It appears that Republicans in the Senate do not have the votes to block a Democratic amendment to strip language in the budget resolution that would allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

If, as expected, Democrats are successful removing the ANWR language, it also appears that Republicans will not attempt to place language in the Senate version of energy legislation which is expected to be prepared next month.

If both of these events occur, it will signal the end of the debate on oil drilling in ANWR, a big priority for the Bush administration. Republicans were hoping to push this through via the budget process because it would be filibuster-proof and require fewer votes to pass.

Opponents to ANWR are not claiming success yet as they still see a fight in the House and in conference.