Press release: Senator discusses upcoming EPW hearing, DISCLOSE act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, talked with reporters today about an Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) hearing tomorrow on chemical facility security that will feature testimony from the CEO of an Albuquerque water purification company. He also discussed today’s procedural vote in the Senate on the DISCLOSE Act, and a resolution he is introducing to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. To listen to the audio, click here.
Below is a time key of Senator Udall’s remarks:
00:00 – Udall opens the conversation by talking about the recent WikiLeaks of classified documents related to the war in Afghanistan and the U.S.’s role in Pakistan. He notes that the leaked information underscored concerns he has previously expressed about Afghanistan President Karzai’s reliability as a partner for the U.S. and the ongoing existence of safe havens for the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan.
02:45 – Previews tomorrow’s EPW Committee hearing, which will focus on chemical facility security at water treatment plants. Says he invited the CEO of Albuquerque-based Miox to testify because of his company’s success in developing a safer method for water purification.
04:08 – Reports on today’s Senate procedural vote on campaign finance legislation, the DISCLOSE Act. Stresses that the bill is needed to curb the impact of special interest groups on American elections. The procedural vote failed 57-41.
06:00 – Highlights a Senate resolution he will introduce this week with Senator Bingaman, Representative Luján, and Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and Representative John Salazar to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
