A dozen House Republicans, half of whom voted for the House tax overhaul bill that passed Nov. 13, wrote a letter to GOP leaders urging them not to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, adding another complication to negotiating a tax bill that can pass both chambers.
The Senate tax overhaul bill is tied in a reconciliation measure with legislation that would open up drilling parts of the ANWR. Its inclusion is seen as key to having secured GOP Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s support for the measure.
A group of 12 House Republicans sent a letter Thursday to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky saying they have concerns about any proposal that would implement an ANWR oil and gas leasing program.
“For decades, Congress has voted to prohibit oil and gas development in the Refuge, with the overwhelming support of the American public,” the group wrote. “Support for this protection remains strong today. After years of debate, the Arctic Refuge stands as a symbol of our nation’s strong and enduring natural legacy.”
Read more at Roll Call.
