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WASHINGTON, DC –August 4, 2008 – U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) returned to Washington, D.C. Monday to join efforts calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring Congress back into session to address the burgeoning energy crisis in the United States. Pelosi adjourned the House of Representatives for a five week recess, Friday, without allowing a vote on legislation to increase the production of domestic energy.
“Congress should not go on vacation until we take action to lower gas and energy prices for struggling American families,” said Lewis. “Speaker Pelosi can shut off the lights and microphones in the House chamber, but she can’t silence the voices of millions of American’s who are demanding immediate action from their elected leaders.”
While House Democrats have left Washington for the August recess, nearly 50 Republicans have remained on the House floor, speaking to Capitol visitors, constituents, and tax payers about solutions to address the high cost of energy.
“Many of the legislative proposals introduced this year have the bipartisan support of a majority of Members of Congress,” said Lewis. “Yet Democrat Leaders continue to prohibit any substantive debate on domestic energy production.”
Appearing yesterday on ABC News’ This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Speaker Pelosi reaffirmed her intention to block any votes to increase American energy. “I'm just not going to be a party of it…,” said Pelosi. “They [House Republicans] will have to use their imagination as to how they can get a vote…”
Numerous proposals have been offered in the current session to lower energy prices by expanding environmentally responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas, improve energy efficiency, and encourage the development of alternative energy technology. To date, none of these proposals have been allowed to reach the House floor for a vote.
“The American people deserve better, said Lewis. “Speaker Pelosi should heed our call, reconvene the House, and schedule an honest up or down vote on critical legislation to increase American energy production.”
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