WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that two New Mexico tribes have won AmeriCorps grants to meet critical needs in their communities. The Shiprock Chapter of the Navajo Nation, Navajo AmeriCorps in Nenahnezad and Santo Domingo Pueblo will receive funding totaling $180,387 Sept. 4.

“By both helping New Mexico communities thrive and offering AmeriCorps members an opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience, the AmeriCorps program is truly a win-win,” Udall said. “I’m excited to welcome new AmeriCorps members to Shiprock, Nenahnezad and soon to Santo Domingo Pueblo. Their work will make a lasting difference to our veterans, youth and...

Santa Fe—Since joining the Senate in 2009, Sen. Tom Udall has been one of the main critics of the excessive use of the filibuster in the chamber.

At the time, Udall was a member of the majority party and Senate Republicans frequently used the filibuster to stop legislation they disagreed with. Now, however, the shoe is on the other foot and Udall is in the minority.

And that Democratic minority now uses the filibuster to stop legislation they disagree with.

Bloomberg recently wrote about the change and said that “filibuster opponents had “gone quiet” since moving into the minority.

Udall still committed to a talking filibuster

When in the majority, Udall frequently spoke...

Faces 64 counts of criminal charges

SANTA FE–With calls for Secretary of State Dianna Duran to resign growing by the day, the talk is already starting to shift to who will next fill one of the most important elected statewide offices.n

Duran is facing 64 counts of criminal charges filed last week by Attorney General Hector Balderas for using campaign money for personal use. On Wednesday night, Speaker of the House Don Tripp, R-Socorro, said the State House members will explore impeachment proceedings even as many high-profile state Republicans, including Gov. Susana Martinez, are seemingly distancing themselves from Duran.

New Mexico’s two largest newspapers also urged Duran...

Asks for continued support from BIA

SHIPROCK—Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez met with Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) Sept. 3 and spoke about the aftermath of the Gold King Mine breach that occurred on August 5.

Attorney General Ethel Branch, Speaker LoRenzo Bates, Delegates Tom Chee and Amber Crotty, and chapter officials Duane Yazzie and Gilbert Harrison were also in attendance.

President Begaye expressed that the immediate concern was the demobilization of water tanks owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Navajo Region. The tanks are in use at affected chapters to provide water for livestock and irrigation. BIA crews and equipment are...