Tom Udall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Udall
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2021
|
|
| United States Ambassador to Samoa | |
| In office February 17, 2022 – January 14, 2025 |
|
| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Scott Brown |
| Succeeded by | David Gehrenbeck (Chargé d'affaires) |
| United States Ambassador to New Zealand | |
| In office December 2, 2021 – January 14, 2025 |
|
| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Scott Brown |
| Succeeded by | David Gehrenbeck (Chargé d'affaires) |
| United States Senator from New Mexico |
|
| In office January 3, 2009 – January 3, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Pete Domenici |
| Succeeded by | Ben Ray Luján |
| Vice Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – January 3, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Jon Tester |
| Succeeded by | Lisa Murkowski |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 3rd district |
|
| In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2009 |
|
| Preceded by | Bill Redmond |
| Succeeded by | Ben Ray Luján |
| 28th Attorney General of New Mexico | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 1999 |
|
| Governor | Bruce King Gary Johnson |
| Preceded by | Hal Stratton |
| Succeeded by | Patricia A. Madrid |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Stewart Udall
May 18, 1948 Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jill Cooper |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | See Udall family |
| Education | Prescott College (BA) Downing College, Cambridge (LLB) University of New Mexico (JD) |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Stewart Udall (born May 18, 1948) is an American diplomat, lawyer, and politician. He has served as the United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Before this, he was a U.S. Senator for New Mexico from 2009 to 2021.
Udall also worked as a U.S. Representative for New Mexico from 1999 to 2009. From 1991 to 1999, he was the Attorney General for New Mexico. He comes from the well-known Udall family of politicians. His father, Stewart Udall, was a U.S. Representative and Secretary of the Interior.
Contents
Tom Udall's Early Life and Education
Tom Udall was born in Tucson, Arizona. His mother was Ermalee Lenora Webb, and his father was Stewart Udall. His father served as the Secretary of the Interior from 1961 to 1969.
Udall went to Prescott College for his first degree. He then earned a law degree from the University of Cambridge in England. Later, he received another law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Starting His Political Journey
In 1982, Udall first tried to become a member of Congress for New Mexico's 3rd district. This district included the state capital, Santa Fe. He did not win the primary election that year.
He tried again in 1988 for a different district, but he lost by a small number of votes. From 1991 to 1999, he served as the Attorney General of New Mexico. In this role, he was the state's chief legal officer.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative
Udall ran for Congress again in 1998 in the 3rd district. He won against the person who was already in office, Bill Redmond. Udall won with 53 percent of the votes.
He was re-elected four more times without much competition. In 2002, he ran unopposed, meaning no one ran against him.
What He Did in the House
As a U.S. Representative, Udall was part of different groups. He was in the New Democrat Coalition, which is a group of moderate Democrats. He was also part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is a more liberal group.
He helped start the United States House Peak Oil Caucus. This group focused on the idea that oil production might reach a maximum point and then decline.
Working on Committees
Udall served on the United States House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. This committee decides how the government spends money. He was part of subcommittees that dealt with the environment, health, education, and the legislative branch.
He also helped lead the House Native American Caucus. He was a co-chair of the United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus. This group works to protect nature around the world.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
How He Became a Senator
In 2007, Udall announced he would run for a Senate seat. The seat was open because the long-time Republican Senator, Pete Domenici, was retiring. Udall won the Democratic nomination without anyone running against him.
He then ran against Republican Steve Pearce in the general election. Udall won the election with 61 percent of the votes. He became a U.S. Senator for New Mexico in 2009.
Interestingly, his cousin, Mark Udall, also won a Senate seat in Colorado at the same time.
Key Votes and Actions
As a Senator, Udall voted on many important laws. He supported ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for the military. He also voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is a major healthcare law.
He was one of the first members of Congress to worry about the NSA's surveillance programs. This was before Edward Snowden revealed more details in 2013.
In 2019, Udall announced that he would not run for re-election in 2020. This meant he would retire from the Senate after his term ended.
Laws He Helped Create
In 2013, Udall introduced a bill to transfer some land to the Sandia Pueblo tribe. This bill aimed to help the tribe with their land rights.
He also proposed a change to the Constitution. This change would allow limits on how much money can be spent to support political candidates. This was a response to a Supreme Court decision called Citizens United.
In 2015, Udall sponsored a bill called the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This law updated how the country regulates thousands of chemicals found in everyday products. It made sure that chemicals in things like cleaners and furniture are safer.
In 2019, he worked with another Senator, Rand Paul, on a bill called the AFGHAN Service Act. This bill aimed to help military members and end a 2001 law that allowed military force against terrorists.
His Committee Work
Udall served on several important Senate committees:
- Committee on Appropriations: This committee decides how the government spends money. He was the top Democrat (Ranking Member) on the subcommittee for Interior and Environment.
- Committee on Foreign Relations: This committee deals with how the U.S. interacts with other countries.
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: This committee handles issues related to business, science, and travel.
- Committee on Indian Affairs: This committee focuses on issues affecting Native American tribes.
- Committee on Rules and Administration: This committee deals with the rules and daily operations of the Senate.
Tom Udall's Views on Important Issues
Gun Laws
Udall has supported some gun control measures. In 2016, after a tragic shooting, he joined other lawmakers in a protest. They wanted votes on new laws to prevent terror suspects from buying guns.
He has received ratings from groups that show his support for gun control. For example, he had a "C−" rating from the National Rifle Association and an "F" rating from the Gun Owners of America.
Protecting the Environment
Udall is known for his strong support of environmental protection. The League of Conservation Voters gave him a high score for his environmental votes. In 2018, he received a top award from the Sierra Club for his work.
In 2019, he signed a letter asking for full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Act. This act helps protect national parks and public lands. He also supported the Green New Deal, a plan to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
Becoming an Ambassador
On July 16, 2021, President Joe Biden chose Udall to be the United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. The Senate confirmed his nomination in October 2021.
He officially started his role in New Zealand on December 2, 2021. He presented his official papers to the New Zealand governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro. In February 2022, he also presented his papers to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II.
Tom Udall's Family Life
Tom Udall is married to Jill Cooper, and they have one daughter. He comes from a family with a long history in politics. His father, Stewart Udall, was a U.S. Congressman and Secretary of the Interior. His uncle, Morris Udall, was also a U.S. Congressman.
His cousin, Mark Udall, served as a U.S. Senator for Colorado at the same time Tom was a Senator. Another relative, Mike Lee, is a U.S. Senator for Utah. Udall is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Images for kids
-
Tom Udall's signature
See also
In Spanish: Tom Udall para niños
- Lee–Hamblin family
