Washington, Sep 3 -

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 3, 2008 – U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) today gave the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives during the House GOP’s historic nationwide gas prices protest. The Congressman returned to D.C. on Tuesday to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s inaction on gas prices instead of attending the National Republican Convention in Minneapolis.

“During the last several months, Speaker Pelosi has had two choices. She could allow a simple up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, which is the comprehensive, all of the above energy legislation that will promote renewable and alternative energy technologies, increase the supply of American-made energy, and improve conservation and efficiency. Or, she could adjourn Congress for a five-week vacation, do nothing to lower the price of energy, and go on a book tour. As we all know, she chose the latter and House Republicans have not left the House floor since August 1st. For over 20 days, 130 of my colleagues and I have returned to Washington, D.C. to demand that Congress come back into session and Speaker Pelosi allow a vote on the American Energy Act. This protest, which began as a spontaneous uprising on the floor of the U.S. House, has now become an unprecedented nationwide protest.

The American Energy Act is the multifaceted, comprehensive energy plan this country needs. It includes improving conservation and efficiency, drilling in America, increasing the supply of American-made energy, bringing online additional refineries, and developing all viable alternative or renewable fuel sources and technologies. This legislation opens our deep water ocean resources, opens the Arctic coastal plain, and allows for the development of our nation’s shale oil resources. It also provides tax incentives to businesses, families and homeowners who purchase more fuel efficient vehicles or improve their energy efficiency. All we want is the opportunity to debate and vote on this responsible piece of legislation; we are not asking for a guaranteed outcome, just the chance to vote on behalf of our constituents.

This legislation is key to lowering the pain felt at the pump by investing in American made resources. There are Democrats who that think that the Republican’s all of the above energy plan caters to “Big Oil” and call those of us fighting to achieve energy independence “Friends of Big Oil.” Am I missing something?

Republicans are the ones trying to increase American made energy sources, trying to improve renewable and alternative energy technologies and lastly, trying to promote conservation and efficiency. The Democrats, by not allowing a simple vote on increasing our homegrown energy sources, are forcing America to remain dependent on and beholden to foreign oil. They are increasing our addiction to foreign oil because they are not allowing us to produce American energy sources. They are indisputable friends of foreign oil and are endangering our national security, economy, and prosperity.

For four weeks, Republicans have stood here on the floor of the House. We have stood with the millions of people in this nation suffering from the horrific burden that gas prices have placed upon them. Families are abandoning vacations, schools are considering a reduction to a four day week, and hard-working Americans are being forced to schedule their lives based on how much gasoline they will have to use to get to church, the doctor’s office, or work. The inaction of the Democrat majority is inexcusable and unforgivable. The Democratic National Convention is over and we are ready to forgo the Republican Convention if Speaker Pelosi will bring congress back into session and allow a simple up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act.”

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