This was a second attempt by Murkowski (R-AK) to end debate on and bring to a vote his amendment to the national energy plan. The amendment would have opened a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration, a move strongly opposed by Progressives and Democrats in general. In an attempt to pick up more Democratic votes, Murkowski had added a provision that would have used some of the ANWR profits to fund benefits programs for unemployed steel workers. Though this move to invoke "cloture" (i.e., end debate and bring the measure to a vote) received more support than in the first attempt (see Vote #70), it still fell short of the 60 votes necessary, receiving 46 in favor to 54 against.