U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 89-8 on a measure to avert the fiscal cliff:
"I remain disillusioned with the short-term nature of the deal that came through the Senate last night, but ultimately felt we had to pass it. We managed to make progress on middle-class tax cuts, wind energy tax incentives and unemployment insurance, but squandered an opportunity to implement a long-term vision to deal with the debt and deficit.
"Instead, the bill we passed kicked the can down a very short road to delay deep federal budget cuts that are slated to begin today. That road ends in a couple months at another sequestration showdown just as the debt limit is reached and the budget resolution expires.
"My strong preference remains a more comprehensive agreement that protects federal jobs and vulnerable families in New Mexico immediately. The next agreement needs to do just that."