SASC: Deadlocked!

Though they passed amendments to the SHEEN Act, the Senate Armed Services Committee is now deadlocked over approval of the Act as amended. The Democrats are reportedly split over an accepted amendment to the bill which would allow continued drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and negotiations are underway between both parties.

"I must express my extreme disappointment over the clause to drill in ANWR," Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) said in an interview with the Huffington Post. "To be honest, ANWR will not produce enough oil to affect supply or to affect global prices. It is a drop in the bucket towards bringing us closer to energy independence, yet it comes at the cost of some of America's largest wildlife refuges and at the cost not only to the well being of Alaska's wild animals, but to the wellbeing of native Alaskans. I am strongly opposed to any bill that will open Yosemite [National Park] for drilling, and in that same sentiment I am strongly opposed to drilling in ANWR.

"99% of the SHEEN Act is still comprised of very productive legislation that will move America forward and promote energy independence. I will be working with colleagues to ensure there is something productive that we can gain from the situation."