Dems bare teeth and block attempt to allow oil drilling in Alaskan wildlife reserve

With the help of some moderate Republicans, the Senate Democrats' filibustering of ANWAR oil drilling pulls through.

The Republican majority failed to get the 60 votes in the 100-member chamber needed to cut off debate yesterday. The vote was 56-44. Republicans had hoped to win passage by making the oil drilling issue part of a $453bn (?260bn) defence spending bill that has earmarked money for troops in Iraq and relief for Hurricane Katrina victims. Although few politicians wanted to be seen rejecting a bill that pays the salaries of US troops in Iraq, Democrats and a few Republicans who have always opposed drilling conducted an extended debate, known as a filibuster, to delay its passage. Because of the vote, Senate leaders are expected to rework the bill to eliminate the oil-drilling proposal.

The fact that this rider was slid into the defense bill was the defining reason.

"Our military is being held hostage by this issue,"said Senator Harry Reid, the Democratic leader. He added that the Senate could move quickly to pass the defence bill once the Arctic refuge issue had been resolved. Senator John Kerry, who has been a fierce critic of disturbing the Alaskan wilderness, said: "We all agree we want money for our troops ... This is not about the troops."

Kerry is right on. It is indefensible to think the Rep Ted Stevens, who stands to gain the most form this - to the tune of $10 Billion, would stick this greedy measure into the bill the affects troops and Hurricane victims. The arrogant and greedy Stevens is apparently never going to give up. It is said that the measure called for at least 50% of the monies benefit the Feds. However, Alaska would sue to receive some 90% of the money. This is clearly not about drilling or defense at all, but about money?