As we noted on Friday and again this morning, House conservatives have refused to leave Washington, D.C., for their five-week paid vacation, opting instead to remain on Capitol Hill to demand a vote on energy exploration. Nearly two dozen members are spending the day talking on the House floor.
I’ve been at the Capitol both days reporting on developments via my Twitter account. At least three members of Congress are doing the same: Reps. John Culberson (R-Tex.), Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and Dan Burton (R-Ind.). The GOP Leader Blog
and RSC Blog are covering the protest. And RedState’s Ben Domenech and Townhall’s Amanda Carpenter are on hand reporting live on the situation.
The debate is going to continue all week on the House floor. “If all of our conference will commit to one day a week, we could go the entire month of August,” said Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.).
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who spearheaded the effort with Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), said yesterday during Sunday church services, some members had people ask them if they were going back to Washington to continue the debate. “We’re going to press on until they close the building today,” Pence said.
We’ll be watching.
UPDATE — 3:46 p.m.: There are two other blogs following the energy debate closely. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Tex.) has posted a few YouTube videos shot outside the Capitol today. And the House Republican Policy Committee staff is keeping an active live blog from a spot just off the floor.
Please tell or forward my comments to the gang of ten. Thank you for forcing the arrogant vacationers to pay attention to the people. Don't let up. Everyone I know on both sides of politics agree to drill here, drill now, pay less. ASAP.
Sincerely,
Paula
Let everyone still standing and debating know that there are many of us out here who are proud of them for their courage to call-out the Democrats and force the issue. Drill here & now!
Lou
The fact that it's only the Republicans that are still in Washington trying to fight for the working people of this country shows the priorities of the Democratic Party. I was born and raised a Democrat and remained one until that party lost sight of who it was they were suppose to be representing. The people of this country, not the people outside this country. It's sad when a party is more interested in the money it can get from special interest groups than they are in the interests of the people who voted for them. As far as I can see in the future. I'll be voting Republican!
– D.Russell
Thanks to the Republican House members who have chosen to stay and fight. We appreciate your effort. Please do not give up. I am ready to take to the streets myself to rid the House of the likes of Pelosi. She has to go. She is the most arrogant, stupid Speaker to ever hold the gavel. Please, what will it take to depose her?
JoAnne Rogers
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There are few things in politics to be proud of these days when you're a Michigan resident. However, Rep. Pete Hoekstra is the rare exception. I hope the GOP will continue to stand their ground for the majority of Americans. This is nearly as important to our country's future as winning the war in Iraq. At least these Republicans can claim to have been the foot soilders to win the war on energy independence.
I'm proud of you all taking a stand to support the American people. I hope you stay until the democrates decide to return and then you intensify the fight to get an up or down vote as soon as possible. The democrates are holding the American people (Democrates and Republicans) hostage just like these other governments could if they decided they didn't need our money. We need the ability to be independent. We're with you. Stand fast.
Keep up the fight. We may be able to win back some of the seats we lost. Can you get some of the news medium to cover your debates? Drill for oil now. God Bless America.
So happy to see there are some fighters left! Way to go and keep up the GOOD figh. I hope this is just the start of new days for our country.