House Republican Leadership Tasks Sali with Leading Floor Energy Debate

Press Release

Asked by House Republicans to lead the charge on energy today, Idaho Congressman Bill Sali called on his Democrat colleagues to address energy prices for the American people. Using a House procedural motion, Sali tried to get the House to vote on legislation that would help lower fuel prices. However, Democrats again turned from common-sense energy policies and rejected addressing the number one issue facing American families and companies.

"Though Democrats turned off the lights to the House floor for five weeks of recess, my efforts to provide Americans relief from intolerable gas prices will not cease. Today I again joined my Republican colleagues in offering an ‘all of the above' plan that would enable us to access America's incredible natural resources in an effective, environmentally responsible way," said Sali.

"It is unbelievable the Democrats continue to block legislation that would increase production of badly needed American crude oil. Instead, they're choosing to sit by while the crippling cost of gas overwhelms our constituents. This is unacceptable. Congress needs to get this work done."

Sali tried to get the American Energy Act, H.R. 6566, added to another bill during floor debate today. The American Energy Act, authored by House Republican Leader John Boehner and co-sponsored by Sali, would increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote new and expanding energy technologies to help lower the price of gas and reduce America's increasingly costly and dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy.

"Every family in American is affected by this crisis. Especially families with modest incomes have been hit hard by the downturn in the housing market and the increase in energy prices. That means higher prices for fuel and food. Higher prices for senior citizens on fixed incomes … single moms working two jobs … two-parent families striving to make ends meet. It is a shame we cannot take steps to provide them relief today," Sali said.

"These are real people, not statistics or dots on someone's graph. They need help now," the Congressman concluded.

The Democrats voted against consideration of the Republican energy plan.

The American Energy Act was offered during debate on H.R. 3667, the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act. Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act passed the House today 299 to 118. That legislation contains an amendment that Sali successfully added to the bill in committee . Sali's amendment provides protection for private property rights. H.R. 3667 now awaits action in the Senate.

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