Interior Department Responds to ANWR Vote

WASHINGTON--Following is a statement from Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton in response to today's Senate vote against the ANWR amendment.

"The Senate had the opportunity to strengthen our national security and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and voted not to do so.

"ANWR production passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote. ANWR production continues to be strongly supported by labor unions and Alaska's citizens. We will continue to work with this coalition as the House and Senate move the energy legislation into conference."

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