In a preliminary vote the committee rejected, by a vote of 10 to 10, Senator Wallop's proposal that Congress not authorize a referendum.

Senator Wallop was also the central figure in the filibuster against the California desert measure.

Senator Wallop added, "You cannot imagine an energy bill that does not call for some new energy production."

Senator Wallop has been critical of the embargo, saying it hurts people more than governments.

Senator Wallop said a significant change "would really hurt the small prospector, and believe me, there are a lot of them out there."

But Senator Wallop, the committee's ranking Republican and co-sponsor of the referendum bill, said, "I am somewhat concerned over timing."

"A few windy press releases from Senator Wallop are not going to scare her."

"Clarity is the essence of political issues," Senator Wallop said.

Senator Wallop said: "Republicans need to come under a banner of accountability.

Senator Wallop was therefore an uncle of the current Earl of Carnarvon.