WASHINGTON, D.C. June 26, 2008 – Today Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA-44) commended Appropriations Ranking Member Jerry Lewis (R-CA-41) for attempting to force Democrats to allow consideration of the FY2009 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, so that a vote could be taken on domestic energy exploration.

"Democrats refuse to consider the one appropriations bill that could have a positive impact on the outrageous price of gas," said Rep. Calvert. "I commend Ranking Member Jerry Lewis for his leadership today and I will continue to support him as he tries to bring the Interior and Appropriations bill before the full committee."

The full Appropriations Committee markup of the Interior and Environment bill was originally scheduled for June 18, 2008, but it was abruptly canceled two hours before it was scheduled to begin. The full Committee markup schedule has now been updated and all markups have been proceeding in their original order, except the Interior and Environment bill, which has been pushed off past the Independence Day Recess.

Today, Ranking Member Jerry Lewis offered an amendment that forced the Appropriations Committee to immediately consider the Interior bill; however Democrats on the Committee quickly scuttled that effort by abruptly adjourning the markup before any votes could be taken.

At least three amendments intended to increase domestic energy production were set to be considered at the full Committee markup of the Interior and Environment bill.  These include:

• An amendment by Rep. Peterson (R-PA) to open up OCS exploration beyond 50 miles;
• An amendment by Rep. Granger (R-TX) to open up ANWR to energy exploration;
• An amendment by Rep. Tiahrt (R-KS) to open up oil shale development in Colorado.

"Instead of getting to work on the business of the American people that would help increase our domestic supply of energy the Democrats have launched a campaign of energy obstruction," said Rep. Calvert. "As we approach Independence Day, we should be taking steps to declare our energy independence. While Americans are stuck paying record high prices at the pump, Democrats in Congress refuse to do anything – even hold a markup – that might help bring down prices."

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