Republicans defend Congress from 'liberal coastal elites'

Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) and his fellow House Republicans held a press conference today to, according to the congressman, "defend the Congress from liberal coastal elites" that he says are responsible for the suffering of American people today, resulting from high energy prices. Davis and others continue delivering speeches on the House floor calling for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to bring Congress into an emergency session to pass energy legislation.

Davis went on to say that the views of the Speaker do not represent the views of our nation as a whole, and she should not continue to put energy reform on the back burner. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) said that the one thing Pelosi has been unwilling to do is pass legislation that would bring immediate relief to the American people--drilling for oil in coastal and protected regions.

Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) said that in his home district, many Americans have told him they will vote Republican in this upcoming election, some of these constituents being lifelong Democrats. Shimkus went on to say these partisan switches can be contributed to several reasons, in particular because they feel the Democratic Party has not, and continues to not do enough to help the American people.

Rep. Latta's prescription for energy independence

"I think if Congress would come in here and finish the deal on this thing and say we can drill both onshore and offshore, [...] I think you'd see a collapse of oil prices," said Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) in an exclusive interview with Talk Radio News. Latta discussed issues relating to America's increased energy prices, and what he feels would be the best course of action.

"It's not just about oil, we need to have a strategic plan for nuclear, for clean coal technology. It's not just saying we're going to drill", he continued. "We need an across-the-board [...] debate on the total energy policy in this nation". When asked about the role renewable sources of energy should play in US energy policy, Latta said all of the options need to work together. He goes on to say that each individual option, including renewables, may not produce enough energy to meet the base-load needs of the United States. However, together he feels they can help substantially reduce the amount of oil the US is forced to import from other nations.

Today on the floor of the House of Representatives, Latta stated that he believes it could take years for a solution to have a big impact on our dependence on foreign oil. In light of this comment, when asked what he would say to the families and businesses in America struggling because of energy prices, Latta said he would tell them that they could expect energy commodity prices to drop as soon as comprehensive energy policy is passed. He also believes that as soon as Congress begins to say that it plans to take steps to solve America's energy dependence, we can expect to see energy prices decline.

Rep. Kline longs for the Democrats

"I wish the Democrats were here", said Rep. John Kline during a speech today on the floor of the House of Representatives, in which he expressed his desire for the Democrats to return to Congress for a vote on energy legislation. He and other Republican members of the House continued their call for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call an emergency session of Congress.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) agreed with Kline, though also pointing out that any new endeavors to procure new energy can take a considerable amount of time. However, he remained confident that the United States could see a substantial change in oil prices in less than ten years. He compared the quest for new sources of energy to the lengthy construction time of the United States Capitol.

Last night on CNN Speaker Pelosi said she was open to a vote on energy legislation containing offshore drilling. However, some Republican speakers expressed concern that Speaker Pelosi would not follow through on her commitment.

Energy becoming new 'global race'

"It's nothing short of a disgrace for the Speaker to leave the Congress, not call us back and remain on a promotional book tour while 'everyday Americans' are suffering all over this country", said Rep. David Camp (R-Mich.) today at a press conference to discuss the ongoing speeches on the floor of the House of Representatives. The Republican members of the House are entering their second week of continuous discussion calling for the return of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to Washington, and that an emergency session of Congress be called to deal with America's rising energy costs.

"Many of us during the Cold War remember the days of the arms race. Well let me tell you, there is a global race going on for energy right now", said Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas). "And quite honestly, the United States of America is behind in this race." He went on to say that global oil issues are primarily a supply and demand problem, with the demand for oil continuing to increase and the supply remaining the same.

Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) pointed out that this oil crisis is not only affecting families, but small businesses, schools that rely on busing systems, and other organizations that depend on fuel. As such, she says the issue demands immediate attention from Speaker Pelosi.

The GOP talking storm: It's still thundering

The tourists continue to pour onto the House Floor while Republicans continue their week-long talking tangent.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) explained his perspective on the history of the "Greatest Generation" of World War II. Other subjects he covered were Communist Russia, industrialization, and the Civil Rights Movement. He said the test of this generation is the energy challenge.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) said "people are calling [the Republican's talkathon] historic." Last Friday, it may have been a stunt, but now it is serious, he said. He told the crowd that they are first-hand witnesses and so they should spread the word. Jokingly, he told the younger people to instant message people about it.

One man sitting in the front row raised his hand for a comment or question, but McCotter ignored him, and the man walked out shortly.

McCotter said Congress needs to develop "common sense" solutions to the oil crisis.

"In the Midwest, if you don't use common sense, you freeze to death," McCotter said.

McCotter compared House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to someone walking into a job interview. If someone walks into a job interview and tells the prospective boss about a secret solution to a major problem, then the boss will think they have better ideas than other prospects and hire that person. A year later, the problem gets bigger, the person gives up, and takes a 5-week paid vacation, McCotter said.

Many Republicans and Democrats agree on bringing Congress back in session to address the oil crisis, but Pelosi will not do anything about it, McCotter said.