House GOP Gains Traction for the Fall
August 6th, 2008 at 08:51am Mark Noonan
Courtesy of Nancy Pelosi, certainly the very worst Speaker in American history:
House Republicans, who insist that Speaker Nancy Pelosi call the House back from its summer recess so votes can be taken on their energy legislation, continued for a third day to make speeches to GOP staff members and Capitol Hill tourists.
They did so in the dimly-lit chamber of the House of Representatives, without the aid of working television cameras or a public address system.
The Republicans became miffed last Friday when Democrats abruptly adjourned the House until September 8 without giving them a chance to speak on the floor about their energy plan, which includes exploring for oil in ANWR and more off-shore drilling.
Even though the House had officially gone out of session, some Republicans stayed on the floor and made speeches anyway.
After taking the weekend off, the guerrilla oratory continued Monday, with organizers of the talk-in estimating that 24 of the 199 House Republicans participated…
…With the House not in session, the chambers’ televisions cameras have been turned off for the three days of speeches. The lights in the chamber have been dimmed, which is normally the case when the House is not session. Also the public address system is off, forcing the Republicans to speak up so they can be heard in the large chamber.
Lucky tourists, many of whom just happened to be touring the Capitol, have been given the rare opportunity of sitting on the House floor. Wearing t-shirt and shorts, they became an impromptu audience for the speechmakers.
Pelosi, D-Calif., issued a statement on Monday saying, “This Republican hoax is unworthy of the serious debate we must have to reduce the price at the pump and promote energy independence.”
House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., referred to GOP tactics as “stunts” by a “smattering of House Republicans”.
But Republicans claim their unofficial floor sessions are gaining traction with voters who are wondering why Congress is taking a five week vacation while gasoline prices remain so high.
They vow to continue speaking out on the House floor rest of this week and during the weeks ahead.
Its fine for Nancy to say we need a serious debate, but having such a debate is rather impossible if the Democrats cut and run from DC and head for the hills rather than be forced to vote in favor of energy measures popular with everyone except the money-bags of the kook left. That is the thing, you see? Any floor vote on the GOP energy measures will result in a lopsided vote in favor of the proposals - only those Democrats in absolutely safe Democratic seats would dare defy common sense on energy, and so the vote in favor would probably approach 300.
But, its all good: Nancy and Co have handed we GOPers a fine “kitchen table” issue for the fall. We’re willing to do the hard work of getting things rolling towards American energy independence while the Nancy-boy Democrats hide. Come the election, we’ll be able to point out our willingness to make the hard decisions contrasted with the Democrats stark, yellow-bellied fear of doing the same.
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Congress, Corruption, Democrats, Economy, Energy Issues, Republicans
23 Comments
1. HeyHey | August 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Trying to show how seriously they take their job to represent their oil lobbyist buddies,oops sorry,constituents by repeating the shenanigans of Friday. We’ve got Roy Blunt castigating the 110th Congress for not passing an appropriations bill, and yet here Congress is, trying to get a veterans’ appropriations bill passed and there goes the Republicans, playing games.
The Republicans’ unsuccessful attempt to derail the veterans bill comes after President Bush threatened to veto the legislation over excessive spending on veterans and our troops and after Senate Republicans blocked the National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate over the same issue. The House did pass the FY 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, H.R. 6599 despite the Republican obstruction. This bill provides another much-needed funding increase for veterans’ care (11 percent more than last year and $2.9 billion more than the President’s request) - building on last year’s largest ever increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans’ Administration. All of the major veterans groups endorse the measure.
As Chairman Edwards explained, Veterans’ organizations also called for its swift passage: “we urge that no impediments are put in its way and that its passage can come quickly and smoothly. The issues in this bill …are not controversial, and they have broad bipartisan support. Attaching non-germane issues to the veterans funding bill that serve to delay or block passage would truly be wrong.” [VFW, 7/25/08] Nonetheless, Republicans attempted to derail the bill by attaching drilling provisions that would destroy some of the nations most pristine areas forever in exchange for savings of only pennies per gallon more than 15 years from now, according to President Bush’s own Energy Department. The provisions, however, would provide billions of dollars in profits for the oil industry.
Roy Blunt is a moron…period.
Yesterday, however, there was a bit of a twist in the Republican rhetoric. Far-right lawmakers actually believe they’re affecting the market by talking to each other.
House Republicans on Tuesday said their protest of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) decision not to allow a vote on expanded offshore oil drilling has helped lower gas prices.
Heading into a third day of speeches in the near-empty chamber, Republicans acknowledged that the average price of gas and oil has declined in recent weeks. But they claimed credit for part of that reduction.
“I think the market is responding to the fact that we are here talking,” said Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) at a joint press conference with other GOP lawmakers. “I think the market realizes this kind of pressure from Congress may, in fact, lead to a change in policy.”
The Republican members did not answer questions about whether they would take the blame if gas prices go up again.
Yes, House Republicans are hosting a very sad little photo-op on the Hill, and some of them are willing to argue, out loud, in public, that simply by talking to each other about drilling, they’re able to bring the price of fuel down.
