The revolt continues
Posted by brvanlanen on August 4, 2008
Republicans may have finally found their issue. Following the historic action on Friday, House Republicans decided to continue applying pressure on the Democrats who left town for the August recess without acting the American Energy Act. The following memo went out over the weekend.
Yesterday we witnessed the power of American democracy in action. Dozens of House Republicans joined hundreds of American citizens on the House floor to protest Speaker Pelosi’s decision to send Congress home for the rest of the summer without a vote on the American Energy Act. In doing so, we sent a powerful message that Republicans are united with the American people.
We’re writing today for two reasons. One is to thank you for what you’ve done. The other is to ask that we keep it going.
It’s not a request we make lightly. But the American people are suffering. We have their attention, and they know we’re on their side. This is our moment to prove Republicans will not rest until their voices are heard. The consequences of continued congressional inaction on gas prices are unacceptable. We’ve called on the Speaker to call Congress back into an emergency session this month and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act. We must continue to make a stand until the Speaker complies.
We realize not everyone can be in Washington next week. But if you can be, we ask that you come to the Capitol, join our colleagues, and lend your voice, beginning this Monday at 10:00 am. A schedule will be assembled to keep the effort going for at least several hours each day.
…
If you can’t be in Washington, we ask that you contribute to the cause in other ways – such as spreading the word among your constituents, writing an op-ed for your local newspaper, or taking our “all of the above” energy message to your local airwaves.
The passion for freedom is a defining aspect of the American character. It thrives in the souls of our people. And when brought to bear on a common goal, it is a formidable force.
Republicans stand with the American people. We share their passion and determination for energy independence, and we’ve pledged to fight boldly until Congress heeds their will. Working together, we will show them we’re as good as our word.
The revolt continued today at 10:00 am EDT emboldened by Speaker Pelosi’s refusal to budge.
While the House GOP and hundreds of American citizens are making their voices heard in the House chamber, Speaker Pelosi is continuing her strident opposition to more production of American-made energy, even as families across America are being pummeled at the pump each and every day. Appearing yesterday on ABC News’ This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Speaker Pelosi reaffirmed her plans to block a vote on more American energy at least five different times. Take a look:
- “I’m just not going to be a party of it…”
- “This is a diversionary tactic from a failed energy policy…”
- “This is, again, a decoy, it’s not a solution…”
- “Well, I’m not just going to – I’m not going to [schedule a vote]…”
- “They’ll have to use their imagination as to how they can get a vote…”
While the Speaker shows just how out-of-touch she and her Democratic colleagues are by not allowing more environmentally-safe drilling for oil and gas – which a solid majority of Americans and a bipartisan majority in Congress supports, in spite of the Speaker’s efforts to squelch them – House Republicans and the American people are continuing to make their voices heard inside the House chamber.
Michelle points out the need to “hit hard, hit fast, hit often” over the next five weeks.
It appears Republican leadership is planning to do just that now that it’s found it’s backbone on a key election issue.
The ongoing floor revolt is proof that neither House Republicans nor the American people will rest until Democratic leaders given them an up-or-down vote on more American energy and lower gas prices. Throughout the August break, both on the House floor and across the country, Republicans will continue holding the Democratic Majority accountable for their refusal to listen to the American people struggling with high gas prices. How much longer will Speaker Pelosi ignore the calls of the American families and small businesses before she stops blocking a real vote on more American energy?
You can follow the action taking place, with no Democrats present, in the People’s House here.
