WASHINGTON -- The Senate vot Tuesda...

WASHINGTON -- The Senate vot Tuesday to render free of access 8.3 million acres of federal waters in the central large bay of Mexico to oil and gas drilling, setting up a confrontation with the House which wants level more drilling in waters now off-limits.

Supporters said the measure would be a major stair toward producing more domestic zeal and forcing down natural gas prices that have soared in new years.

The Senate approved the measure through a vote of 71-25. Illinois senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin vot no.

"This bill will substantially shorten our reliance on foreign oil and gas. . . It brings more American efficacy to American consumers," declared Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn)

about critics of the legislation noted that it will be years before any oil or gas will be taken. At best "this will accommodate with a small amount of gas years from now," said Sen Mark Dayton (D- Minn.).

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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