Senate Republicans demand vote on energy

From Brad Wright
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Even as gasoline prices hit their lowest levels at the pump in nearly two years, Senate Republicans on Tuesday demanded a vote on a national energy policy that will include drilling for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.

The Republicans, including Sens. Frank Murkowski of Alaska, Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Larry Craig of Idaho, appeared with veterans groups and advocates who support their call for a national energy policy.

They believe that by opening more U.S. land for oil and gas drilling, the nation will be more secure because it will be less dependent on foreign sources.

"For 225 years," said Veterans Affairs Secretary Tony Principi, "America's citizen soldiers offered their lives in support of freedom for ourselves and for our world. They served and sometimes sacrificed to preserve our independence. The independence they purchased throughout their service will mean little without energy independence."

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota, has repeatedly said he'd like to schedule a floor vote on the energy bill before Thanksgiving but will make no promises.

The energy plan envisioned by Murkowski and his allies calls for setting aside 2,000 acres of the 1.5 million-acre coastal plain area of the Alaska refuge for oil development. But drilling for oil in the pristine wilderness of that part of Alaska and other public lands is a stumbling block for many senators.

Santorum said Republicans would consider an energy bill that does not include drilling in ANWR if it allowed amendments, so that drilling for oil in ANWR can get an up or down vote.

The United States still imports about 57 percent of the oil it consumes.