Floor manager for the pending highway bill Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) led the opposition that resulted in the 46-52 defeat, arguing the amendment had the potential of ruining America’s pristine coastlines and the tourism industry that depends on them. 

“This is an antijobs amendment that threatens our coastal economies … where the coasts are an engine of economic growth,” Boxer said.

“This is a giveaway to big oil,” she added. 

But in floor debate earlier in the day, Vitter argued for expanded drilling opportunities, arguing that high gas prices are stunting economic growth.

“[This] is the single biggest step we can take right now to try to rein in spiraling gas prices,” Vitter said.