Haley Stevens: “I intend later today to distribute to every desk a copy of a letter of July 3, 1980 that was signed by Senator Henry M.…”

“I intend later today to distribute to every desk a copy of a letter of July 3, 1980 that was signed by Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman of the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, and Mark Hatfield, ranking minority member, concerning the Alaska lands bill that was before the Senate at that time. These two Senators were leaders of the Senate on the Alaska lands legislation and it is important for the Senate to read this letter. I will read a portion of it at this time. The portion I will read concerns the amendment which gives us the right to proceed with development of the Arctic plain. They wrote: While the bill is a gigantic environmental accomplishment, it also is crucial to the nation's attempt to achieve energy independence.”