Manuel Lujan: “Thank you very much to my colleague from New Mexico (Mr. Teague). Secretary Udall, a great American, a great New…”

“Thank you very much to my colleague from New Mexico (Mr. Teague). Secretary Udall, a great American, a great New Mexican, and it's an honor to sponsor this legislation to name the United States Department of the Interior in his name. Secretary Udall spent his later life in my district in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but his work is seen across the country from our pristine wilderness to our clean rivers. We lost a friend, a hero, a true champion this year, a gentleman who fought to protect resources that will serve us for years to come. He worked to protect our land, our water, and the air we breathe. And we are all better for Secretary Udall's service. But Secretary Udall's legacy goes beyond our beloved and critical resources. His legacy is about the people he impacted throughout his life--from those in Indian Country who suffered the effects of uranium mining, to inspiring young conservationists and acting as an example to all of us. In naming the Department of the Interior building after Secretary Udall, we honor not only his incredible professional contributions; we honor a wonderful, compassionate person who tirelessly fought for both our resources and for all of the people who loved him so very much. It's an honor to be here. I urge adoption of this important legislation.”