No Congressional recess without lower gas prices
The rallying cry is building. The Examiner editorializes today that Congress should not go on August recess until it tackles the domestic energy crisis and four other key issues. Newt Gingrich chimes in.
And this from GOP House leader John Boehner earlier this morning on Fox (more info here):
MEGYN KELLY: Republican Congressman and House Minority Leader, from Ohio, John Boehner joins me now. Good morning Congressman.
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH): Megyn, good morning.
KELLY: Thank you for being here. So, OK, there is a bill that would address some of these issues like drilling offshore. Nancy Pelosi and the House says it’s not going to get a vote before the recess. You don’t think there should be a recess.
BOEHNER: I do not think there should be a recess. The American people want us to do something about a high-price gasoline, the high price of energy. The only way really to effect the price, really is to do all of the above. We need to conserve more, we need biofuels, we need alternative sources of energy, we need nuclear power, and, yes, we need to produce more American made oil and gas in an environmentally-safe way and we can do that. We introduced a bill last week, the American Energy Act. What we’ve been asking the Speaker for eight weeks now is a vote. And we don’t think the Congress ought to go on summer recess at the end of this week without voting on the American energy plan.
KELLY: Your position is you have got the votes to pass this thing, you just cannot get to the House floor because Speaker Pelosi says she is not bringing it.
BOEHNER: I do think we have the votes in both the House and the Senate. But it is Speaker Pelosi, it’s Harry Reid, it’s Barack Obama who want no part of allowing the Congress to work its will on a vote that would produce more American-made oil and gas. They’re absolutely opposed to drilling. They worship at the altar of radical environmentalists. That is why they have been blocking this vote, but the American people can help. All they have to do is call their Member of Congress, their Senator, and say don’t leave until you have a vote on this bill.
KELLY: Here’s what the Speaker said. I have it here so bear with me while I read it. She said when pressed on what she’s not allowing this to go for a vote, “I am trying to save the planet. I am trying to save the planet. I will not have this debate trivialized by their excuse,” meaning Republicans, “for their failed policy.” Any response?
BOEHNER: Megyn, for 25 years, Democrats have blocked more American-made oil and gas. That is why we are in the predicament we are in. That is why 70 percent of our energy comes from overseas. And she has time to go out and promote her book tour and her new book, but she does not have time to schedule a vote on the floor of the House and let the American people have their will expressed. I mean, we got elected to Congress to go there and represent our constituents. They want us to vote on more American-made oil and gas. We want to do that. She, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama are standing in the way.
KELLY: You say that number one, this is a defining week for the Congress. But you say that the reason the Democrats are not allowing this to come to a vote is because of, and I quote, “a band of radical special interest groups that support high gas prices.” What do you mean by that?
BOEHNER: Well, if you listen to Barack Obama during the primaries, you know, he didn’t think $5 gas was all that bad. He just was upset that it got there so quickly. And what you’ve got, you’ve got a bunch of radical environmentalists who think that we ought to have higher gasoline prices so that Americans will drive less and that we will wean ourselves off oil by putting cars away. That is not what the American people want. They want a reasonable approach to our energy problems. And the way to do that is to do all of the above. That is the American energy plan.
KELLY: Do you think this is what Congress has such low approval ratings because our viewers are watching this here. You’ve got the votes you think in both Houses to pass this thing. We’re in, some would say we’re in an energy crisis, and you cannot even get a bill to come to a vote on the House floor because, you know, you’re basically getting the thumb of the nose from the Democrats who control things.
BOEHNER: Yes, we have been through this before. It is a legislative way to avoid a vote. They’ve shut down the appropriations process in the House and the Senate because they are afraid that a member may pass a pro-drilling vote on an appropriation bill. They’re trying to run out the clock. We’re only going to be there this week. We’re only there three weeks in September. And they’re hoping to get out of town before anybody notices.
KELLY: I think the American people are going to notice. You’re doing your best to make sure that happens. House Minority Leader John Boehner, thank you for being here.
