Johnson's Arctic vote is much appreciated

November 23, 2005

The Nov. 19 David Broder column discussed how 22 moderate Republicans in the U.S. House kept oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge out of the deficit reduction bill by signing a letter to the House Rules Committee.

The modified bill, which had many problems besides opening the remaining 5 percent of land in the Arctic Refuge to drilling, barely passed 217-215 on Nov. 18.

I am grateful that our congressman, U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson, signed the letter and also voted against the actual bill. Johnson has shown a continued interest in protecting our public lands, in particular the Arctic Refuge, but he also wants to reduce cuts to domestic programs such as farm conservation, food stamps, student loans and Medicaid, programs important to many local constituents.

The bill now goes to a Senate-House conference committee to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions. There is a possibility drilling for oil in the Arctic will reappear in the reconciled version. If that happens, I hope Johnson will stand firm and continue to vote against any bill that permits drilling in the Arctic Refuge.

ALICE ENGLEBRETSEN
Urbana, IL