congressman Steve Pearce urged his colleagues in the Senate to take up these important pieces of legislation immediately. H.R. 1422, the Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013, makes changes to the EPA’s Science Advisory Board to increase public participation, increase the transparency for selecting advisors, and ensures the board remains focused on science and not politics. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 229-191. “Under this administration, the EPA has introduced a number of economically devastating proposals that have had little scientific standing,” said Congressman Steve Pearce. “With so many livelihoods on the line, we must ensure that the panel that reviews these regulations is fair and balanced. This bill will work to guarantee that these job-killing regulations are no longer subject to a biased panel and that there is transparency in the review process. I ask that my colleagues in the Senate take up this piece of legislation immediately.” H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act, prohibits the EPA from enacting or proposing regulations without first publishing for independent review the science on which they were based. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 237-190. “Over the last six years, the EPA has cost jobs and increased electricity rates for Western families through their economically damaging proposals,” Pearce said. “These costly proposals have been implemented based on science that the EPA refuses to publicize for peer review. Taxpayers who pay for these reckless regulations deserve a say in the process. This bill will create a more transparent process by requiring the EPA to publicize their science.” H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, increases transparency and efficiency wi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141205210944/http://lujangrisham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398569	Rep. Lujan Grisham Proposes National Care Corps	2014-11-21	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Michelle Lujan Grisham	L000580	web.archive.org	legacy	ALBUQUERQUE -- U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham is proposing a national Care Corps program, modeled after the Peace Corps, that is designed to provide support for family caregivers and help meet the growing demand for the care of aging and disabled Americans. Rep. Lujan Grisham’s National Care Corps Act (H.R. 5288) will place volunteers in communities to work with seniors and individuals with disabilities who need extra support to live independently. In exchange, volunteers will receive health insurance and other benefits, such as tuition assistance. The effort to connect younger volunteers with aging and disability populations will increase access to services and encourage growth in the direct care and health care workforce, while providing opportunity for young adults and others seeking exposure to a new field. “We all want to remain as independent as we can for as long as we can,” Rep. Lujan Grisham said. “But there are significant barriers to seniors and people with disabilities who want to receive services in their homes or in community based settings.” “Unfortunately, we’re facing high costs, along with a shortage of direct-care workers, which results in the lack of access to these important services, especially for middle class families. A national Care Corps will help build the workforce, while building intergenerational relationships that allow seniors and young people to learn from each other.” Experts predict the U.S. will need to add at least 1 million more direct-care workers over the next 10 years to meet demand for caregivers. By 2030, there will be more than 72 million older Americans, making up 19-percent of the total population. Rep. Lujan Grisham’s bill would help to fill those gaps and provide opportunities for young adults and others looking for a new career. Highlights of the Care Corps Act: The Care Corps would be created within the Administration for Community Living at the Department of Health and Human Services. Public or private non-profit groups would apply for Care Corps gra…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141205210949/http://lujangrisham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398570	Lujan Grisham Announces Mobile Office Hours for Week of November 24	2014-11-21	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Michelle Lujan Grisham	L000580	web.archive.org	legacy	WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) today announced that her staff will be holding Mobile Office Hours in the First Congressional District next week. Mobile Office Hours enable constituents to receive assistance with casework closer to their homes and in their communities. To receive assistance with the VA, Social Security benefits, immigration applications, Medicare problems, military records, or any issue with a federal agency, constituents can stop by one of the following Mobile Office Hours: Monday, November 24 When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Palo Duro Senior Center 5221 Palo Duro Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Tuesday, November 25 When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Estancia/Torrance County Building 205 9th Street Estancia, NM 87016 ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206023853/http://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-obama-overreaches-again	PEARCE: OBAMA OVERREACHES AGAIN	2014-11-21	2014	2014-11	Republican	House	NM	Steve Pearce	P000588	web.archive.org	legacy	Washington, DC (Nov. 20, 2014) Today, Congressman Pearce responded to President Obama’s executive order outlining expanded relief for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Specifically, the “Immigration Accountability Executive Action” is a plan that expands Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and