BOEHNER: Thanks, Megyn.
Good politics, but I doubt we’ll see that recess called off. Nancy Pelosi’s got more important things to do. Like hawking her new book.
Most ethical Congress ever!
***
Related: What’s in Nancy Pelosi secret sauce?
See what others have said
Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.
Trackbacks
- Hyscience
- silent E speaks - Conservatively Speaking from Western Waukesha County » Can’t Afford Gas?? Go Thank A Democrat….
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Categories: Uncategorized
Legal Insurrection
» Freedom So Willingly Relinquished
Sister Toldjah
» Today’s House schedule – Do the Dems have 216 votes?Stop The ACLU
» Democrats Predict Historic House Vote On Health DestructionRiehl World View
» There's A Big Queer March Going On In DC TodayRiehl World View
» To Stupak Block: They Aren't Pro-Life, And They Aren't Pro-Health
I guess Pelousy thinks she’s Wonder Woman. Man, she is off her rocker.
So, Nancy Pelosi wants to save the planet by destroying the economy? How does that work?
She could save the planet by quitting her job and retiring someplace quiet where no one has to be exposed to her poisonous words and thoughts and deeds.
Congress and Recess and why things just can’t get done. A must watch!
Dems: We must help the American people.
Repubs: Let’s stay and work on this bill and help Americans – like you say you “want” to do.
Dems: What about recess?
Repubs: What about the 5 day work week you said the American people would see?
Dems: Screw ‘um!
Repubs: The 5 day work week or the people?
Dems: Yes.
Time to bring up ethics charges on Nanny P. She has squandered her responsibilities. “Trying to save the planet,” my fat rear end. As if the burden (if you actually think that the “planet” needs saving) falls solely on Nanny P.
Spare me. Let the vote come up. If it falls short, then members will have to answer for it in November.
Done.
No, she wants to save the planet by destroying America.
I think she could care less about saving the planet. We are seeing her put together the Democratic version of a fascist state. It is about controlling individuals. If they control the agenda, they can control every breath you take.
No dispute, I’m writing in Newt.
Ever since those ads about how Obama doesn’t want to drill anywhere, McCain has really bumped up in the polls, particularly in battleground states.
This is a winning issue, and Republicans need to keep hammering away.
If the Democrats only want us to cut down trees for heat and energy (that is obviously what they want because they are against coal, oil, nuclear power) and starve to death because all of our crops are going to ethanol and blight our landscape (except not in their backyard) because they want goofy “wind power,” then they show they have absolutely no competence to be “ruling” our country.
Drill here, drill now, pay less.
people in her and dirty Harry’s district need to get a recall vote going.Someone in this blog must be in there district. PLEASE help the rest of the country out…PLEASE. make it happen…
A vote for this candidate is a better choice for what we have in congress
I can’t believe the repubs haven’t started a pledged contract (a la 1994) promising increases in ALL domestic energy production to drive the dems over the cliff with come November.
Prices should dictate this to be the first year where US voters will trump environmental lobbyists.
The best thing Pelosi can do to save the planet is to move to another one.
Nancy, the mother ship is calling…
You can watch the John Boehner interveiw on my site.
As a woman, I am totally embarrassed that she is the first woman Speaker of the House.
So much for her ending the “culture of corruption,” eh?
Gas has gone up a dollar per year that the Democrats have been in control of Congress. What’s so scary is that they will probably maintain the majority even though their approval rate is at a historic low.
Throw the bums out!!!!!
We must pray for a miricle that the voters in Calif. 8th district will elect Dana Walsh (R).
http://www.danawalshforcongress.com/index.html
And no, I haven’t been drinking.
San Fran Nan is going to save the world, huh? Does she think she’s a character in a James Bond novel or something?
Perhaps, “Pelosi Galore”?
What she is really trying to do is to save her husband’s futures trading account….’Big Paulie’ Pelosi has a lot of long positions in the crude oil market and no reason at all to go short as long as his wife sits there on her butt doing nothing.
