Ron Kind: “we will hear a lot of discussion today about how drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for our oil needs is…”

“we will hear a lot of discussion today about how drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for our oil needs is nothing but an illusion, a fraud being perpetrated on the American people, because it is not going to be an answer either in the short term or the long term in regards to the energy challenge that we face. I believe that. Why drilling in one of the most pristine, untouched areas of the world is something up for consideration in the House for the 12th time is beyond me. But I also want to raise a very important issue, because there are a lot of gimmicks being played with the budget on this issue. At the very least, you think we would be honest and truthful and decent with the American taxpayer in regard to the hopeful revenues that this will generate. In this legislation, it calls for a 50/50 split with the State of Alaska on royalties, but we all know this is not going to happen. The State legislature in Alaska last year passed a resolution saying, no, it will only agree to a 90/10 split. If we don't get it, we are suing you. Given the States' rights make-up in the court, they will in all likelihood prevail. Tens of billions of dollars are on the table over this important difference. Even our friend and colleague in Alaska has publicly made it known his intent to fight this 50/50 split that is contained in this legislation.…”