An amendment that would have denied Florida important funding because of the state's moratorium on further offshore oil drilling was defeated on the House floor.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen helped defeat the proposed amendment, which would have prohibited funds in H.R. 701, a conservation bill before the House, from going to states that have moratoria on "outer continental shelf oil and gas leasing."

The failed measure would have denied Florida federal dollars for coastal impact assistance, land acquisition needs, wildlife conservation, urban parks, historic preservation, and endangered species.

Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is concerned about the possible detrimental effects of oil drilling off the coast of Florida, and is a cosponsor of H.R. 33, a bill calling for a "time-out" period during which a state-federal commission of scientists and other interested parties would establish a permanent policy for Florida offshore oil drilling.

Florida Congressmen Porter Goss and Dan Miller helped lead the fight against the failed amendment and are working with Ileana and other members of the Florida delegation to protect the state from any potential environmental hazards.

"Protecting Florida's environment and natural beauty is a responsibility I take very seriously," said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. "I will continue to work closely with my colleagues to ensure that our state's habitat is not endangered, so that future generations of Floridians will be able to enjoy our state's many treasures."