creates a new deferred action program for up to 4 million undocumented people who have lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years and are parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The result is that the immigration law will be changed for nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants. “President Obama’s decision to use executive powers to alter immigration policy for 5 million people is a gross abuse of power,” said Congressman Steve Pearce. “The President is choosing to ignore the bounds of his Constitutional powers and bypass Congress. Very simply, these actions are illegal and unlike those taken by any other President. This is not just my view, this is the view of many. Even Doris Meissner, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization Service for President Clinton, noted that prosecutorial discretion does not provide the President the right to ignore current law.” “Not only are the President’s actions disregarding the Constitution, the democratic process, and the will of the people, they are short-sighted and cruel. The innately political action by the President will have harmful and damaging effects, while significantly disheartening and disadvantaging the millions of potential immigrants following the law and waiting to enter the United States.” “The immigration system in the United States must change. As New Mexicans, we live with the impacts of a broken immigration system. For our families, for our neighbors, and for our friends, the government must work to correct this problem. As Gov. Martinez describes in a recent Washington Times article, reform cannot be political, temporary, or self-promoting. It must be permanent and it must be based on fairness.” “Congress must work…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1801	Udall, Tester Introduce Legislation to Provide Support for Homeless and At-Risk Native Veterans [press_release]	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 20, 2014 Udall, Tester Introduce Legislation to Provide Support for Homeless and At-Risk Native Veterans WASHINGTON - Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Tom Udall (D-NM) today introduced bipartisan legislation (S. 2960) to make sure all Native American veterans have a place to call home. Tester and Udall were joined by co-sponsors Tim Johnson (D-SD), Al Franken (D-MN), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Tester and Udall's bill allows funds meant to help homeless veterans and veterans at-risk of homelessness to be made available to Native veterans. Due to regulations governing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), vouchers for rental assistance available under a joint initiative between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, known as HUD-VASH, are not currently available to tribal housing authorities. "It's simply not right that Native veterans, who are at greater risk for homeless than any of their peers, can't access these needed funds," Tester said. "Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group and yet many live homeless on tribal lands. They deserve better, and this bill will help them get back on their feet. I hope all of my colleagues in the Senate will join me in supporting this legislation." "New Mexico's Tribal members have a proud history of military service and have played a critical part in fighting for our nation. We have a solemn responsibility to ensure these veterans receive the services they have earned, including safe, quality housing. This bill makes simple but much-needed changes in the law that will make it easier for homeless veterans and their families living on Tribal lands to transition from homelessness and into permanent housing," said Senator Udall. "I have been proud to use my role as Chairman of the Military Construction and VA Appropriations Subcommittee and the Banking Committee to support t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1802	Udall Responds to Presidents Immigration Announcement [press_release]	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 20, 2014 Udall Responds to Presidents Immigration Announcement WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the president's decision to take executive action on immigration: "Over 40,000 people in New Mexico and millions more around the country are living in immigration limbo while they work and raise families here in the United States. Deporting these children and families isn't a realistic option. We need to focus our limited resources on securing the border and going after drug dealers, gang members and potential terrorists. "New Mexicans have seen firsthand the problems caused by House Republicans, who have dragged their feet on immigration for too long - it has been 511 days since the Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive reform bill. Because the House won't act, the president is justified in taking commonsense steps to fix our broken immigration system under existing law. "The president is offering a temporary solution to keep families together, give employers who hire workers on visas more certainty about their workforce, and devote our limited resources to deporting dangerous criminals. It's past time for Congress to work together on a permanent fix of our broken immigration system." