Washington
(Aug 1, 2008)
House Republicans are staging a dramatic revolt against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) decision to block a House vote on legislation to increase American-made energy and lower gas prices, and instead adjourn the House for a five-week August break.
Politico has the story (linked on the
Drudge Report):
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“Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democrats adjourned the House and turned off the light and killed the microphones, but Republicans are still on the floor talking gas prices.” …
“‘This is the people’s House,’ Rep, Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said. ‘This is not Pelosi’s politiburo.’”
“Democratic aides were furious at the GOP stunt, and reporters were kicked out of the Speaker's Lobby, the space next to the House floor where they normally interview lawmakers. ‘You’re not covering this, are you?’ complaining one senior Democratic aide.”
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Even after lights, cameras, and microphones in the chamber were turned off, House Republicans were undeterred, delivering a letter to Speaker Pelosi demanding that she call the House back into emergency session this month to deal with America’s ever-worsening energy crisis. Roll Call highlights Republicans’ protest:
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“Chanting ‘work, work, work,’ a band of House Republicans staged protests on the House floor and refused to leave the chamber on Friday after Democrats pushed through an adjournment resolution in an attempt to cut off Republican speeches.”
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Members participating in the spontaneous uprising included Reps. Roy Blunt, John Boehner, Kevin Brady, Paul Broun, Henry Brown, Michael Burgess, John Campbell, Eric Cantor, Shelly Moore Capito, John Carter, Tom Cole, Mike Conaway, John Culberson, Charlie Dent, Jeff Fortenberry, Virginia Foxx, Louie Gohmert, Pete Hoekstra, Duncan Hunter, Steve King, Dan Lungren, Don Manzullo, Thaddeus McCotter, Devin Nunes, Mike Pence, Tom Price, Ted Poe, Jon Porter, Adam Putnam, Mike Rogers (MI), Bill Sali, John Shadegg, John Shimkus, Adrian Smith, Mike Turner, Tim Walberg, Greg Walden, Wally Herger, and Lynn Westmoreland.
The Washington Post’s Capitol Briefing Blog highlights comments from one House Republican helping lead the House GOP revolt:
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“Gesturing toward the tourists still filling the visitor’s gallery above, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) said: ‘Tell your friends the Republicans refuse to go quietly!’”
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Today’s floor revolt has offered Speaker Pelosi and her Democratic leadership colleagues a preview of what they can expect during the August break: House Republicans continuing to hold the Democratic Majority accountable for their ongoing inaction and chronic negligence on high gas prices.
