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 wouldnt 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. Pelosis 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 Manzullos (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 Mondays demonstration, but Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will attend the protest on Wednesday and Thursday, according to his office. Minority Leader John Boehners (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. |
This White House has a singular lack of political acumen.
Not saying I take the position that I posted,
just offering an alternate view.
This is probably why Bush has been getting his butt kicked around in the media for the last 7 1/2 years.
Naw....W could have found the cure for Cancer and AIDS and the media would have him coming off as egotistical and arrogant for not letting someone else find the cure. The longer this goes and gets attention the better for Republicans.
Pelosi is looking like an ass clown regarding this....
Ok, let me see if I understand this. President Bush could call them back, but they could still refuse to vote on the Energy Bill? If that is the case then I can see him not doing it. It would just make it look like a publicity stunt on the part of the Republicans.
I think what we all need to do is call Nancy Pelosi and give it to her. Not President Bush. I have already called and e-mailed her.
Doesn’t the offshore drilling ban expire on Oct 1, 2008?
I believe it does.
Since it would require reauthorization for it to continue, the time is not now to make this an issue, but when some ‘RAT congresscritter puts it into a “must pass” appropriations bill just before the budget year expires on Oct 1.
Foxnews ran the news conferance in the House hall. I think it was Pence who said something like “While Democrats left town for summer vacation we know most American’s can’t afford one this year because of high gasoline prices” It was a great line!
if the ban does expire oct. 1, 2008, this was a very wise move for bush to help mccain in nov. nothing like hammering the issue home closer to the election. imo.
Then there's this one.
I am not very proud of her representing me. It is very sad that Pelosi is the best the majority could offer us.
I am not very proud of her representing me. It is very sad that Pelosi is the best the majority could offer us.
What do they mean "The White House"? As far as I know George Bush is the White House.
I for one am through defending him. I'll be glad when he's gone. He's been a tremendous disappointment other than the War on Terror. I never want to hear the words "compassionate conservatism" again. It was a foolish approach to dealing with democrats.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. This White House is the most incomptent when it comes to PR in the modern era. The point of a Special Session is to make the Rats come back and put them on the spot in front of the country. The Drive Bys would have to cover it because it has not been done in a long time.
Very nicely said. Put a sentence or two recap of the House situation up front and send it to your newspaper.
The Democraps don't give a rat's A$$ about bad PR because they NEVER get any from ANY MEDIA outlet save FNC and talk radio.
What the heck is Bush thinking? He NEEDS to call them back into session to prove to Americans that the RATS are a do nothing party. Nothing good, anyway. Since Pelosi is on a mission "to save the planet" she will never bring that bill to the floor. They need to start impeachment proceedings against her. Immediately!! She is making Americans suffer because of her environ_MENTAL_ist agenda. Of course, the bwitch doesn't suffer like Americans are because her husband is loaded. Besides, taxpayers foot the bill for her jet and her fleet of limos and suvs.
This is exactly where Republican leadership fails miserably. The point is NOT whether or not the Democrats will allow a vote, the point is to keep them in Washington and let the public see that, day after day, they won’t allow the vote. I am just AMAZED at how politically stupid the White House can be!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.