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The American way

John Barker
Northern News Services

Juneau, Alaska (May 13/02) - In American politics, states deal with their own issues in matters exclusive to that state - in this case Alaska.

But when it comes to the proposed Alaska gas pipeline, the United States Congress believes the transportation of natural gas from Alaska to the lower 48 states is also a matter of national interest, energy supply and security.

What many Canadians find confusing is both the U.S. Congress in Washington and the Alaska legislature in Juneau are made up of an elected Senate and a House of Representatives. A key difference between the Canadian and American systems is that elected Senates - both federal and state - actually have power in the U.S., and are not a final resting place for patronage appointments, as in Ottawa.

In the American system, bills can originate in any of the four legislative chambers. When there are differences between similar bills on the same issue it is not uncommon for the Senate and House to hold a joint "conference" to try to iron out the differences.

After a bill has passed the federal Senate, Republican President George W. Bush can sign it into law, let it pass into law without his signature, or veto it. The Senate can override a vetoed bill and force it to become law with a two-thirds majority.

A parallel process exists for Alaska legislation with Republican Governor Tony Knowles. At the moment, Republicans are in control of three of the four legislative bodies, with the U.S. Senate tied 50-50.

UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Washington, D.C.

Senate:

100 members, two from each of the 50 states. Currently split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. Two Republicans,

Ted Stevens and Frank Murkowski, are currently Alaska's senators. Two significant pieces of legislation dealing with Alaska gas pipeline issues are before the Senate: the Energy Policy Act of 2002 and the Alaska Gas Pipeline Act of 2001.

U.S. House of Representatives:

435 members, elected through representation based on population. Currently split between 223 Republicans, 210 Democrats and two independents.

ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Juneau, Alaska

State Senate:

20 members: 14 Republicans and six Democrats. Currently seven bills related to Alaska gas pipeline issues are before the Senate.

House of Representatives:

40 members: 27 Republicans and 13 Democrats. Currently 13 bills related to Alaska gas pipeline issues are before the House.