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141205211002/http://lujangrisham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398555	Lujan Grisham Statement on Immigration Action	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Michelle Lujan Grisham	L000580	web.archive.org	legacy	Albuquerque – Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s immigration announcement tonight. "While I prefer a comprehensive approach to reforming our broken immigration system, I understand the immediacy of acting now to keep immigrant families together and provide them with temporary protections from deportation. By granting temporary work permits and requiring immigrants to go through background checks and pay taxes, we are encouraging them to come out of the shadows and be productive members of society. This will also allow us to shift resources toward other priorities in our communities. "However, our work is not done. Our immigration system is still broken and Congress must pass a comprehensive legislative fix that will provide a long-term solution. The President has stated that he is willing to work with Congress and that he is willing to retract his order once Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform. This is an invitation from the President to Congress to work with him to finally fix what we all agree is a broken immigration system. I urge my Republican colleagues to stop delaying this issue and to pass comprehensive immigration reform today." ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-business-first-heinrich-proposes-federal-funding-for-microlabs	Albuquerque Business First: Heinrich proposes federal funding for ‘microlabs’	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Albuquerque Business First: Heinrich proposes federal funding for ‘microlabs’ By: Gary Gerew Thursday, November 20, 2014 Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) has introduced a bill aimed at funding "microlabs" that would be used to give businesses access to equipment and personnel at national laboratories. Heinrich said the idea is to spur the transfer of technology from the labs to the marketplace. "If we are going to realize the true potential of technology transfer, our national labs must be able to collaborate effectively with business, entrepreneurs, investors and research universities," Heinrich said in a statement. "Obviously, we can't tear down the lab fences and security precautions that have historically limited these interactions, but we can and should create spaces in the communities where our labs reside that facilitate collaboration and commercialization. My legislation will help to build a 'front door,' literally and figuratively, where the community can interact directly with the scientists and engineers who are our laboratory's greatest assets. This will eliminate many of the barriers that have historically limited commercial technology transfer and incentivize the private sector jobs that result from successful commercialization projects." Heinrich said the Feynman Center for Innovation at Los Alamos and the Sandia Center for Collaboration and Commercialization are examples of the type of projects he is discussing. His bill, the Microlab Technology Commercialization Act of 2014, would authorize federal funding to help cover the national labs' share of establishing the off-site microlabs.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/statements-and-speeches/heinrich-statement-on-fixing-our-broken-immigration-system	Heinrich Statement On Fixing Our Broken Immigration System	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Statement On Fixing Our Broken Immigration System Thursday, November 20, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the actions President Obama is taking to help fix our broken immigration system: "The President's proposal is a good first step toward fixing our nation's broken immigration system. This executive action cracks down on illegal immigration at the border and prioritizes deporting felons rather than families. It also requires undocumented workers to pass a background check and pay their taxes. Those are common sense steps and well within the executive authority used by Presidents like Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush to deal with these same issues. However, only Congress can finish the job and fix the entire immigration system. "Last year, the Senate passed a common-sense, bipartisan immigration bill that dramatically increases resources at our nation's border, will grow our economy, and prioritizes keeping families together. Yet here we are, more than 500 days later, and Speaker Boehner still refuses to allow a vote on this legislation. That's not leadership, it's obstruction. Speaker Boehner needs to stop his activist litigation and do his job by passing legislation. If House Republicans genuinely want to fix our immigration laws and make our policies crystal clear, they would pass the Senate's bipartisan immigration bill now. "As the son of an immigrant, I know how important reform is for families across New Mexico. Our immigrant communities have helped write the economic, social, and cultural story of America. New Mexicans are eager for a solution, DREAM Act students deserve a solution, and our economy requires a solution. "I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a permanent solution to fix our nation's broken immigration system. America will be better for it." **** Heinrich Sobre La Importancia De Arreglar Nuestro Roto Sistema Migratorio WASHINGTON, D.C. - El Senador Martin He…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-bill-to-modernize-nations-electric-transmission-grid	Heinrich Introduces Bill To Modernize Nation’s Electric Transmission Grid	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Introduces Bill To Modernize Nation’s Electric Transmission Grid Thursday, November 20, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced a bill (S. 2947) to remove barriers to creating a cleaner, more consumer-friendly electric grid. The bill clarifies that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has the legal authority to require regional grid operators in interstate wholesale markets to allow consumers to be compensated for voluntarily reducing their electricity consumption--a tool referred to as demand response. By providing incentives for consumers to reduce their use of power, demand response lowers overall electricity costs, improves reliability and efficiency, and