The House and Senate voted on Thursday to approve a budget resolution for the federal government that allows drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and leaves President Bush's cuts to Indian programs intact.

The budget requires the Senate Energy Committee to find $2.4 billion in revenue over the next five years, a provision that allows development in ANWR by a simple majority vote. The budget also makes no changes to more than $200 million in cuts to Indian housing and education programs but these could be addressed in other appropriations bills.

Most Republicans voted for the resolution. Democrats opposed it, saying it will plunge the country further in debt.

Get the Story:
Budget Deal Sets Stage for Arctic Drilling And Tax Cuts (The Washington Post 4/29)
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Budget Resolution:
H.CON.RES. 95 | House Roll Call | Senate Roll Call

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Letter:
FY 2006 Views and Estimates (February 28, 2005)

Budget Documents:
DOI Budget in Brief | Trust Responsibilities | Tribal Communities | Bureau of Indian Affairs | Departmental Offices [includes Office of Special Trustee] | DOI [from White House]

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