House Republicans want to deliver “real change” for a “broken Washington”

House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) said in a pen and pad briefing that the focus this week for House Republicans has been on short and long term solutions to make energy more secure. He says Americans recognize that Washington, D.C. is “broken” because they are paying 1.50 dollars more than they were at the beginning of the 110th Congress.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the House will go on recess for Memorial Day without having completed a troop funding bill, a Columbia free trade bill, or a real plan to lower gas prices. He said that Republicans have been calling for an increase in domestic oil production for some time and for further interest into alternative fuels, such as biofuel and nuclear power. He feels that Americans believe that the United States can safely produce more oil.

Boehner said that General Petraeus had a good plan in Iraq, that the troops have done well, and that Iraqi troops have come a long way. He said Democrats have no choice but to admit “a lot of success” in Iraq. Putnam said that the Iraqi “hands on leadership style” brought factions together and might lead to broader participation in elections.

Putnam said Republican leadership has set a new standard on earmarks, and is holding the line on “ramping up” domestic spending. Boehner said the loss of three Republican seats in the House has helped the party learn how to set up for elections in the Fall. He said he is focusing on having successful elections in November, and does not have time to think about what will happen after the elections.