As the World Turns: Stop the Energy Soap Opera

Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi Turns House Lights, Microphones, and TV off…AGAIN!
Throughout history, it has been tradition for the Speaker to allow “special order” speeches on the floor of the House in front of the C-SPAN cameras when the House is finished with legislative work for the day and week. Special orders, as they are more commonly referred to, are large blocks of time allocated in equal amounts to members of both parties for the purpose of speaking on any topic the member or members wish. On Thursday, September 11th, Speaker Pelosi announced that Friday votes would be cancelled; however, many of my colleagues had planned to use special orders (Thursday evening and Friday) to make our case to the American people on the need for an “All of the Above” energy bill. Then, without warning, Speaker Pelosi brought an adjournment resolution to the House floor which, if passed, - and it did – would result in turning off the lights, microphones, and C-SPAN cameras. These tactics are a violation of rights and privileges of Republicans and Democrats Congressmen who were sent to Washington to work to pass real energy legislation.

I regret the decision of Speaker Pelosi to stifle debate in the People’s House, but I am more concerned, however, that the bill Speaker Pelosi plans to bring to the floor next week will not be “All of the Above.” It will most likely be “A Little Bit of the Above” or “A Half a Loaf of the Above” or “A Smidgen of the Above” or “A Teaspoon of the Above.” We can’t afford not to do “All of the Above.” No more shenanigans. No more window-dressing. No more cynical slight of hand. No more dog and pony shows. America can achieve its energy independence if we work together and pass a bill with components that have wide support in an “All of the Above” package. We need bold and forward-looking legislation that drives to the core of our problem: lack of domestic energy production. Though alternative and renewable energy should be a significant component of this energy bill, we need the bridge of conventional domestic energy to get us there.  

“All of the Above”: We Should Do it All and Do it Now

What “All of the Above” really means:
There has been a lot of spin and distortion about what “All of the Above” energy legislation really means. “All of the Above” energy legislation deals with the real problems, primarily reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, increasing supply of domestically-produced energy, encouraging conservation, and stimulating research into alternative and renewable energy technologies which are our future. Passing an “All of the Above” bill would provide immediate relief and long-term energy security, secure our fiscal health, and improve our national security.

Solving the energy crisis through a 3-pronged approach:
1) Increases domestic energy exploration and production
2) Incentivizes research and development of clean alternative and renewable energy technologies
3) Encourages fuel efficiency and conservation

1) Bills I have cosponsored that increase domestic energy exploration and production:
• HR 2279 Expands American refining capacity on closed military installations
• HR 2784 National Environment and Energy Development Act
• HR 3089 No More Excuses Energy Act
• HR 6107 American Independence & Price Reduction Act
• HR 6108 Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act
• HR 6138 Encourages oil shale exploration
• HR 6139 Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act
• HR 6384 Americans for American Energy Act
• HR 6418 Developing Resources Immediately and Long-Term through Leases on Our Nation's Offshore Waters Act

2) Bills I have sponsored or cosponsored that incentivize research and development of clean alternative and renewable energy technologies:
• HR 2208 Coal Liquid Fuel Act
• HR 2652 Generating Renewable Energy & Encouraging Novel Technologies Act
• HR 2814 Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide loan guarantees for 100 percent of the cost of construction of new domestic nuclear power production facilities
• HR 3358 Renewing Our Commitment to Safe and Clean Power Act
• HR 5656 To repeal the ban on acquiring alternative fuels

3) Bills I have cosponsored that encourage fuel efficiency and conservation:
• HR 756 Increases and extends tax credit for purchase of flex-fuel hybrid vehicles
• HR 778 Makes permanent a tax credit for energy efficient property expenditures
• HR 1618 Provides a tax credit for the purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles
• HR 2927 Increases the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles, to promote the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles, and for other purposes
• HR 3059 Increases the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles, and for other purposes
• HR 5984 Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act
• HR 6709 National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act

Furthermore, I have cosponsored HR 2493 “The Boutique Fuel Mandate Reduction Act” to remove burdensome hurdles that would exacerbate the energy crisis should a natural disaster disrupt production of unique fuel blends.

I remain committed to passing HR 6656 “The American Energy Act” which rolls most of the bills above into one bill. The “American Energy Act” is the bill I have been championing in the 24th District and spoke about on the House floor because I know it will deliver the results the American people desire and deserve. 

I voted against H Con Res 398 (the adjournment resolution) on July 30th to stop Speaker Pelosi from adjourning the House for the month of August and it is my intention to vote against another adjournment resolution likely to be offered at the end of this month if Speaker Pelosi does not allow a vote on a comprehensive “All of the Above” energy bill. To ensure we do not leave Washington without passing this important legislation, I have cosponsored H Res 1391 to prohibit the House from adjourning until we have approved a bill to establish a comprehensive national energy plan that addresses energy conservation and the expansion of renewable and conventional energy sources.

This week’s votes on the floor, hearings, and markups:

Each week I get the opportunity to represent you in Congress by: 1) voting on legislation that comes to the House floor; and 2) participating in committee hearings and markups for the Financial Services, Education and Labor, and the Oversight and Government Reform committees. 

Key House Floor Votes

Protecting the Homeland and Holding Executive Branch Bureaucrats Accountable:
On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, I voted for HR 6630 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from granting authority to Mexico-based long-haul trucks to operate beyond United States municipalities and commercial zones on the United States-Mexico border unless expressly authorized by Congress.

Supporting Veterans and Their Families:
On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, I voted for S 2617, “The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act” which directs the VA Secretary to increase, as of December 1, 2008, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

September 11, 2001: Let Us Never Forget

Seven Years Later
This week, as we look back at the sobering events of 9/11/01, we are reminded of the innumerable selfless acts of courage displayed that day. From the passengers on Flight 93 who, after hearing about the attacks in New York City, rose up against their hijackers to prevent even greater bloodshed to the Pentagon employees and emergency personnel who braved the wreckage to rescue their fellow man to the first responders in New York who scaled the World Trade Center to find survivors not knowing for sure if the buildings could collapse, ordinary Americans answered the call and displayed immeasurable gallantry in the face of these brazen attacks. For their heroism and humanity, we are indebted.    

This week in history:

In 1956, Elvis Presley appears for the first time on The Ed Sullivan Show.

In 1966, Star Trek premieres on TV.

In 1968, The Beatles perform on The David Frost Show, their last live television performance.

In 1974, President Ford pardons President Nixon.
 

I am honored to represent the 24th District of Texas, and appreciate your interest in my e-newsletter.  Please contact my District or DC office with any further questions you may have or visit my website at www.marchant.house.gov.