Sessions Joins House GOP Protest for Energy Vote
Press Release
Sessions Joins House GOP Protest for Energy Vote
Calls for Action on American Energy Production to Reduce High Gas Prices
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) today joined dozens of House Republicans in protesting Congress' negligent recess and failure to vote on American energy production while millions of Americans are struggling to pay for a tank of gasoline.
Now in its fifth day, this historic protest began last Friday after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and her fellow Democrats abruptly adjourned the House, turned out chamber lights, silenced microphones, removed drinking water, and expelled journalistsall in a cynical but futile attempt to shut down Republican calls for a vote to help lower gas prices by increasing American energy production.
"While Speaker Pelosi travels the country to promote her own book sales, American families, businesses and school districts are suffering under high energy costs," Sessions stated. "House Republicans will not allow the voices of hard-working Americans to be silenced because Democrats in Congress have gone on vacation."
Today, Sessions took to the House floor to highlight the fact that Democrats in Congress have voted against consideration of America-made energy solutions 35 times. Additionally, he joined the call for action to address our nation's energy crisis, demanding a vote on the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566) that provides an "all-of-the-above" American energy solution:
* Increasing the supply American-made energy in environmentally sound ways
* Improving energy conservation and efficiency
* Promoting clean, renewable energy technologies
"Our nation cannot afford the cost of inaction," said Sessions. "For current gas price relief and long-term energy independence, Congress must increase supply by opening American oil and gas to environmentally-sensitive energy produce and decrease demand by prioritizing energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy development."
House Republicans plan to continue protesting Congress' failure to allow an up-or-down vote on American-made energy, utilizing tag-team efforts to allow Members to balance District work commitments and energy vote advocacy.
"It's past time to champion American-made energy. Energy independence has no quick fixes, but together we can work to lower the high cost of gasoline and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil through lasting energy solutions. I pledge to continue fighting for American-made energy solutions. The prosperity of American families and our economy depends on it," Sessions concluded.
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