I believe Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose to ignore the will of the majority of Californians and the American people when she refused to hold a vote on legislation that would increase U.S. energy supply prior to Congress's adjournment for the August district work period.  However, the Speaker's adjournment did not stop House Republicans, including myself, from taking to the floor to continue debate on the subject and demand that the House reconvene and hold a vote on legislation that would bring long-term relief at the pump.  Despite the Speaker having shut off the lights and microphones in the Chamber, we remained on the House Floor to continue calling for action to address high gasoline prices and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Hundreds of tourists from around our nation joined us in the House chamber in support of immediate action.

According to recent polls, fifty-one percent of Californians and three-quarters of the general population support increasing domestic energy production through offshore drilling. While Speaker Pelosi is ignoring the wishes of the American people, House Minority Leader John Boehner has introduced legislation, The American Energy Act, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. This bill would bring billions of barrels of domestic oil and natural gas into production, as well as provide incentives for the development of renewable energy and other advanced energy technologies.  While there is no overnight solution to high gas prices, I believe taking steps today to increase supplies of American made energy is a critical step toward improving our energy situation for the long term.  I will continue to urge House Democratic Leadership to listen to the American people and allow a vote on this balanced measure.