ANWR and FY2006 Budget Reconciliation Legislation

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

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Abstract:

The FY2006 budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 95, H.Rept. 109-61) contains reconciliation directives to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to reduce direct spending by $2.4 billion for the period covering FY2006-FY2010. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted to transmit legislative recommendations to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to development in order to meet its reconciliation targets. The Chairman of the House Resources Committee has also indicated support for this approach. The projected proceeds from such ANWR provisions would be counted as direct spending reductions. Budget reconciliation legislation, which implements some of the direct spending and revenue policy changes assumed in the congressional budget resolution, is considered under expedited procedures that, in particular, limit debate and amendments in the Senate. The debate limitation makes a reconciliation measure an attractive vehicle for legislative initiatives that otherwise might be subject to a filibuster. This report will be updated as developments warrant.