"The Senate on Tuesday resoundingly rejected a sweeping measure to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other protected areas to oil drilling, as well as to approve construction of the Keystone pipeline project."
"Tuesday's vote was the first time in four years that the Senate has voted on a measure including ANWR drilling, and it failed miserably. The proposal needed 60 votes to pass; it only received 41 votes in favor, with 57 senators against.
Kansas Republican Sen. Pat Roberts pushed the measure as an amendment to the bill that funds transportation projects across the nation. His amendment, in part a Republican jab at President Barack Obama during a time of high gasoline prices, was packed with so many controversial items that it was bound to fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Still, Alaska Democratic Sen. Mark Begich broke with others in his party and voted for the amendment, saying he did it to back ANWR drilling."
Sean Cockerham reports for McClatchy March 13, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Senate Rejects GOP Measure To Build Oil Pipeline" (CNN)
"Senate Turns Back Sweeping Oil-Drilling Amendment" (The Hill)
"Senate Blocks Bid To Speed Pipeline From Canada" (AP)
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