Senator James M. Talent:

“Exploring for oil in the Arctic is a pro-jobs, pro-growth plan that will reduce America’s dependence on unreliable foreign sources of oil.  We can explore for oil in the Arctic in an environmentally-sensitive way, using the highest technologies, while creating jobs and helping reduce gas prices over the long term.”

Senator Larry E. Craig:

“Opening ANWR is an important, long-term step toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  By this vote, the Senate shows that we are serious about getting the United States back in the business of producing energy.” 

Senator Lisa Murkowski:

“We stand before you today excited about the prospects for this country, because as we move one more giant step toward the possibility of oil exploration and development on a tiny sliver of Alaska’s coastal plain, we really are moving toward this country’s policy goals of energy security, reduced reliance on foreign sources of oil and economic security based on additional jobs all across the country and a reduced trade deficit.  Today’s accomplishment is a big one for Alaska and a huge one for the country as we work to achieve three goals: economic security, energy security, and environmental security.”

Senator Ted Stevens:

“In 1980, I was promised by Senator Jackson and Senator Tsongas, who were managing the bill that withdrew over 100 million acres of Alaska land, that this area of the Coastal Plain would remain open for oil and gas exploration.  The Coastal Plain is our country’s single greatest prospect for future oil production.  It holds between 5.7 billion and 16 billion barrels of oil.  It will produce between 876,000 and 1.6 million barrels a day. 

"The tide of public opinion on this issue has begun to turn because Americans know that development in the Coastal Plain will help lower energy prices, reduce our dependence on unstable and unfriendly regimes, and grow our economy.  Today’s vote was a step forward for our country’s energy, economic, and national security.”

Senator Pete V. Domenici:

“We still have some votes ahead of us, but our success in defeating the motion to strike the ANWR title makes it probable that the budget reconciliation package that comes out of the Senate will include the provision to develop our oil resources in the Arctic.

“This is a victory for the taxpayer and the consumer. This is a victory for American taxpayers because developing our oil reserves in the Arctic raises $2.5 billion for the federal treasury over the next five years. In addition, there will be billions of dollars more from royalties paid into the treasury by oil companies once the oil has been developed. Any time you can raise receipts without resorting to taxes, it’s a win for the taxpayer.

“This is a victory for American consumers because developing our Arctic reserves will bring 10 billion barrels of oil to the lower 48 states, increasing supply and stabilizing these steep oil and gasoline prices. This vote today sends a signal to OPEC and the rest of the world that America is serious about meeting more of its own energy needs. America will not let our consumers or our economy be held hostage to run-away global oil prices.”