WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall talked with radio reporters today about a bill he plans to introduce that will expand federal contracting opportunities for small businesses trying to recover from the recent recession. He also gave his thoughts on Afghanistan ahead of the President’s announcement on Wednesday regarding troop reductions. In addition he previewed his idea for treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in southern New Mexico. For the audio, click here.

Below is a time key of Senator Udall’s remarks:

00:00 – Udall opens the conversation by talking about a bill he plans to introduce this week that will expand federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. He also reiterates his call to President Obama to stick to his July 2011 deadline for the beginning of an accelerated transition in Afghanistan, and discusses a new idea to treat veterans with PTSD and TBI in southern New Mexico.

04:50 – Talks about the war in Afghanistan and his belief that the U.S. must set a flexible timeline for withdrawal of combat troops in Afghanistan. Says he believes it can and should be accomplished in 12 to 18 months.

07:04 – Discusses the situation in Libya, and the need for the Congress to put time and monetary parameters on U.S. involvement. Emphasizes that there should be no American "boots on the ground" without explicit approval by Congress.