August 20, 2008

Rep. Mica Calls on Speaker Pelosi to Act on Energy Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-7th District) returned to the floor of the House of Representatives to rejoin the Republican protest in response to the Democratic Majority’s inaction on energy.  “While there is a storm lashing my District, there is a greater national storm over Speaker Pelosi’s closing down efforts to effectively deal with America’s energy crisis,” Rep. Mica told press and public in the U.S. House Chamber.
 
Unfortunately on July 30th, Speaker Pelosi abruptly gaveled down a vote to adjourn for five weeks without taking action to lower energy prices or break our dependence on foreign oil.  This measure passed by a vote of 213-212, with Congressman Mica and the rest of the Republican Minority all voting in opposition to this recess. 

“Workers, families and retirees in my District continue to feel pain at the pump while Congress fails to act on any meaningful energy legislation,” Mica said.  “Speaker Pelosi should cut-short her book tour and immediately call the House back into session to find real solutions to our energy needs.”

For the last three weeks, Republicans have protested adjournment by speaking directly to the public about energy challenges and by calling on the Democratic Majority to return to work.  Speaker Pelosi has refused.

While on the floor, Rep. Mica spoke of the constituents who asked him to return to Washington D.C. to address the energy crisis; the Majority’s unwillingness to allow an open vote on energy legislation; America’s dependence on foreign oil; our nation’s vast domestic energy resources that are currently off-limits; and solutions to our energy challenges. 

Both Minority Leader John Boehner and Rep. Mica brought attention to the quote by Senator Daniel Webster, displayed in the House Chamber, that reads, “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”

Congressman Mica was joined on the House floor by seven other Republican Representatives and approximately 200 members of the public.

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