I am confused…why do we need Congress to do price control? Wheres the principles of free market?
If they want congress to allow drilling in Alaska, then I am for it…but not price control. Secondly its not an energy “crisis”. $4 gas is bad but not a crisis. For once I thought this post is a cry from Democrats – just like more spending for “Housing Crisis”.
Even drilling in Alaska will not bring gas price down as it takes atleast 5 years to really use the gas from Alaska and I am sure consumption from developing countries would have increased as much in 5 years. But as Bill O’Reilley said, we need to drilling in Alaska for our own national security – to reduce foreign dependence and thereby reduce flow of money to Islamic terrorist countries.
I will not be surprised if gas hits $5 even with Alaska drilling, but we still need it for reason mentioned above.
Uncle Jay has it right, It’s funny but what’s sad is that it’s true.
Me too. She and her ilk make women look idiotic. “I am trying to save the planet. I am trying to save the planet”.
“He must be stopped. He simply must be stopped”.
She and Obama are a real pair. Empty head. Empty suit.
Dang. I’m glad Pelosi and all the other libs in Congress are looking out for us lil’ guys and have our best interests at heart. /sarcasm off
That was sooooo wrong….but I laughed anyways!
Buddy, you are confused.
We want domestic drilling, not price controls. Secondly, your “information” is incorrect. It won’t take “at least 5 years” for the oil to hit the market. That’s a false talking point of the DNC.
Lastly, saying that $4.00 a gallon isn’t “that bad” indicates incredible ignorance. I guess you’re oblivious to those who live on fixed incomes, are disabled, etc…, who have to forego food and medicine to keep their gas tanks filled. Typical libtard.
And they say Coburn is Dr. No.
Please…
No…please re-read my post. It is bad but not a crisis…In English ‘crisis’ and ‘bad’ are different. Typical moron.
brad_sk:
I read your post. It is still ignorant of the plight of Americans who are not as affluent as you. Still ignorant.
It will actually take longer, more like 10-12 years. It may however help lower the price on the speculation market.
Actualy this is also not true. The first oil will hit the market in less than one year and only the hardest will take 10-12 years.
I would venture a guess and say that it depends on your economic standing. It may not be a crisis for you; however, for many people the urgency with which the issue should be addressed cannot come soon enough. And it is reprehensible that San Fran Nan would rather “save the planet” (as if she is Superwoman) than allow a vote on a bill to drill.
As for price controls – I’m not sure where you got that idea from.
TOS, If the dems say that we shouldn’t drill because it takes 10-12 years, then why are they pushing this Global Warming Crap? How long will that take? 10-12 years? LOL!!!! Tell me oh wise one.
TOS, If the dems say that we shouldn’t drill because it takes 10-12 years, then why are they pushing this Global Warming Crap? How long will that take? 10-12 years? LOL!!!! Tell me oh wise one.
oops sorry.
The above are Democratic lies:
1) The government is stifling the economic market by not allowing offshore drilling, thus artificially lowering supply. High prices are the result of this government/environmental activism.
2) The market has already reacted to President Bush’s repeal of the rule against offshore drilling. The prospect of greater supply has already lowered prices. If Congress passed legislation to allow offshore drilling and drilling in ANWR, immediate lower prices would be the result.
3) Liberals would starve to death with their logic and is why conservatives survive and liberals die: It is spring and we have a low supply of food. Dems: Why plant more seeds? Planting seeds won’t increase the food supply next month and won’t lower prices of food, so why plant any more seeds for food? Let’s work on less consumption.
Total BS TOS
fair…there’s alot of estimates out there on that. I’ve heard everything between 4 and 12. Maybe we can get a less ambigous range here soon? If anyone knows of some good studies, i’d be interested in reading those.
Once the supply is opened, regardless of how long it would take to actually hit the market, because the supply would increase, the price would drop as a result. Another weakness we could improve on is the fact that we havent built a refinery in our country in approximately 30 years. Being able to actually refine what we pump from the ground would speed up the process when there are more places to refine the product.
