Posted on 08/04/2008 11:11:49 AM PDT by BufordP
The White House has rejected calls from House Republicans that it convene a special session of Congress on energy, saying it wouldn’t make a difference. “We don't have plans to call Congress into session -- it won't make a difference if Democratic leaders are unwilling to bring up a bill for an up-down vote,” said White House spokesman Tony Fratto. Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) asked President Bush to convene the special session in an Aug. 1 letter. The same day, House Republicans launched an unusual protest on the House floor urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call Congress back to work. "Since Speaker Pelosi has decided not to keep the House in session to allow this vote to take place, we urge you to use the power vested in you by the Constitution to convene an immediate energy special session of Congress,” the letter said. The protests continued Monday, with several House Republicans speaking on energy from the House floor, despite the fact that the House has adjourned and C-SPAN is not televising the proceedings. Cameras are not allowed in the House without the Speaker's permission. “We know congressional Democrats won't pass all of the appropriations bills -- they've already demonstrated their failure with that -- but when they return they'll have a month to at least address the top priorities: funding our troops by passing the DoD [Department of Defense] appropriations bill, and the bringing to the floor of the Interior appropriations bill to allow for votes on oil shale and exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf,” Fratto said in an e-mail. A spokesman for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said McCain supported bringing Congress back into session to address energy issues. House aides said that while the president can declare that Congress must sit for an emergency session, he cannot set the agenda – only the leadership of the majority party can do that. Pelosi’s office could not be immediately reached for comment. About 20 House Republicans re-launched their floor action after a short press conference where no questions were taken. The speeches to visitors and staff in the House gallery began at about 10 a.m. Monday. In an attempt to build momentum and steer more listeners into the chamber, GOP leadership staff sent e-mails to colleagues encouraging them to bring their tours to view the protest. Speeches have varied from the mundane to the raucous, with Rep. Don Manzullo’s (R-Ill.) impassioned pro-drilling speech ending with hugs from colleagues and a standing ovation from the crowd. Some members came with props: Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) came to speak with a large photo of Pelosi with the words “I am trying to save the planet” written beneath it. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) arrived with an empty red gas can and an energy-efficient light bulb. Members said they planned to continue their floor action through this week and possibly through the month, depending on member participation. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) officiated over the parade of members and encouraged listeners to call the Capitol switchboard and ask to speak to Pelosi's office. No members of the GOP leadership attended Monday’s demonstration, but Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will attend the protest on Wednesday and Thursday, according to his office. Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) staff indicated he would try to attend at the end of the week despite a flurry of campaign appearances across the country. Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) will also return to speak during the week. |
How is it that this President can be a hero when it relates to the WOT, yet when it comes to dealing with Democrats, he’s easily intimidated?
I did like it that the Republicans had a little 'tea party' so to speak. If nothing else, it did draw attention to Dems behavior.
This is a very dubious proposition but to the degree that it is true it is true only because the Democrats have a majority in Congress and they have a majority in Congress largely because of the sheer transcendental political mismanagement, indifference, and selfishness of George Herbert Walker Bush for the last 7 1/2 years!
I emailed the Whitehouse Sunday. I say keep pushing. The ‘rats are against the ropes and they can’t keep making excuses forever.
This is probably why Bush has been getting his butt kicked around in the media for the last 7 1/2 years.
Raisins? Yea, I would say that is about right.
Things I never thought I’d say —McCain might actually turn out to be better than Dubya LOL
He can call them back but CANNOT set the agenda.
Probably. For those who won't vote to lift the ban.
This is one issue the 'rats cannot win.
Clueless, as usual.
Exactly. NB.
He has the constitutional power to cause Congress to be called back for a special session.
The Constitution says nothing about the agenda or the “majority party sets the agenda”.
Just call it. The President does not have to be there for it. But Congress does.
Besides, he’s only President for five more months—what are they gonna do—throw him out for exercising his vested powers?
Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution gives the President the power to call Congress back into session.
What’s that W stand for? Wimp?
The DhimmiRats take political advantage of every opportunity that falls into their laps. This is a golden opportunity for the Repubs, via GWB to force their hand. So what if the ‘leadership’ doesn’t bring up the requested agenda? So what if they only convene and adjourn?
If the President is clear in why he is making this emergency request, and the Dems still avoid the issue? Political suicide in November...
It’s the right thing to do. And, now is the right time to do it.
Another round of letters to the WH, I guess. I’ll do that, now.
A different take:
Bush sees the “extraordinary circumstances” in the Constitution as being something other than a political play, and has more respect for the office and powers of the presidency than that.
WH sounds pretty gutless. Bush is better with foreign enemies than with domestic.
I’d call them back and then just let them sit there in the August heat, if they don’t want to debate energy and drilling.
So you guys are basically just breaking even for now?
I heard a Rep. on the radio say that technically, only the House isn’t in session, now. The Senate is technically still in session to make sure recess appointments aren’t made.
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