National

From Staff, Wire Reports

About 20 House Republicans have cut short their August vacations, gathering on the floor to protest a Democratic energy policy and demand that Speaker Nancy Pelosi call lawmakers back into session to vote on an energy package. The bill would include GOP demands for more domestic drilling.

It was a repeat of last Friday’s protest, when Republicans refused to leave the floor after the House officially adjourned for a summer break. As on Friday, the lights were dimmed, the microphones were off and there was no TV coverage as Republican lawmakers delivered impassioned speeches to tourists in the visitors’ gallery. Many visitors were also allowed onto the House floor — a very rare ticket — to get a better view.

“We’re continuing to speak,” said Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler. “The gallery is filling up with lots of folks. It’s been amazing. We feel like the people in the country are finding some hope that someone is going to stand up for them. And the argument is starting to turn.”

Rep. Tim Price, a Georgia Republican, told colleagues the time had come for Congress “to go to work on the most important issue of the day — and that’s the rising gas prices.”

Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler
(Staff File Photo By Tom Turner)