American Spectator/ ATR Host Republican Revolt Leaders at U.S. Capitol

Today marks one week since Republicans took over the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and engaged in what is now known as the House Republican Energy Revolt."

This has been a protest that has turned into a cause." -Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.).

Three of the Republican House Energy Revolt leaders met with media and conservative activists today at the U.S. Capitol to participate in the American Spectator/ Americans for Tax Reform Newsmaker Breakfast.Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.), Congressman Dan Burton (R-Ind.) and Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virg.) discussed the past catalysts and future strategy in passing the American Energy Act, despite Speaker Pelosi's attempts to block passage of the measure.

The bill would reward strides in conservation, encourage the investment in new technologies and alternative energy sources and allow for an increase in offshore, domestic drilling.

The panel, moderated by Jim Antle of American Spectator, explained that the U.S. doles out $700 billion annually in oil export costs and that 50 percent of our trade deficit results from oil import. They also maintained that 15-20 percent of American fuel comes from the Persian Gulf and more still is pumped from an American foe, Venezuela.

"We're dependent so much on oil from people who don't like us," Burton said.

Moreover, the House Republicans maintain that many of their Democratic colleagues are more than willing to sign on to the bill, but Speaker Pelosi refuses to reconvene Congress (probably because she's on her book tour).

"We have the votes, which is the only rational explanation why Pelosi refused for the entire summer to give the Congress a vote on something that would give the Americans more oil," Pence said.

Congressman Burton claimed that some Democrats were so eager to vote for the bill that they were "frothing at the mouth" for the opportunity. He asserted that "at least 20 Democrats have already said they would vote for the bill."

"Give the bipartisan, pro-drilling majority a chance to vote," Congressman Pence continued. "Let's make this a bipartisan demonstration. We're calling on them [Democrats] to take a stand."
Many House Republicans returned to their home districts or participated in "tele-town halls," where they were reinvigorated to continue the fight for lower gas prices and moreover, energy independence. They told stories of the hardships of their constituents and how the unreasonable cost of energy has disrupted the lives of folks all around the country, including in farm systems, in school systems and in families.

"Real Americans are hurting right now," Pence said."There's one woman who had to start telling her daughter that she couldn't afford to go to the movies with her anymore," Goodlatte said. "She's having to save $2,400 for kerosene for the winter, double what she had to in the past."

Morton Blackwell, founder of The Leadership Institute, applauded House Republicans for what he called "absolutely brilliant" work. He reiterated the importance of reaching the American people about the issue and encouraged new avenues to ensure that constituents understand the gravity of the situation.

"If Pelosi gets her way, the U.S. will be powerless," Blackwell said.

All of the Congressmen agreed that the only way to force a vote would be for constituents to call their Representatives and demand that they tell Speaker Pelosi they want a vote.

"We're telling everyone: 'Call your Congressman. Tell them to get back to work!'" Pence said.

Pence expects that nearly 100 Republicans will return to D.C. by the end of the week to demand a vote.

ATR will be releasing video footage of the breakfast, so check back for that.