If you told me that Speaker Pelosi’s office was paying these clowns money to make House Republicans look ridiculous, I’d be tempted to believe you.
2. neocon | August 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
HeyHey,
Thanks once again for clearly displaying libera disconnect with reality.
GOPers are trying to do the peoples business of addressing the energy crisis, of which they were elected and paid to do, while the Democrats shuttle off for their, not-to-be-interrupted five week vacation.
How many average Americans get a five week vacation? Espeically when their work is unfinished.
NOT ONE appropriations bill passed through the Pelosi led House. Great job, and that’s from a woman who promised to lead the most ethical and bi partisan House in history.
Actually, we should be thanking the current Democratic leadership as they have performed even worse than the GOP led Congress and they’ll pay for it come November.
3. phnx | August 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Dimming the lights in Congress was Pelosi’s energy package. Here we go again, Dems snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. You leftists will be positively apoplectic. I wonder if there is a government program to fund suicide prevention phone banks.
4. js | August 6th, 2008 at 9:53 am
so, whats more important, the price of gas that affects the entire US population, or the veterans bill, that only affects 2%….funny how pelosi’s stooges try to distract from the importance of issues….the vet bills do nothing to lower the cost of food on our economy…while lower gas prices will have a tremendous impact….
5. SEW | August 6th, 2008 at 10:12 am
McCain, get to DC now where the energy debate is going on. While the Dems vacation and Hussein vacations in Hawaii.
Ha, ha libtards.
6. Magnum Serpentine | August 6th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Last week, the party of the Oil Companies, the Republics, successfully blocked several measures many designed to help veterans. But also, the oil companies party, the Republics also blocked energy measures.
I will still vote this fall, but right now I do not see any worth in either party. In fact I agree with many here in Nashville area both parties are the same
7. HeyHey | August 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkKk2C1W1c
“Uh, what did you ask, uh…::silence::
uh….huh?”
The guy is losing it, faster than I thought.
I get about 4 weeks vacation now…5 more years with the company and I get close to 5. Wooohoo!
Anyways, back to the topic, I’m not a fan of Pelosi or Reid but the Republican theatrics in Congress are very sad. Boehner(R) blocked an energy bill so he could grandstand.
House conservatives engaged in political theater, storming the floor after Congress was adjourned “to attack Democrats for leaving town without doing something to lower gas prices.” Politico reports, “At one point, the lights went off in the House and the microphones were turned off in the chamber, meaning Republicans were talking in the dark.”
“Bring the Congress back. Let’s have a real up or down vote,” House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) proclaimed. In fact, there was a real up or down vote on gas prices just two days before. And Boehner is well aware of it because he was responsible for ensuring it didn’t pass. Dan Weiss explains on the Wonk Room what occurred this week:
During the vote on the Commodity Markets and Transparency Act (H.R. 6604) to rein in oil profiteers, House Republican leaders pressured 13 of their members to switch their vote from “yes” to “no.” Thanks to these strong arm tactics and weak members, the bill to lower gasoline prices by controlling profiteers failed by a vote of 276-151, falling ten votes shy of the two-thirds majority required for passage under the suspension of the House rules. Once again, the GOP leadership used their power to help keep oil prices and profits high, while hurting the average driver.
Boehner strong-armed his own conservative members to ensure a bill didn’t pass because he wanted to engage in today’s political theatrics. After killing a bill that would have addressed gas prices, House conservatives have decided they want to blow hot air in the dark.
The Dems tried to pass energy legislation but the Republicans blocked it. Now they want to vote when no one is there. Grandstanding saps.
8. Calvert | August 6th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I think the 109th thus far has been the worst Congress in American history. It spent little time in session, it failed to pass budget resolutions and appropriations bills, there was no serious oversight for Iraq, there were no major substantive policy achievements, and corrupt members from both sides of the aisle were forced from Congress. Don’t get me wrong the 110th is closing fast but they are not there yet.
9. OhioOrrin | August 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am
hey heyhey - welcome back after firing dana milbanks when he strayed off the obama reservation.
energy independence must be comprehensive including, but not limited to:
clean coal
nuke plants (is yucca mt finished yet?)
drilling
T. Boone’s wind corridor & conversion of cars to natural gas
biofuels
creating steam power fm politicans hot air
reflective mirrors in the desert
tidal generation
Johnny Mac’s got all that.
but the price of oil must remain high enough so the free market allows these opportunities and we gain energy independence.
its a national security issue!
10. \'08ama | August 6th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
“House GOP gains traction for the Fall”
…and a mighty fall it will be.
Republican feeling marginalized by the Democratic majority ? Looks like the Dems took notes and learned well while they were the minority.
It must suck that the majority of America just doesn’t see things your way huh?
Talking to Japanese tourists in the dark while the Democrats relax in Maui. What could be better ?
11. majoriot | August 6th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Pure theatrics.
These guys have had 7 years to worry about my energy problems. Instead they woried about the oil companies.
Now they are concerned?
Is there an election coming up?
12. phnx | August 6th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
“Boehner(R) blocked an energy bill so he could grandstand.” Hey hey hey
You obviously don’t understand what a brilliant move this was. Pelosi will not allow an up or down vote on drilling. Boehner’s actions have called public attention to that.
