[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9479-S9480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ENERGY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, let me take the floor to clarify a 
rumor that is circulating among some of the media that has been drawn 
to the attention of our office--that somehow the Senator from Alaska is 
in the process of offering an amendment to the Department of Defense 
authorization bill proposing the opening of ANWR. That is certainly not 
the case. It would be inappropriate and in poor taste.
  I resent the fact that these rumors are being circulated by some 
groups that have not even taken the time to contact our office, let 
alone contact me personally. Our press department has had several 
inquiries from members of the media asking if that is our intent. Where 
these rumors are generated from I don't know. But if I get the 
opportunity to find out, it is my intention to enter them into the 
Record.
  Obviously, the activities of the last several days and the tragedy in 
New York on the 11th of September brought about the reality that, 
indeed, as we look at terrorism, we have to look at the sources that 
fund terrorism in the Middle East. We need to make a determination, as 
we attempt to hold those responsible, to also address the funding 
mechanism. It is also appropriate that we address our increased 
dependence on imported sources of energy relative to the vulnerability 
of the national security of our Nation.
  That somehow we would attempt to propose an ANWR amendment to the 
Department of Defense appropriations bill is something we have not even 
contemplated, and I resent certain implications of those who reported 
that it is the intention of the office of the junior Senator from 
Alaska.
  I hope my statement clarifies the Record factually. If there are any 
inquiries, we will be happy to respond to them directly.
  My own contention is that there is a place for the consideration of 
the matter of domestic energy development, including ANWR. That belongs 
in the energy bill where it should be debated and evaluated fairly by 
all individual Members based on its merits and in the interest of 
national security and the national interest of our Nation.
  It is my hope that we can work with the committee chairman, Senator 
Bingaman, to bring forward an energy

[[Page S9480]]

bill that will address the priorities needed relative to energy, which 
is the lifeblood of our national economy, and we can do it in a manner 
that is within the expedited crisis we have before us relative to 
energy, national security, and other matters.
  I thank the Chair for this opportunity, and I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed 
to proceed as in morning business for no more than 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The 
Senator from Idaho.

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