Tucson Standard

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill that aims to support the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation based in Tucson. The legislation, known as the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2882), was introduced by U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani from Arizona's 6th district. The bill received overwhelming support, with a vote of 350-58 in favor of its passage.

The Udall Foundation, named after former Arizona Congressmen Mo and Stewart Udall, has been instrumental in addressing critical environmental and natural resource issues for over three decades. The foundation provides scholarships, internships, and educational programs in the areas of environmental public policy, Tribal public policy, and Native healthcare.

Congressman Ciscomani expressed his delight at the passage of the bill, stating, "For over three decades, the Udall Foundation has been an important avenue to continue the work of Mo and Stewart Udall, addressing our most pressing concerns surrounding the environment and our natural resources. I am pleased to see our legislation to reauthorize the foundation pass the House and cannot think of a better way to honor the legacy of the Udall brothers than to ensure their work is continued by a new generation of scholars."

House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman also commended Congressman Ciscomani for his efforts in advancing the bill. He said, "Representative Ciscomani has worked tirelessly on H.R. 2882, which would reauthorize the Udall Foundation. This will provide scholarships and internships to educate and equip Native American students, which in turn will educate and lift the next generation for the betterment of Indian country. I want to thank Representative Ciscomani for his work in passing this bill and look forward to seeing it move through the legislative process."

Dr. David Brown, Executive Director for the Udall Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the bipartisan support the bill received in the House. He said, "The Udall Foundation is immensely grateful for the bipartisan House support of H.R. 2882, led by our sponsor Representative Ciscomani and original co-sponsor Representative Stansbury. We will continue providing our Nation with nonpartisan environmental collaboration and conflict resolution services and education programs in the areas of environmental public policy, Tribal public policy, and Native health care."

The Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act has also gained unanimous support in the Senate, with a companion bill led by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. This widespread support across both chambers of Congress demonstrates the significance of the foundation's work and its impact on the community.

Congressman Ciscomani took the opportunity to speak about his support for the legislation on the House floor before its passage. The remarks made by him can be viewed here. For further information on the Udall Foundation and the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act, please visit their website.

With the House passage of the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act, the continuation of the Udall brothers' legacy is ensured. The foundation's mission to address environmental issues and support Native American students will carry on, thanks to the bipartisan efforts of Congressman Ciscomani and his colleagues.