Politics

Joseph Hezir Confirmed As DOE’s New CFO

DOE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joseph Hezir was confirmed by the Senate this morning as the Department of Energy’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Joe’s experience in the energy, environmental and budgetary realms and his strategic approach to challenges make him a great fit as Chief Financial Officer for the agency,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “I look forward to working with him as CFO and I thank the Senate for approving his nomination.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Hezir will work to assure the effective management and financial integrity of Department of Energy. He will help to implement Read More

Dr. Franklin Orr Confirmed As Under Secretary For Science And Energy At DOE

Franklin M. ‘Lynn’ Orr Jr.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Franklin (Lynn) Orr was confirmed by the Senate this morning, as the Under Secretary for Science and Energy at the Department of Energy.

“Lynn Orr is an outstanding scientist and has successfully led a major multidisciplinary program on energy sources, technology and analysis at one of the top research universities. This experience will serve him well as the DOE Under Secretary for Science and Energy,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said. “I look forward to working closely with Lynn to shape the nation’s clean energy agenda, and Read More

Udall Secures Provisions In NDAA To Improve Tech Transfer At New Mexico’s National Laboratories

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced Wednesday 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 Read More

Heinrich Secures Provisions In Defense Authorization Act To Strengthen N.M. Military Bases, National Security

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. 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,” Heinrich said. Read More

Manhattan Project National Historical Park Included In National Defense Authorization Act Finalized Tonight!

Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

Several landmark conservation and energy bills, including the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act, championed by Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was finalized tonight.

Sen. Martin Heinrich

The critical annual bill is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate before the end of the year. https:////rules.house.gov/.

“We are closer than ever to making historic gains in protecting some of New Mexico’s most treasured landscapes,” Heinrich

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Heinrich To Deliver Keynote At Quality Of Life Initiative Symposium In Santa Fe

SFCC News:

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. will deliver the keynote address to kick off the second annual Quality of Life Initiative Symposium at 1:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5  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.   

Heinrich will be joined by local leaders, including Santa Fe City Councilors Carmichael Dominguez and Chris Rivera, and health, education, Read More

Urgent Response Needed From Community Now!

HISTORICAL SOCIETY News:

It looks like the legislation for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park may be crashing today but it’s still being discussed on the floor so urgent action from the community is needed now.

Please call Sen. Martin Heinrich, p: (202) 224-5521, and Sen. Tom Udall, (202) 224-6621 immediatley and ask them to talk to their colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee to support the Park as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

If you can’t get through on the phone, please e-mail them at https:////www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=contact Read More

Heinrich Calls For Full Funding Of PILT, SRS For Critical Local Government Services

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. 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 Read More

Governor To Light State Christmas Tree Monday

Gov. Susana Martinez will participate in the annual lighting of the New Mexico State Christmas Tree Monday evening in Santa Fe. The community is invited to attend and enjoy hot apple cider and biscochitos. The tree lighting ceremony is 5:15 p.m. in the southwest corner of the state capitol grounds at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail. Photo is of the tree lighting in 2011.  Courtesy/NMGO Read More

Udall Nominates Three Los Alamos Students To United States Service Academies

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Tom Udall has announced 43 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2015, including three students from Los Alamos.

A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students receiving Udall’s nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator’s

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