Smith: Americans Want Energy, House Dems Want a Vacation

Press Release

Smith: Americans Want Energy, House Dems Want a Vacation

Congressman Lamar Smith today strongly criticized Democratic Majority leaders for their decision to adjourn the House for five weeks rather than hold a vote on the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566). Recent polls show that more than 75% of Americans favor development of vast American energy resources to help lower gasoline prices and break dependence on foreign oil.

"What does the Democratic Leadership have to fear from bringing the American Energy Act to the floor for a vote?" asked Smith. "I suspect it's because they know that the American people favor it, Republicans favor it, and a number of members from their own party do too. The Democratic Majority is on the wrong side of the energy issue and rather than face up to it, they chose to go on vacation."

Seventeen Democratic members crossed party lines and joined House Republicans to vote against going home for the summer, but the measure passed by one vote, 213 to 212.

"This August, many American families will have to choose between putting gas in their cars to go on vacation or putting food on their tables and keeping roofs over their heads," said Smith. "I think it's shameless that the Democrats who control Congress think Americans should have to wait for a common sense energy policy."

Smith is an original cosponsor of the American Energy Act. For more information on a comprehensive measure that will increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technologies, go to http://www.gop.gov/energy/.

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