Tom Udall
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tom Udall
Birth and Death Dates
March 18, 1948 – present
Nationality and Profession(s)
American politician; former U.S. Senator from New Mexico (2009-2021); and Representative for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district (1999-2009).
Early Life and Background
Tom Udall was born on March 18, 1948, in Tucson, Arizona, to Stewart Lee Udall and Nina Priscilla Pope Udall. His father, a lawyer and politician, would go on to serve as Secretary of the Interior under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. This family background instilled in Tom a strong sense of public service and environmental stewardship.
Growing up in New Mexico, Udall developed a deep appreciation for the state's unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. After graduating, Udall moved to Antarctica as a member of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program.
Major Accomplishments
During his time in Congress, Tom Udall was known for his progressive stances on environmental issues and social justice. Some notable accomplishments include:
Co-sponsorship of the Clean Energy Deployment Act, aimed at promoting renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Support for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which prohibited pay discrimination based on sex or other factors.
* Advocacy for the Tongass National Forest protection bill, aiming to preserve this vital ecosystem.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his legislative efforts, Udall has taken part in various environmental initiatives and humanitarian missions. One notable example is his involvement with the New Mexico Wilderness Protection Act, which aimed to safeguard millions of acres of wilderness land within the state.
Udall also demonstrated a commitment to global cooperation by serving as a co-chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Renewable Energy. This position allowed him to engage with international leaders and promote collaborative approaches to addressing climate change.
Impact and Legacy
Tom Udall's dedication to environmental protection, social justice, and human rights has left an indelible mark on his community and beyond. His tireless efforts have paved the way for future generations of policymakers and activists working towards a more sustainable world.
As he continues to serve in public office, Tom Udall remains a champion for the values that have guided him throughout his career: fairness, compassion, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Throughout his political career, Tom Udall has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fighting for what he believes in. His strong stance on environmental issues, combined with his dedication to promoting social justice and human rights, have made him a widely respected figure among advocates and policymakers alike.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Tom Udall's legacy will continue to inspire leaders working towards creating a more just and sustainable world.
Quotes by Tom Udall
It’s happened to far too many Americans. You open up your phone bill and wonder why there’s an extra zero, or several, on the amount that you owe.
As a part of preparing those lawsuits, learning about those lawsuits, I learned about the various nuclear issues in parts of the nuclear production process I guess you’d say.
It used to be in the Senate that if you were filibustering, you stood up. There was a physical dimension to it, that you – when you became exhausted you would have to leave the floor. That was the idea of the filibuster.
Well the appeals happening because we believe the certification process uh, hasn’t worked out the way it should, that there hasn’t been substantial evidence to support their certification.
The Senate as an institution is broken. We’re not doing the work of the American people and the rules are being abused. The only way to get us back to the traditions where the Senate is doing the work of the American people is to change the rules.
It’s very, very difficult I think for us to have a transparent debate about secret programs approved by a secret court issuing secret court orders based on secret interpretations of the law.
It’s a national concern, I mean how we dispose of nuclear waste in a safe way, how we deal with this incredible amount of nuclear waste we have created over the years.
I don't think that's the correct position but that is their position and it could be, depending on what a judge decides, it could go either way.
I have supported and voted for a variety of trade agreements in the past because increased trade, when achieved through a true level playing field, helps grow the economy and create jobs,
