Dems decide to "kick it" while we still have outrageous gas prices

So, you still think the Democrats are looking out for you? I for one will NEVER be convinced of that now…

After a few weeks of the US House of Representatives discussing and passing bills regarding minutiae releventiae, the Democratic leadership decided to kick it for a few weeks while leaving the current energy act discussion dangling with nowhere near as much importance as those hanging chads of 2000. While apology and reparations for slavery and keeping lead out of toys have made the USHOR “plays of the week” in the main stream media, oil prices are still too high and something has got to be done about them NOW!

In other words, things have been accomplished in the house, but just like the SNL character Velvet Jones romance book title, I feel like I’ve been kicked in the butt by love.

However, just when it seemed that the House would yet again walk out the door with token victories and superfluous accomplishments, the energy debate took the forefront.

At noon, on August, 1 2008, the Democrats turned out the lights, shut down the cameras and headed home for the month. But some fifty Republicans insistent on enacting legislation to address skyrocketing oil prices remained on the House floor for more than five hours, swiping, sniping and griping at the democratic majority and making grand and patriotic speeches which garnered cheers from the gallery.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich. Said, "This is the people's House, This is not Pelosi's politburo."

Democratic aides were furious at the GOP members' refusal to leave and kicked out reporters from the Speaker's Lobby.

House GOP members are incensed by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's moves to block voting on a plan to reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. Republicans claim that there are enough votes that include support from a significant number of Democrats.

The Republicans wrapped up their “chamber tea party” at 5:05 p.m. by singing "God Bless America," and left the chamber with the crowd chanting, "USA! USA!"

Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and other GOP leaders opposed the motion to adjourn the House, at 11:23 a.m. Because Pelosi refuses to schedule a vote allowing offshore drilling, the American economy will continue to suffer and our national security will continue to be threatened.



At one point, the chamber lights and microphones were turned off, but then returned while Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz. was speaking.

C-SPAN, which has no control over House cameras, stopped broadcasting after the official adjournment.

Apparently, Republicans tried to prevent Capitol Police from removing the press from their gallery above the floor. GOP leaders tried to find other Republicans to rotate in for Blunt so reporters would not be forced to leave.

Blunt's office sent out a message saying: "Although, this Democrat Majority just adjourned for the Democrat 5-Week Vacation, House Republicans are continuing to fight on the House Floor. Although the lights, mics and C-SPAN cameras have been turned off, House Republicans are on the Floor speaking to the tax payers in the gallery who, not surprisingly, agree with Republican Energy proposals. All Republicans who are in town are encouraged to come to the House Floor."

Congress is set to adjourn at the end of September and will take most of August off for recess.

Now is the time, folks, to be a part of this process. Remember that it is supposed to be OF the people as well as by the people and for the people. Join us in the blogosphere and contact your representative, no matter what party they represent and give them a reason to stay on the job for you. Let them know that you will not support someone who ignores the needs of the American people. You can reach members of the House and members of the U.S. Senate by calling 202-224-3121. The official House website contains web pages for all members and includes e-mail addresses for most. The official Senate website also contains web pages for all members and includes email address for some.

The following Republican lawmakers participated in the energy marathon as shown on the House Republican Conference website,
:

• Rep. Brian Bilbray, Calif.
• Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Fla.
• Rep. Rob Bishop, Utah
• Rep. Roy Blunt, Mo.
• Rep. John Boehner, Mich.
• Rep. John Boozman, Ariz.
• Rep. Kevin Brady, Texas
• Rep. Paul Broun, Ga.
• Rep. Henry Brown, S.C.
• Rep. Michael Burgess, Texas
• Rep. Tom Cole, Okla.
• Rep. John Campbell, Calif.
• Rep. Eric Cantor, Va.
• Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, W.V.
• Rep. John Carter, Texas.
• Rep. Mike Conaway, Texas
• Rep. John Culberson, Texas
• Rep. Charlie Dent, Penn.
• Rep. Mary Fallin, Okla.
• Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, Neb.
• Rep. Virginia Foxx, N.C.
• Rep. Louie Gohmert, Texas
• Rep. Wally Herger, Calif.
• Rep. Pete Hoekstra, Mich.
• Rep. Duncan Hunter, Calif.
• Rep. Steve King, Iowa
• Rep. Dan Lungren, Calif.
• Rep. Don Manzullo, Ill.
• Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Calif.
• Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, Mich.
• Rep. Devin Nunes, Calif.
• Rep. Mike Pence, Ind.
• Rep. Chip Pickering, Miss.
• Rep. Todd Platts, Penn
• Rep. Ted Poe, Texas
• Rep. Jon Porter, Nev.
• Rep. Tom Price, Ga.
• Rep. Adam Putnam, Fla.
• Rep. Mike Rogers, Mich.
• Rep. Bill Sali, Idaho
• Rep. John Shadegg, Ariz.
• Rep. John Shimkus, Ill.
• Rep. Adrian Smith, Neb.
• Rep. Michael Turner, Ohio
• Rep. Tim Walberg, Mich
• Rep. Greg Walden, Ore.
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, Ga.
• Rep. Joe Wilson, S.C.

Several House Republicans gave a press conference on the extraordinary events. You can watch the video and read various quotes from it here.


You can view some of the streaming videos Rep. Culberson referenced here.


I am pleased to congratulate and give kudos to the House GOP members for finally showing some backbone and doing the kind of things we elected them to do. Stay vigilant in this as we need you to represent us, not just show up in D.C. to work at a job.

I hope my rekindled confidence in you will not be shunned by this merely being a token political act. But I do have faith that you will do the right thing and maybe even inspire some of the opposition to see the light.