Chris Van Hollen: “I rise to honor my colleague and good friend, Senator Tom Udall, who will be retiring from the Senate at the end of this…”

“I rise to honor my colleague and good friend, Senator Tom Udall, who will be retiring from the Senate at the end of this Congress. Tom has been a forceful advocate for the people of New Mexico, a champion for all Americans, and a guardian of our Nation's public lands and our democracy. It has been my privilege to partner with him, both in the House and Senate, over the past 17 years. Tom's family roots were grown from American history. Generations ago, his ancestors traveled west and settled on the American frontier. Although centuries have passed since those early pioneers, Tom's deep connection to our country's rich history hasn't waned. He holds deep respect for the communities that treasured the American landscape long before his family arrived, and Tom has championed the cause of Tribal sovereignty throughout his career. As vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he fought to ensure that our country fulfills its obligations to indigenous Tribes. His commitment to this cause reminds us, as lawmakers, that the government has a responsibility to respect the rights of all communities from coast to coast. His personal link to the American experiment has also nourished a passion for conserving our natural inheritance. In the House, I was proud to work with him on bolstering our Nation's renewable energy infrastructure. In the Senate, I have been privileged to serve with him on the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Environment.…”