Published: 08-04-08
WASHINGTON D.C. - This past Friday following an intemperate adjournment House Republicans along with hundreds of constituents from both political parties from across the U.S. took to the House Floor chanting and cheering in a form of protest to call the House back to session for a vote to implement domestic drilling legislation. The Democrats turned off all lights cameras and microphones but Republicans were persistent in their efforts.
Today Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) returned to Washington to continue the call to action on American energy.
“Friday we witnessed the power that the American public is granted in the words of the Constitution” said Conaway. “The level of energy and tenacity on the House floor was unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. For months the American people and Republicans in Congress have pleaded with the Democrat leadership to provide real energy legislation for relief at the pump. Unfortunately those pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“Instead my Democrat colleagues have chosen to scatter into the five-week recess without any substantive vote addressing our energy crisis leaving Americans to deal with five more long weeks of higher-than-necessary prices at the pump. We are dependent on foreign crude oil and must deal with our current situation and drill domestically to achieve lower prices. It is that simple. I want to encourage Americans across the country to join me today in demanding action from Congress on this important issue.”
In addition Congressman Conaway sent an emergency letter to President Bush asking him to use the power vested in him by the Constitution to convene an immediate energy special session of Congress. Under Article II Section 3 of the Constitution the President has the power ‘on extraordinary occasions to convene the Congress.
Participating Members include: Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) Rep. John Carter (R-TX) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-IL) Rep. Ron Klein (R-FL) Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Rep. Steve King (R-IA).
Click here to read a copy of the letter Congressman Conaway sent to President Bush.
Click here for more information on the GOP American Energy Act.
