RAMSTAD OPPOSES “BACKDOOR TACTIC” TO DRILL

IN ALASKA WILDERNESS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN-3) today voted against final passage of the Budget Resolution, which would subject the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling.

“I opposed this backdoor tactic to use the budget process to allow oil drilling in one of our nation’s last great wilderness areas,” said Ramstad.

“The controversial issue of drilling in ANWR should not have been inserted in the Budget Resolution by the conference committee because it is not subject to amendment,” said Ramstad.  “Congress should give ANWR the full debate and consideration other policy issues receive instead of subverting the legislative process by this backdoor tactic.” 

“Of all the votes on drilling in ANWR over the past decade, this vote counts the most because the Budget Resolution clears the way for drilling in this pristine wilderness,” said Ramstad.

“I cannot in good conscience vote for final passage of legislation that would pave the way to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling,” said Ramstad.

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