reduces emissions. "Modernizing our electrical grid is central to becoming a nation that's more energy efficient and provides cost savings for everyone," said Sen. Heinrich. "There is no kilowatt-hour more valuable than the one you don't use in the first place. This bill is a small fix but with big implications for growing the economy, and is central to slowing the effects of climate change and creating a healthier environment for future generations." There are currently six multi-state independent grid operators, primarily in the East, Midwest and California, that are responsible for assuring the reliability of the power supplied to the local utility companies and keeping the cost of power down. FERC's authority to regulate these interstate markets for electricity arises under the 80-year old Federal Power Act. However, the law was written for a different era when there were no regional power grids and few interstate sales of electricity. Though the law gave FERC clear authority over matters affecting wholesale power rates, there is some question whether Congress intended a reduction in power use to be considered on equal footing with the generation of power, even though both clearly affect …	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-portales	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Portales	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Martin Heinrich	H001046	www.heinrich.senate.gov	legacy	Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Portales Thursday, November 20, 2014 ROSWELL, 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 Portales on Friday, November 21, 2014. 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. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Portales - Friday, November 21, 2014 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 10 to 11 a.m. WHERE: La Casa Family Health Center, 1515 W. Fir Street, Portales, N.M. 88130 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Roswell Office at (575) 622-7113	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-responds-to-president-and-146s-immigration-announcement	Udall Responds to Presidents Immigration Announcement	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 20, 2014 Udall Responds to Presidents Immigration Announcement WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the president's decision to take executive action on immigration: "Over 40,000 people in New Mexico and millions more around the country are living in immigration limbo while they work and raise families here in the United States. Deporting these children and families isn't a realistic option. We need to focus our limited resources on securing the border and going after drug dealers, gang members and potential terrorists. "New Mexicans have seen firsthand the problems caused by House Republicans, who have dragged their feet on immigration for too long - it has been 511 days since the Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive reform bill. Because the House won't act, the president is justified in taking commonsense steps to fix our broken immigration system under existing law. "The president is offering a temporary solution to keep families together, give employers who hire workers on visas more certainty about their workforce, and devote our limited resources to deporting dangerous criminals. It's past time for Congress to work together on a permanent fix of our broken immigration system." Print Email Tweet Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-tester-introduce-legislation-to-provide-support-for-homeless-and-at-risk-native-veterans	Udall, Tester Introduce Legislation to Provide Support for Homeless and At-Risk Native Veterans	2014-11-20	2014	2014-11	Democrat	House	NM	Tom Udall	U000039	www.tomudall.senate.gov	legacy	November 20, 2014 Udall, Tester Introduce Legislation to Provide Support for Homeless and At-Risk Native Veterans WASHINGTON - Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Tom Udall (D-NM) today introduced bipartisan legislation (S. 2960) to make sure all Native American veterans have a place to call home. Tester and Udall were joined by co-sponsors Tim Johnson (D-SD), Al Franken (D-MN), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Tester and Udall's bill allows funds meant to help homeless veterans and veterans at-risk of homelessness to be made available to Native veterans. Due to regulations governing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), vouchers for rental assistance available under a joint initiative between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, known as HUD-VASH, are not currently available to tribal housing authorities. "It's simply not right that Native veterans, who are at greater risk for homeless than any of their peers, can't access these needed funds," Tester said. "Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group and yet many live homeless on tribal lands. They deserve better, and this bill will help them get back on their feet. I hope all of my colleagues in the Senate will join me in supporting this legislation." "New Mexico's Tribal members have a proud history of military service and have played a critical part in fighting for our nation. We have a solemn responsibility to ensure these veterans receive the services they have earned, including safe, quality housing. This bill makes simple but much-needed changes in the law that will make it easier for homeless veterans and their families living on Tribal lands to transition from homelessness and into permanent housing," said Senator Udall. "I have been proud to use my role as Chairman of the Military Construction and VA Appropriations Subcommittee and the Banking Committee to support t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

1,261 rows where state = "NM" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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