Murkowski Expresses Disappointment Over Energy Bill Vote

MURKOWSKI EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER ENERGY BILL VOTE

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski today had the following reaction after the Senate failed by two votes to stop a filibuster that is stalling a comprehensive energy bill from becoming law.

"It was certainly disappointing to see the Senate unable to override a largely Democratic-led filibuster of comprehensive energy legislation. To be sure, there was some additional opposition to the bill on regional grounds, but the result was that once again the U.S. Senate was unable to pass a true blueprint for meeting the nation's energy needs.

"This vote will not stop us from trying to win incentives for the construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline, since America badly needs Alaska's gas reserves to meet the future shortfall in gas. We will press ahead with gaining support for energy legislation and for the host of Alaska-related provisions in the energy plan," said Sen. Murkowski after the initial 58-39 vote. Sixty votes are needed to override a filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

"I'm still optimistic that because the President is so committed to achieving a comprehensive energy bill and the congressional leadership is to committed to achieving a bill that energy legislation will yet pass before the close of this session of Congress," said Murkowski.