[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 209 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TOM UDALL

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. Pesident, there are some for whom public service 
simply isn't a choice; it runs through their veins as a calling and a 
force that draws them to answer an undeniable call. Tom Udall is one of 
those people, and when the curtain closes on this 116th Congress and on 
Tom's service in the Senate, it will bookend a career in Congress in 
which the Udalls, a family steeped in public service, can take great 
pride. The Udall legacy will live on in its benefits for generations of 
Americans to come.
  First as a Representative to the U.S. House and later as a U.S. 
Senator, Tom has consistently fought for the interests of New Mexico 
and his State's people. He has been instrumental in the passage of 
legislation that has not only brought important resources to the people 
of New Mexico, but has protected and preserved our environment. For his 
constituents at home, this has meant more conservation of public lands 
and significant expansions of access to education, healthcare, and land 
tenure rights for Native Americans in New Mexico and across the United 
States.
  Tom fought hard to protect the environment and invest in a more 
sustainable future. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee 
and as the ranking member of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee, 
he advocated strongly for continued financial assistance for Federal, 
State, and local programs that focus on environmental conservation and 
work to address climate change and its effects. Critically, he fought 
against draconian budget cuts to such entities as the Environmental 
Protection Agency and fought to protect our clean air and clean 
drinking water laws. Working with Tom on the Appropriations Committee, 
it has been easy to see his clear dedication to his constituents, and 
his devoted service to country.
  I was saddened when Tom announced his retirement, but I believe Tom 
will never close the door on his public service. Marcelle and I wish 
Tom and his wife Jill, and the rest of their family, all the best in 
the coming years. It was a privilege to be on the floor of the Senate 
when Tom gave his farewell address. Such honesty, patriotism, wisdom of 
how we can and must restore the workings of the Senate--all current 
Senators and future Senators should listen.

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