Udall, Tom – New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa – July 2021

REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

UNITED STATES SENATE

SUBJECT: Ambassadorial Nomination: Certificate of Demonstrated Competence — Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4)

POST:                  New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa

CANDIDATE:     Tom Udall

Tom Udall has a long and distinguished career in public service.  He most recently served two terms as United States Senator from New Mexico (2009-2021) after serving five terms as United States Representative from New Mexico’s 3^rd Congressional District (1999-2009).  While in office, Udall was a notable champion for the environment, for Native Americans, for government and election reform and for resolving international disputes diplomatically.   Earlier in his career, Udall was twice elected Attorney General of New Mexico (1991-1999) and was appointed Assistant United States Attorney (1978-1981).

His Senate Committee assignments included the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Indian Affairs, the Committee on Rules and Administration, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the International Narcotics Control Caucus. He was a congressional delegate to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

His extensive and substantive policy experience, notably ten years on the Foreign Relations Committee and his legal education in a Commonwealth country, coupled with his broad management experience and demonstrated ability as a leader, make him a well-qualified candidate to be the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.

A native of Arizona, Udall has a B.A. degree from Prescott College, a Bachelor of Law from University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, and a J.D. from the University of New Mexico.