Tourists Cheer GOP in House Chamber over Energy Issue

Democrats go on excellent vacation, Pelosi goes on her book tour, while Americans want results on high gas prices. Democrats answer to American voters?.... "drop dead".

Wednesday, August 06, 2008
By Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer
CNS News.com
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Washington (CNSNews.com) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has the power to shut off microphones and still video cameras, but that has not stopped House Republicans – and a steady stream of Capitol Hill visitors – from gathering in the House chamber for a third day on Tuesday for what seemed like a pep rally for energy independence. “Nancy Pelosi has said no to a vote on a comprehensive energy bill,” said Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) before the rest of her words were drowned out by booing from the crowd. “Madam Speaker, get off your book tour …” Musgrave’s words were again lost as the crowd cheered, repeating the standing ovation given to speakers who came before and after her. The crowd chanted “vote, vote, vote,” in response to remarks by members who spoke, including Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.). Shadegg spoke in front of a sign that said, “Nancy Pelosi, We’re Here, Where are You?” and another that listed the benefits of energy independence: more jobs, improved national security and lower prices at the pump.
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.)
“I find it incredible that the American public can’t hear what’s going on in the House of Representatives because Nancy Pelosi chose to turn off the lights and microphones rather than have an up-or-down vote on a comprehensive energy plan,” Musgrave told CNSNews.com. “Nancy Pelosi is on a book tour,” said Musgrave. “She’s jetting around this country. She’s on a five-week vacation. The American people can’t afford a vacation, many of them. Nancy Pelosi needs to call this house back into session, and we need an up-or-down vote on energy policy.” “Madam Speaker, what are you afraid of? Give us a vote,” Musgrave said. Pelosi issued a statement Monday saying the protest, which started Friday after the official adjournment of Congress, lacked credibility. “This Republican hoax is unworthy of the serious debate we must have to reduce the price at the pump and promote energy independence,” Pelosi said. She said a Republican plan to “give away public lands to Big Oil” will not immediately reduce prices at the pump, and it would save Americans “only 2 cents ten years from now.”Musgrave spoke to CNSNews.com as visitors to Capitol Hill filed in and out of the house chamber, many of them through the “members only” cloak room. Edward Galgano, a U.S. citizen who lives with his wife and children in England, was with his family on the floor of the House chamber on Tuesday. “It was pretty exciting to get on the floor to see it live,” Galgano told CNSNews.com. “I like the idea that (Republican House members) are raising the questions. I think (energy) is very important to the American people right now. Galgano did not, however, like the fact that the cameras were off in the chamber. “I disagree completely,” he said. “I think it’s terrible.” Jennifer Hickman of Florida did not know about the protest when she planned her visit, but she told CNSNews.com that she was glad she had the chance to take part. “I was surprised there was no media coverage, there were no cameras on so people can understand what’s going on in our government,” Hickman said, adding that she supported drilling for oil off the Florida coast. “My understanding is that it’s going to be 50 miles out and not something that is obtrusive on nature in terms of the environment – so I’m for it.” Mae Milton of Matthews, N.C., said the scene in the House chamber reminded her of her favorite movie. “It’s just like ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’” Milton said.