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. |
Even a blind squirrel can find a nut I guess
The first Congress, particularly the Virginia delegation, worked in sweltering summer heat, without A/C, to give us our Constitution.
But this feckless bunch of Democraps, and the WH for that matter, can’t be bothered . . .
I don’t think it would make a difference to the average voter. They elected the Democrats in 2006 knowing wht skunks they are.
What the average voter is looking for is the candidate that will promise them the most freebies. Everything else, including the Country can go to hell.
We are living in interesting times.
No, he isn't. He is just playing the game. He understands that the GOP can ride this horse to victory in November just so long as it remains an issue. Thus, keep it in the news but don't push so much that the 'Rats will cave and then claim that it was them who allowed drilling. If the 'Rats DO allow a vote on drilling, it has to look like they were dragged kicking and screaming and fighting against it tooth and nail so that there is no doubt who REALLY passed the Drill here, drill now bill.
Bush flunked Guerrilla Theatre 101.
Maybe...or maybe no more interested in drilling where there is oil than the rest of the Soros owned politicians are. When the Republicans were in charge of both Houses, they had no interest in doing anything constructive in regard to energy policy. My guess is we've been sold out, long ago, and it's not just the Democrats who did it.
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.
That stupid SOB Bush has spent 7 years doing damage to the Repub party, letting the left run all over him without response and spending money like Dems. He refuses to pardon Scooter Libby, a victim of pure politics. He should have pardoned the border guards, truly victims of criminal politicians. And now he refuses to call Congress into session...a wonderful way to show Dems standing in the way of lower gas prices while standing for sending a fortune to the Middle East. He is just a dumb ass, exactly like his father. The only truly smart move he made was nominating 2 winners to the Supreme Court, and the jagoff had to be forced to even do that!!! Harriet Myers, for Christ sake. And now we get to look forward to the next president...a racist, America-hating Marxist or another imbecile! SWELL.
I know what you mean. Unfortunately, I live in CA where it will be impossible to get her out of office, until she’s ready to go, if ever. For most voters, it’s all about name recognition when they go to the polls.
Please don’t misunderstand, I LOVE CA, but this state is soooooo liberal.
Just got off the phone with the White House comment line. When I told the operator that the President just sent out a statement that he was unwilling to call a special session. NO JOKE... She GASPED!!!!! I had to say, “excuse me?”. She then said she was sorry to hear that and very disappointed. I also informed her that Nancy turned off the cameras. She did not know that and on her own said, “that is ridiculous, it’s the peoples house”.
Mr. President, it’s pretty bad when your own staff is disappointed in you and voices it to the person on the end of the phone.
Get off you duff and bring back Congress and let all of America see that those that are holding us hostage are the Democrats. Let America see the Dims give all of us the collective finger.
Finally the House GOP shows a spine and the snivling Bush’s strike again.
Heck, Bush even gave Queen Pelosi a super duper plane. He must be scared of her.
George Herbert Walker Bush was the first President Bush. George Walker Bush (W) is our current president.
Right.
I am just too agitated to see straight on this issue.
Thanks for the correction.
Article II, section 3: “he (the President) may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper...”
President Bush should not call them back. He should allow the mess to fester so that when they return, the overwhelming disgust for their juvenile attempt at manipulation will diminish their power and expose them for the led-by-the-nose fools that they are.
What a Jerkoff! I can’t believe this Shiitte! Uh, err, nevermind.
Nuff said before I loose it!
BTTT
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