Diana DeGette actually said...

There is absolutely no need to open the Arctic Refuge to oil and gas drilling.

Not only is that an unacceptable way to receive a response, but it was also unsatisfactory--it was light on details.

We are concerned that, had we not requested a meeting at Chemawa, we would not have gotten that response.

Mr. Tahsuda took full responsibility for this 'gag rule,' but did not apologize for its negative effects.