Navajo Nation Thanks Senator Udall for His Service

Sen. Tom Udall and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez

Published March 26, 2019

WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer send their best wishes and appreciation to U.S. Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico, who announced on Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2020 when his current term ends.

“On many occasions, Senator Udall has visited our Navajo communities and he’s always been a strong advocate on many issues. He is a great champion for the Navajo Nation,” said President Nez. “We will miss his sincere and strong leadership when he leaves office, but until then we look forward to continuing to work together with him and his office.”

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008 and has been very instrumental in supporting and pushing bills that benefit the Navajo Nation and other tribes. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

“We thank Senator Udall for his great service for the Navajo people and our communities. In his final years of public service in his current capacity, we certainly look to further strengthen our working relationship and we wish him the very best,” said Vice President Lizer.

Sen. Udall was part of a group of lawmakers that advocated for the recent passage of the San Juan Settlement Implementation Act, a Navajo land bill, which was part of a massive bipartisan public lands bill aimed at protecting millions of acres of federal lands. He also continues to be a strong advocate for compensation for Navajo individuals who were impacted by the Gold King Mine spill in 2015.

In February, President Nez was Sen. Udall’s honored guest for the 2019 State of the Union Address in Washington D.C.

“The Navajo Nation greatly appreciates the person and leader that Senator Udall has been for our people, and we wish him continued success during his remaining years in the Senate,” added President Nez.

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