There should be enough Dems to offset GOP defections on this issue - there were the last time around when Shays tried to put an amendment in to block ANWR. Of course...some may just oppose using the budget for this kind of thing. However, the precedent for using the budget for ANWR policy was set by Barbara Boxer in 2003 with her amendment - which passed. There were not enough votes in the Senate to pass such an amendment this time around with the GOP gains in the last election.
"We believe the debate on opening this unique land to oil and gas exploration should be done outside the budget process," said the group led by Rep. Jeb Bradley, R-N.H., in an Aug. 4 letter made public Wednesday.
Among those signing the letter were three committee chairmen: Science Chairman Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y.; Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., and Government Reform Chairman Thomas Davis, R-Va.
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While raising concerns, the 24 GOP lawmakers who signed the letter did not all say they would vote against the budget if an ANWR provision were included.
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ANWR drilling supporters failed to get an ANWR provision into the recently enacted energy bill. They were assured the issue would be taken up again as part of the budget process next month.
"Two dozen House Republicans, including three committee chairmen"
Where are we going to get oil? If the self appointed kings are not going to allow us to drill, the price will keep rising.
Sure,while we pee-ons pay $3.00 per gallon, these morons say no-drilling in ANWR. Too bad the GOP does not know how to be winners.
... the debate on opening this unique land to oil and gas exploration .
What unique land? Have these uninformed morons bought into the mountains, mirror lakes and wildflower photo propaganda from the Bugs and Bunny crowd?