GOP Representatives Call For Energy Independence

Bill Smith, RNC, St Paul, MN: This afternoon, House Republicans led by House GOP Leader John Boehner held a press conference at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN. The House Republicans spotlighted the ongoing energy protest and discussed their September plans to demand an up-or-down vote on the “All of the Above” energy reform strategy aimed at lowering gas prices and liberating America from its dependence on foreign oil. This is the continuation of Republicans’ historic revolt against Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) decision to adjourn the U.S. House of Representatives for five weeks without voting on comprehensive legislation to help lower gas prices. House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thad McCotter (R-MI)**, who is leading the protest on the House floor this week, joined the press conference by phone.

Seventeen Congressman participated in the press conference and the following spoke to the press conference:
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)
House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-FL)
House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thad McCotter (R-MI) ** by phone
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA)
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)

All called upon Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow a "fair and open up or own vote on a comprehensive energy plan." They called for more access to oil drilling but also called that Americans want to go all in to become energy independent. They said yes to conservation; yes to alternative energy development - nuclear, clean coal, natural gas, etc; yes to fuel efficiency standards; yes to more access to oil & drilling. House Republican Leader John Boehner said:House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement:

For five weeks, Republicans have been protesting – on the House floor and around the country – Democrats' decision to shut down Congress for the summer without voting on our 'All of the Above' energy reform plan.

By refusing to allow an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, Nancy Pelosi is blocking development of alternative fuels that will help lower energy costs and liberate America from its dangerous dependence on foreign oil. And while Barack Obama and Joe Biden oppose an 'All of the Above' energy strategy, Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin have been leaders on the issue, calling on Congress to return to Washington and vote on real reforms to help families and small
businesses struggling with high gas prices.

The American Energy Act allows for new exploration and production of American-made energy, and directs a portion of new drilling revenues to a renewable energy trust fund to help communities invest in alternative energy sources.

Right across the street from the Xcel Center is a biomass energy facility – the largest of its kind in the country. Congress needs to remove barriers to American energy exploration so more facilities like this one can be built. The more restrictions we leave in place on American energy, the longer it will take for widespread use of alternative energy. The more we remove these outdated restrictions, the more American energy we'll have, and the faster we'll develop and deploy alternative fuels.

In September, Republicans will continue to press for a vote on an "All of the Above" plan. Americans want "All of the Above" to help lower gas prices, and Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin are real reformers who are ready to lead and deliver."

When asked about a proposal to increase taxes to support alternative energy development, Boehner said he was "opposed to raising taxes." In response to Senate Leader Harry Reid pushing a Gang of 10 bill, Rep. Tom Price identified that we want to be allowed to represent our constituents and "to vote on behalf of our constituents." Over 130 Representatives have returned to Washington D.C. to keep the message clear in demanding a fair vote. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has called on Democratic leaders to return to Washington and hold an up-or-down vote on “All of the Above” energy reforms.

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