Nation

Udall Urges FTC to Investigate Phone Scams

by

U.S. Senate News:

WASHINGTON – Friday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., wrote a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Edith Ramirez, asking her to take “aggressive action” to investigate and prevent telephone scams targeting utility customers in New Mexico.

More than 130 New Mexico utility customers have been targeted so far. Some have lost of thousands of dollars in the telephone scams, in which callers threaten to disconnect electric service unless the customer sends money via prepaid card or online payment.

The scammers are using a practice known as caller ID “spoofing,” in Read More

Udall Backs Bill to Reform Surveillance Program

by

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON – Friday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., announced his support for a new bipartisan bill to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and ensure Americans’ rights to free speech and freedom from unreasonable searches are protected. 

“The National Security Agency’s mission is to protect our nation from foreign threats, and I support that goal, but it is becoming clear that millions of Americans’ communications are being swept up in their dragnet,” Udall said. “I have been concerned about the potential for abuse of these programs for years. We Read More

Tax-filing Extension Expires Oct. 15

by

IRS News:

PHOENIX ─ Many of the more than 12 million taxpayers who requested an automatic six-month extension this year have yet to file. Though Oct. 15 is the last day for most people, some still have more time, including members of the military and others serving in Afghanistan or other combat zone (https:////www.irs.gov/uac/Combat-Zones) localities who typically have until at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due. People with extensions in parts of Colorado (https:////www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Provides-Tax-Relief-to-Victims-of-Colorado-Storms Read More

Udall Backs Measure to Protect Military Pay in Case of Government Shutdown

by

Tom Udall

 

U.S. SENATE News:

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., announced Thursday that he is joining a bipartisan group of senators in cosponsoring a bill to protect military pay in the event of a government shutdown.

 

The Military Pay Protection Act, which is based on a similar proposal introduced in January, would ensure the nation’s military families, including National Guard units assisting in disaster recovery, and critical Defense Department civilian workers, would not see a delay in their paychecks if the government were to shut down.

  Read More

Udall Talks Storm Recovery, Government Shutdown

by

U.S. SENATE News:

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On his weekly radio press conference call, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall provided an update on federal storm recovery funding to help repair recent flood damage in New Mexico. He also discussed Republicans’ looming threat of a government shutdown and the impact it would have on the state if agreement cannot be reached prior to Oct. 1.

 

Click here to listen to the full audio online.

 

Click here to download the audio.

 

Below are highlights from Udall’s remarks:

 

0:00 – Udall opens the call with remarks on cleanup efforts from Read More

Gary King Opposes Deep Cuts to Federal Food Stamps

by

Attorney General Gary King

STATE News:

New Mexico Attorney General and Democratic candidate for Governor Gary King today strongly spoke out against Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to impose harsh cuts to American families who depend on federal food stamps. 

Yesterday House Republicans passed billions of dollars in cuts to federal food stamps by a vote of 217-210; the cuts will push millions of American families, including those in New Mexico, into poverty during the ongoing economic slump.

“While this is a federal issue, and I intend to be the next Governor Read More

Udall Honors Hispanic Heritage

by

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record recognizing the tremendous contributions of Hispanic Americans in New Mexico and across the country:

“Mr. President, September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to remember and to celebrate the integral role of Hispanic Americans in the economy, culture and identity of our nation. 

“In New Mexico, we enjoy a rich Hispanic heritage that goes back over Read More

Bandelier Again Collects Entrance Fees; Public Lands Day is Fee Free

by

A member of the Bandelier maintenance staff works to clear the main trail of mud left by Sept. 12, 13, and 14 flash floods. Courtesy/NPS

BANDELIER News:

Since the Frijoles Canyon section of Bandelier National Monument closed last weekend due to the effects of three flash floods in three days, park employees have been working hard to clean up the mud and damage. 

On Thursday, Sept. 19, it was cleared sufficiently to allow the shuttle buses to start bringing visitors, and by Friday enough of the area was open to begin charging entrance fees. So far, shuttle buses are still the only way to come into

Read More

Udall: $2 Million ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funds Coming to New Mexico

by

U.S. SENATE News:

Will work to ensure federal government keeps commitment to provide resources for flood damage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, today welcomed the news that the U.S. Department of Transportation will make immediately available $2 million in emergency relief funds to help New Mexico cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by the severe storms this month.

“Communities across our state are cleaning up from devastating floods, and many are facing expensive Read More

Udall Supports NM Nominee for Deputy Interior Secretary

by

Michael Conner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday,  U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., spoke before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in support of the nomination of New Mexico native Michael Connor to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department.

A Las Cruces native and NMSU graduate with degrees in engineering and law, Connor currently serves as Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. He previously ran the Interior Secretary’s Indian Water Rights Office before moving to the U.S. Senate as counsel to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee under former Sen. Read More