WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Frank H. Murkowksi (R-AK), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy Committee, today welcomed Chairman Bingaman’s call to move ahead with work on a long-term, comprehensive energy bill instead of the Democrats originally planned short-term fix. Murkowksi released the following statement this morning: “We cannot get ourselves out of this energy crisis by putting easy political decisions before difficult policy choices. This crisis is the result of many fundamental problems – it will take an investment of time, ingenuity, and a comprehensive, national energy strategy to solve this once and for all. “Senator Bingaman has announced his desire to now work on that long-term solution. I welcome his move away from short-term gains and his commitment to the practical solutions we so desperately need. “Under the Republican schedule, we had planned to debate a comprehensive energy plan on the Senate Floor this week. I hope Majority Leader Daschle recognizes the urgency of this issue – and the interest of his own Energy Committee Chairman – and schedules a date certain for the Senate to debate a comprehensive energy plan. ###