Tire pumps & gas receipts: Republicans use their imaginations

"Pelosi challenged Republicans to use their imaginations. And they are," Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said at a news conference held by House Republicans to discuss their party's ongoing floor speeches. He and others continued their call for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call an emergency session of Congress to address America's high energy costs. Sessions went on to pull out a large tire pump, stating that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.) suggested using the mechanism as a solution for America's energy problems. Sessions referred to a recent statement from Sen. Obama in which he stated that properly inflated tires and regular vehicle maintenance are important for maximizing fuel economy.

"This isn't a red problem. This isn't a blue problem. This is a red, white and blue problem," said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), after showing a photograph of a Texas woman carrying a small bag filled with gas station receipts. From his pocket, he then pulled a handful of receipts he gathered from members of his district, and vowed to send each to Speaker Pelosi's office.

Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said that when asking American citizens, who joined him on the House floor this afternoon, who they felt was OPEC's best friend at the moment, the crowd pointed to Pelosi's chair at the head of the room.

Republican press conference interrupted by vocal protest

“I hope that you have noticed in the last three days of debate by the Republicans up here that we have tried to be civil and appropriate. I would ask you to compare that with the supposed Democrat representative we’ve had here today and his rudeness and screaming and yelling”, said Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) in reference to an outburst from a bystander. As Carter and fellow Republicans discussed their party’s ongoing speeches on the House floor, a member of the crowd called the Republican representatives the “largest group of lying scoundrels” he had seen in one place. The man was promptly removed from the conference.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) said that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) should call an emergency session of Congress in spite of the recess to address the rising costs of energy in America. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) echoed Hunter’s sentiments, encouraging the Congress to specifically consider the American Energy Act. Gohmert believes the bill would allow for the development much-needed energy resources. He also maintained that, despite recent criticism, the bill does not favor oil companies.

When asked whether Gohmert felt his comparison of America’s oil crisis to the fight against slavery in early American history was inappropriate, he responded that he felt the Republicans were doing what is right for the American people. He also said that the crisis cuts across all racial lines, and that gas prices affect all Americans.

Republicans bring down the House

Republicans continued their impassioned speeches on the floor of the House without lights or microphones today. Tourists flooded the floor, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to sit in seats generally held by congressman and to listen to the congressmen speak.

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) commented on the outbursts of applause from crowd members, pointing out that these expressions from the public in attendance would never be possible if Congress were in session. He went on to discuss new energy options, said in response to nuclear energy, “I’m not a big fan of doing things how France does them, but we have to keep the option on the table”. He went on to say “San Francisco may have the majority speaker from there, but [their views] are not the will of the American people!” to the cheers and applause of many attending the speech.

Rep. Ron Lewis (R-Ky.) said in response to allegations that Republicans are working for the benefit of big oil companies, “If anyone is working for big oil, it’s the Speaker who is keeping the prices high by not allowing us to increase [oil] supply”. Rep. Gohmert also brought bumper stickers for audience members which said “It’s the supply, stupid”, referencing former President Clinton’s 1992 campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

House Minority Leader Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will be returning to the floor August 6th.