Pelosi Salutes Senate on ANWR Vote; Vows to Force House Budget Vote in Light of Day

Pelosi Salutes Senate on ANWR Vote; Vows to Force House Budget Vote in Light of Day

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the failure of Senate Republicans to invoke cloture on the Department of Defense spending bill because of a special interest provision that opened Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Also today, the Senate passed its immoral budget by a narrow margin of 51 to 50, with Vice President Dick Cheney breaking the tie. Because Democrats forced several changes to the budget bill, it now must come back to the House to be voted on again. Pelosi will not allow approval by unanimous consent and will request a recorded vote.

?I am pleased to see that our Senate colleagues secured a crucial victory and joined the vast majority of House Democrats to vote for preserving our pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  In a bill that should be about supporting our troops, Republicans have attempted to defile one of our nation?s most beautiful areas.  Instead of wrapping up a present for big oil companies, Democrats have helped to ensure that generations to come will enjoy the gift that is our nation?s wild lands and creatures.

?I also want to commend my Democratic colleagues in the Senate for delaying the final passage of the immoral budget spending bill.  Just four days before Christmas, this Republican Congress wanted to go home for the holidays, leaving a lump of coal in the stockings of American families.  That is contrary to the spirit of this holiday season and contrary to the values of this nation. 

?Even though this budget passed the Senate by a one-vote margin, because the Minority secured key changes to this legislation, it must now return to the House to be re-examined in the light of day.  As it stands now, it hurts the neediest in our country, while providing huge giveaways to managed care and drug companies and the oil industries. 

?We believe this Republican bill has the wrong priorities.  That is why we will request a recorded vote where all Members return to Washington to make clear their values to the America people.  We will work with our allies to fight for a budget that represents the values and needs of all Americans.?