The halls of the Capitol today were abuzz with Members of Congress and American citizens gathered to participate and witness the notable energy vote protests on the House floor today. I was pleased to commence today’s energy protest with an invocation, according to the custom of House proceedings. My colleague, Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) led the crowd of Members, staff, tourists, and citizen participants in the pledge of allegiance.
I appreciated the strong Texas representation in the House today as Congressmen Joe Barton (R-Arlington), Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville), Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler), Michael McCall (R-Austin), and I have all come to Washington, DC this week to give a voice to Texans regarding the critical need for Congress to increase American energy production.
As I began my energy speeches on the House floor, I highlighted for the audience the promise made and promise broken for a new Congress under Democrat leadership.
“This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history.” – Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) November 16, 2006
“I'm not giving the gavel [to them]...They'll have to use their imagination as to how they can get a vote...” – Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) August 3, 2008
So we’ve used our imagination. . .we’re holding an unprecedented protest on the House floor when Congress is in recess to demand immediate action to increase American energy supply and help reduce the high cost of gasoline.
An open Congress would allow a vote on American energy production. Unfortunately, the Majority has voted against consideration of American-made energy solutions 35 times this summer alone.
Committed to providing workable solutions, my colleagues and I propose the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566) that provides an “all-of-the-above” American energy solution:
For current gas price relief and long-term energy independence, Congress must increase supply by opening American oil and gas to environmentally-sensitive energy produce and decrease demand by prioritizing energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy development. The American people want action, and they should see nothing less from their Congress.