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House Republicans on Tuesday said their protest of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) decision not to allow a vote on expanded offshore oil drilling has helped lower gas prices. Heading into a third day of speeches in the near-empty chamber, Republicans acknowledged that the average price of gas and oil has declined in recent weeks. But they claimed credit for part of that reduction. “I think the market is responding to the fact that we are here talking,” said Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) at a joint press conference with other GOP lawmakers. “I think the market realizes this kind of pressure from Congress may, in fact, lead to a change in policy.” The Republican members did not answer questions about whether they would take the blame if gas prices go up again. After the House went into recess Friday, several Republicans stayed behind to deliver energy speeches and press Pelosi to bring members back for a vote. They returned on Monday for a second day of protests. On Tuesday, they widened their message. In their pre-floor speech press conference, Republican members mentioned the economy and jobs almost as much as gas prices and energy — which had been the driving force behind their speeches to staff and constituents Friday and Monday. “This is not all about gas prices,” said Shadegg, a new addition to the lineup of GOP representatives participating in the protest. “It’s much more than just about the price of oil and gas. It’s about the economy and jobs.” Republicans want Pelosi to bring the chamber back into session so that the House can vote on a GOP plan to allow additional oil exploration off the U.S. coast on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Drilling in the OCS would not only mean lower gas prices, but also more jobs and increased national security, Shadegg said. Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.), also making his first appearance at the protest, stressed that America’s energy policy “is going to be critical to our economic future.” |
