SCHAKOWSKY CONDEMNS REPUBLICANS' PARLIAMENTARY TRICKS TO PUSH THROUGH ALASKA DRILLING
DECEMBER 16, 2005
SCHAKOWSKY CONDEMNS REPUBLICANS' PARLIAMENTARY TRICKS TO PUSH ALASKA DRILLING
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky today released the following statement after Republican Senator Ted Stevens, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, inserted a provision authorizing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the Department of Defense appropriations bill:
"The Bush Administration and the Republican leadership's energy policy can be easily summarized: Just Drill It. After failing to muster enough votes to pass ANWR throughout the year, the Republican leadership is using parliamentary tricks to authorize drilling in Alaska by sneaking a provision into the Defense appropriations bill. Make no mistake: a majority of House Representatives are opposed to drilling in Alaska. A bill that authorized drilling in ANWR would not pass the House on its own."
"Instead of setting America on the path to energy independence by investing in renewable fuels, the Republicans have chosen to destroy a pristine resource for oil and gas that will run out in 13 - 17 months and provide no short-term relief to consumers. It is no wonder that the Republicans have been forced to bend the rules in order to reach this shortsided goal."