I would point out that there are some slight increases in supply, but the president’s gesture of lifting the ban had some effect of helping ease speculator concerns. when congress follows suit, you’ll see the price come down some more.
Exactly. In my small town, we are experiencing a “crisis” in volunteerism. Many of the services for the poor here are provided by volunteers, i.e., food bank, taking seniors to out of town doctor’s appointments, etc…
Since gas prices have skyrocketed, we have a sharp decline in volunteers because they can’t afford to do it anymore.
Food prices have gone up too, which affects the poor and middle class folks. I guess there are folks out there who don’t think about those less fortunate than themselves.
Oh good, I feel so much better. Now Her Shrillness can go back to her rich, gated little fiefdom in NorCal. All the poor people suffering from high fuel costs in America can take comfort in knowing that she thinks of them while on vacation peddling her literature. Personally, I’m wating for San Fran Nan to show up at my door to save me from myself.
How’s about a ’spew alert’ before ya’ throw that in there, eh?!
Why can’t W. call them back in emergency session?
The answer is all of the above. Drill for oil everywhere we can while we change over to something else. This is the USA, we can chew gum and walk and the same time. The only good that might come out of the global warming hoax is that we will get off of forgien oil.
atheling,
Agreed. I believe people everywhere are feeling the pinch. I think it’s rather short-sighted to step up and exclaim that $4 per gallon gas isn’t a crisis… a majority of folks believe it is:
Agreed…Why not use public transportation then? I wish instead of spending to control “housing crisis” congress had given the money for public transportation. State of people in LA during Katrina was a crisis or summer midwest flooding was a crisis…Please don’t hype things up by saying $4 gas is crisis. Its definitely bad or very bad for some people.
Secondly for folks pointing out that it may not take 5 years to get gas from Alaska – Fine, even it takes only 1 year or two, why do you think gas prices WILL come down? Gas prices increased in last 5 years because of increased consumption. Why do you think consumption will not increase going forward too, especially in China, India or Russia?
I am for drilling in Alaska for one main reason – Reduce foreign dependence and reduce money flow to Islamic states.
Agree, but there is other side of truth too – Please read this article posted few days ago – http://michellemalkin.com/2008/07/18/food-crisis-global-depression-worsens/
Current sea ice levels. Gores “global warming” has taken a break I guess.
#35 – abstractmind
Per the EIA’s ANWR timeline projections:
Given that the world’s existing drill-ships are booked solid for the next five years I can only guesstimate that off-shore drilling would take as long or longer.
If the Republicans could overcome their death wish (aka. fear of success), they might be able to pull off the biggest upset since 1948. Actually it would be bigger. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Republican politicians believe they go to congress for the sole purpose of making deals with democrats (Sowell’s Law). That’s certainly what Bush II & McCain believe. It’s what every post-Reagan Republican believes (and a good many pre-Reagan). So it would require a revolution within the party to win. Might happen, probably won’t.
So don’t bet your house on it, unless you think you qualify for a bail-out.
I live in a rural area. There is no public transportation to take people who live in the country in wheelchairs to out of town specialists, especially if it’s over 60 miles away, and on a ferry.
You need to get out more and see how the other half lives.
Another myopic point. You presume public transportation is available everywhere. What about the opportunity cost of having to take public transportation? Are you suggesting that it would be more beneficial for a single mother to spend less time with her children because taking public transportation has now cut into the time she would otherwise have to spend with her kids? Wwhat about the kids?
Apparently, it is – whatever you want it to be.
theotherside: When I say drill everywhere it includes anwar, off shore, and IN THE ENTIRE LOWER 48 PLUS ALASKA. That includes shale oil. Alot of that can be up and running within a year. so 1-12 years. Alternate fuels could easily take longer and cost more. But as I said, luckly we can do BOTH.
brad_sk: Since there are no buses at my house, when will you be picking me up?
I don’t see how any of this puts fresh fruit on Mrs. Obama’s table for her children.
Captain Planet, she’s our hero
Going to take oil supplies down to zero
yeah!
