Udall returning to commerce committee

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, will return to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee after a two-year absence when the 114th Congress begins, according to a release from Udall’s office.

The committee has broad jurisdiction over federal agencies and laws that govern aviation, communications, consumer affairs, highway and pipeline safety, railroads, science, and space policies.

Udall was part of the commerce committee with both the 112th and 113th Congresses, from 2009 to 2012.

Udall said he plans to use his time in the committee to strengthen consumer protection and increase access to broadband Internet in rural areas of the state.

“Returning to the Commerce Committee, in combination with my other committee assignments, puts me in an exciting position to fight for issues that will help create jobs and build New Mexico’s economy — from trade and transportation to technology and the rapidly evolving space industry,” Udall said.

“I believe New Mexico has all the building blocks for a strong high-tech sector, including our universities and research facilities, entrepreneurs and established companies that want to commercialize new technologies. Now is the time to encourage innovation and investments that will benefit our state and national economy for years to come.”

The second-term senator will also serve on the Senate Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Indian Affairs, and Rules committees.