The Latest: Departing senator warns against unauthorized war
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on Democratic Sen. Tom Udall’s not running for re-election (all times local):
1:00 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall is being praised by Democratic colleagues for his activism on environmental and Native American issues as he prepares to retire from the Senate.
Presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday referred to Udall on Twitter as a friend who has helped build a stronger future for working people, especially in Native American communities.
Udall has announced he will not seek a third Senate term in 2020 and will look for different public service opportunities.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein calls Udall a champion for the environment, renewable energy and tribal land issues.
Long active on Native American concerns, Udall recently sought a permanent land buffer to keep oil and gas drilling away from Chaco Culture National Historical Park and other sites held sacred by Native American tribes.
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12:35 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall says his last months in office will be devoted to preventing any U.S. wars that are not authorized by Congress.
Udall announced Monday that he would not seek a third Senate term in 2020 and says he wants to ensure that President Donald Trump cannot attack Iran or North Korea without a declaration of war by Congress.
New U.S. sanctions against Iran are aimed at blocking nuclear research and foreign influence. The U.S. is negotiating with North Korea over its weapons program while the two countries are still technically at war, with the 1950-53 Korean War ending in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Udall’s retirement at the end of next year puts a firmly Democratic Senate seat back in contention.
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10:30 a.m.
New Mexico Senator Tom Udall says he will not seek re-election in 2020 in a move that opens up a secure Democratic seat to competition.
The second-term senator and former congressman says he is confident he could run a strong campaign but preferred to look for new ways to serve the public.
Udall announced the end of his 20-year political career in Washington in a statement on Monday.
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