I stand corrected sambo!
I stand corrected, sambo!
thank u 30. just don’t want to be forgotten.
Nah. I meant no disrespect. Hats off to ya!
This is a lose, lose situation for her, she knows it, and that’s why she’s playing the I’m trying to save the planet card. It’s all she has left. If she allows this to come up for a vote she knows it’ll pass and she’ll look like what she is…An incompetent fool. Even if the dems hold on to the house I wouldn’t doubt the party throws her under the bus and elects another speaker.
OTOH, If the American Energy Act is defeated a whole lotta’ democratic seats once thought to be safe will become easy targets for pro-drilling republicans. If it isn’t brought up for a vote the Republicans will have all the ammo they need to take back the House. I agree with Gabe, this is definitely a winning issue for Republicans and I hope they hammer her and leftwing cronies all the way till November.
And even if it takes 10 – 12 years to produce (it won’t but you guys are arguing that point already), where would gas prices be now if the drill now crowd had won the argument in 1996 when drilling in ANWR was proposed?
Alternatives sound good, but in the mean time, proven technology will keep the economy going. Unless of course Nan and Harry are going to budget enough money to convert all the cars to hydrogen.
The fact is, even if we had a solar powered or hydrogen car available now, there isn’t enough production capacity (even if everyone could afford one) to replace all of the cars in America within 5 years.
And the sooner we quit buying oil from the people that hate us, the better.
And $4 per gallon isn’t a crisis if your wife makes 300k per year or at least living on a local bus route. But if you’re living on a fixed income in NE Wyoming where the nearest public transportation is 150 miles away, it’s a crisis.
So, I’m in the other room last night and I hear a newscaster telling everyone that our government is getting worried that prices are coming down and people are using less oil.
Seems that they are coming up short on tax money.
And of course this is money that fixes roads and other infrastructure.
So I am sure that will be the next emergency that will need to be taxed.
WFT?
I echo the criticism of public transportation. Not only does it take longer and, therefore, reduce time spent with the family, but in many cities it is downright dangerous to ride. The incidents of harassment by the homeless, muggings by gangs or individual thugs, and worse are a constant problem in every major city and certainly even in some mid-sized cities. In some places, the public transportation schedule is cut drastically after the normal commute hours and people who have to work late get stuck – thus they have to have a car anyway.
In Virginia, many people buy old cars because of the car tax and then form carpools to get to work. These old cars are gas guzzlers and highway hazards, but the politicians haven’t gotten rid of the tax. The politicization of transportation is a problem even with individual cars – and it can certainly be worse with public transportation and budgets that run at the whim of the politicians.
America has raised its standard of living through hard work and, by example and support, raised the standard of living of the entire world. Calls by the likes of Obama to accept less are calls to reduce both the US and world standard of living so that international socialism can triumph. As Churchill once noted the problem with capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings while the problem with socialism is the equal sharing of the misery. If we get Obama, we will certainly get the misery.
What makes Pelosi’s position on drilling even more ridiculous is the plight of people who work in her own district. There are people in the Bay area that cannot afford to live there due to the housing costs. So, some of them have commutes of up to 2 hours – one way – to get to work.
At one of my previous businesses, we had an office in Marin County and there were some folks working for us that did in fact drive two hours each way.
The cost of that commute has doubled in the last two years, and given the cost of living in areas like the Bay area, an increase like that is a huge increase in their monthly expenses.
Perhaps Pelosi does not care about those people, since they only WORK in her district and don’t vote there. Perhaps she will pay attention when her constituents find it difficult to find teachers, nurses and other good folks who now find their commutes unaffordable.
While the left screams about the negative impact of hydrocarbons and nuclear power, they conveniently ignore the real and potential problems with the alternatives of wind and solar. Nobody knows what would happen to near earth climates if millions of wind and solar farms dotted every landscape. Since some number of the scientific community with their computer models has proclaimed global warming to be a fact, let’s see them put their computer models to use in examining a reduction in wind across the plains and its impact on weather or the creation of massive solar heat sinks that act like a city when it comes to weather.
