GOP throws House party

A second day of speeches in the House Chamber continued as GOP members told Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call for a vote on the American Energy Act, the GOP’s “all of the above” energy strategy.  Representatives repeatedly said that given the current energy costs faced by Americans, now is not the time for Congress to take a five-week paid vacation.  Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) said “I don’t know how they think in the salons of San Francisco,” a reference to Pelosi’s district, adding that the people in the coffee shops of Dallas recognize America’s energy crisis.

Hensarling, speaking to Capitol tourists seated in the House chamber, asked why Pelosi was unable to find time to debate energy in the past months.  He told those assembled that Congress found time to debate National Sanitation Week and other frivolous topics, ridiculing decisions made by Democratic leadership.  Hensarling said the people of America deserve a vote and gave Pelosi’s Washington office phone number to those in attendance, telling people to call and voice their concern.

In a press statement, Pelosi called Republican actions a “hoax” that does not warrant serious debate. She said Republican proposals give public lands to oil companies and would only reduce prices at the pump by two cents in 10 years. In addition, her statement says that House Republicans have opposed requiring oil companies to drill on the 68 million acres of land they already control. She also notes the GOP has blocked efforts to increase fuel efficiency standards, improve mass transit, and release oil from government reserves.

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama both support provisions in the American Energy Act, including offshore drilling. He said one person (Pelosi) should not work against the opinion of a majority of Americans.  Kirk referenced challenges previously faced in the House of Representatives including the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, and World War II, saying now is the time for Congress to take initiative and solve America’s energy crisis.  He said Congress has come to a fork in the road concerning energy policy and, instead of debating which road to take, is refusing to debate a course of action at all.