In addtion, the congressional ban on drilling expires in September. Blocking the government funding bill will end the moratorium and permit the DOI to lease offshore sites, including ANWR.
The Dems oppose it to their dettriment so close ot the election.
13. Hacks | August 6th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Ok, phnx. So continue to hurt the consumer now so that Republicans can help them later (like 10 years later)….. I see…
14. phnx | August 6th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hacks,
Name one thing that the Dems have proposed to provide immediate help to the consumer.
This is about the direction of the country. And its for the children. You aren’t against the children are you?
Why do you hate our country? Why do you wish for us continue to be held hostage by foreign oil producing states?
15. Hacks | August 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Again, the Republican’s, as noted above ,blocked the Commodity Markets and Transparency Act (H.R. 6604) legislation which would help lower gas prices. There ya go, there is your one thing. You’re right, it was a brilliant move(political stunt) by Republican’s to not help the consumer.
The Republican’s have done nothing to provide ‘immediate’ help to the consumer when they had control of Congress in the past or now. FYI, drilling will not provide immediate relief. And throwing money at the problem(gas holiday), won’t help. I thought you guys were against government hand outs.
I’m all for drilling. Drill away, drill deep. But drilling is only a small percentage of the solution the way I see it. You guys are talking like it will make us independent from foreign oil for all time.
Why do you hate the American people so much?
16. js | August 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
everyone keeps talking about some “solution” but nobody has presented one yet…reminds me of obama!! “change” for the sole purpose of “change” isnt “change” at all, its chaos
ask the cubans
17. Stingray | August 6th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Nancy Pelosi, certainly the very worst Speaker in American history: August 6th, 2008 at 08:51am Mark Noonan
She has not lived up to her billing, but worst Speaker ever? Worse than Dennis Hastert who turned the other way while a Repug was having inproper conduct with male Pages, did nothing as Congress went Democratic and watched his own district fill his seat with a Democrat
18. Danish Artist | August 6th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
So many leftist lapdogs, so little intelligence.
HR6604 created a means of legal action and more government bureaucracy in POSSIBLY finding manipulations in the commodities market. of course, the left ASSUMES as always greed is the problem and not their short-sightedness.
They are many causes of high energy prices and the bill possibly addresses very few and it would have been ineffective in lowering gasoline prices. How does investigations and subpoenas of futures investors bring down the price of oil?
Confidence in a sufficient supply of oil is the major factor that affects the price.
Hacks, you are an imbecile at the level of Magnum Stupidity, but what else can you expect of the left.
19. New Conservative | August 6th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Wow the Dems really know how to lose an election. We might end up taking back the House and Senate this year.
http://thenewconservatives.blogspot.com/
20. The OFFICIAL OMG NObama F&hellip | August 6th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
[...] Blogs from CNN.com What Pelosi and Democrats Dont Understand About Oil | The Common Conservative Blogs For Victory House GOP Gains Traction for the Fall Gallup: Congress as Much to Blame for Oil Prices as Gouging | NewsBusters.org IBDeditorials.com: [...]
21. Nevada Pundit | August 7th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Hacks,
That bill would have done nothing (well it would have if the U.S. was the only country that used oil). Oil is globally traded and the price traded anywhere affects the price traded on Wall Street. Unless the world passed a bill such as the one you speak of nothing would have happened at the pump.
Stingray,
Yes worse than Haster. Mother Pelosi, the supreme know-it-all, is sacrificing the country to her desires. That seems to be much worse than loosing a district. All that want Obama in office better remember that with him their Mother Pelosi will have no threat to her hair-brained, cockamamie plans.
22. Ken | August 7th, 2008 at 1:20 am
It is not just a five week vacation, it is a five week _Paid_ vacation funded by the tax payers so our Dims can run and bury their heads in the sand.
23. HeyHey | August 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Over the weekend, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) urged Members to return to the Capitol, “although they themselves didn’t show up“:
“It’s not a request we make lightly. But the American people are suffering,” Boehner and Blunt said. “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.”
Roll Call reports that Boehner is “perhaps arriving by the end of the week” but that didn’t stop him from issuing another stern warning yesterday to Congressional Democrats:
Congress doesn’t deserve a break — not while families and small businesses are struggling under the weight of sky-high fuel costs. It’s time for Barack Obama to put away the tire gauge and tell his Democratic leaders to return to Washington – today – to hold a vote on the American Energy Act.
But what has Boehner been doing while his comrades are fighting the good fight? Golfing. The Washington Post’s Ben Pershing reports:
Boehner also has found time to squeeze in a couple rounds of golf. Scores reported by Boehner himself to a United States Golf Association site show that he posted an 85 sometime this week at his home course, Wetherington Golf & Country Club in West Chester, Ohio.
Boehner was also spotted at another Ohio golf course this week raising money for his “Freedom Project” political action committee.
Perhaps Boehner’s absence on the Hill this week explains why his House colleagues have turned to former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) to lead the way. Regardless, when Boehner claims that “Congress doesn’t deserve a break” he apparently isn’t referring to himself.
Like I said…political grandstanding…Brilliant!