This from a woman who wanted a bigger plane than the last speaker. Make her fly like the rest of us!
Well Americans have done what the libtards have asked. We driven 29 billion miles less this year over last. Now the libtards are short tax revenue from less gasoline sales, and they want to raise taxes.
Jerkoffs!!!
send Bush over to Saudi Arabia to kiss and hold hands with his Saudi brethren, maybe they can do us a solid.
WOW scooter. Did you come up with that on your own or did mommy help?
scooter:
Get that skateboard oiled yet?
Oil hits 7-week low on demand worries, dollar gain
How will they like it when we are all lighting up our fireplaces and burning up our trees?
Call your reps and senators today, and tomorrow.
Tell them to vote on the “all of the above” bill or don’t leave.
Call Nan’s office and tell her to allow the vote.
San Fran Nan in DC call 202 225 0100
They work for US.
Some of you don’t seem to realize that the price of oil is based on the FUTURE availability of it. Just saying there is more available for drilling will bring down the price NOW. Isn’t that what we are trying to do? The price is falling as I write this because of this very debate we are having and the loosening of the stranglehold of the environitwits. What hypocrisy to make us use energy to transport energy from far away?! Nancy Pelosi is a twit. Sorry, I had to resort to name calling.
My prediction: just like the summer and fall before the 2006 elections, gas prices will go down steadily from now until election day (without any effort whatsoever on Congress’ part), and then rise thereafter (at least until January 20, 2009). Just coincidently, of course. And that’ll affect the elections.
If a majority of Congressmen and Senators say they will vote to open drilling, and Pelosi and Reid want even bring it to the floor, then it is obvious that they are not leaders. They are rulers, and the other congressmen and senators should depose them of their leadership roles. It is also obvious that people, who are dumb enough to elect them, wouldn’t be smart enough to recall them.
I wrote to my Congressman today and he said he is fighting to stay in Washington until a bill is passed. He also recommended I call -
Nancy Pelosi at 202-225-0100 to let her know how I feel.
First thing tomorrow morning that is just what I am going to do!!!
Lol, you should here the cynical, but tired voice of the voicemail greeting for Pelosi’s number. Weary.
Her mailbox is full.
You lost me after
Kidding! I read the post.
Pelosi is going to star as herself (Madam Speaker — Savior of the Planet, Savior of the Planet) in the next season of Heroes.
Couldn’t Bush declare a national emergency and just do it anyway and leave Congress with a Fait Accompli?
Rorschach #77,
That would be doing John McCain a big favor if Bush would insist, they stay. Let them stay and stew in their own juices. What do they think is waiting for them back home “Happy Constituents” Paying high gas prices? Let them go home, and get an ear full, see how much they enjoy their summer vacation.
I read that when they come back, they will be back a month, and then break for the rest of the year. So the month of September and nothing until there is a new President. Unless they have a lame duck session in November. They really are overpaid. They have something like 30 days left to work this year. I guess that is good enough for Government Work (sarcasm)
Oh and they won’t be in session during the 7th anniversary of 9/11. I missed the part where they passed a Bill for our Port and Border Security. Lame, doesn’t even start to cover the lowest rated Congress in our history.
Sorry they will be in session during the anniversary, we just won’t have port or border security.
They don’t have time for the people’s business.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jul/08inter.htm
Hello Senator Ansell …. Comment #32 & #33. *****************************
Its about time the Republican Church Mice Stand-Up and Be Counted. No Recess & If they Do “Recess”, President Bush Should Call Them Back Into Session! ************************
Not Drilling Domestically NOW is an Act of Domestic Terrorism by the Democrat-Socialist led by Nancy “Iran is the Reason for Iraqi Calm” Pelosi & Scary Reid Against US AMERICAN SERFS! “Wolverines!”
If Republicans were smart they would hold a news conference moments after San Fran Nan adjourns Congress for the August recess and stay in Washington during the recess promoting their bill.