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Republican leaders called for reinforcements Tuesday to ramp up pressure on Democrats with an extended battle over gas prices. House GOP bosses put out a call for their entire conference to participate in the energy protest on the chamber floor.
The GOP public relations blitz, which has attracted national headlines, could go on through much of the August recess as Republicans strategize on how to keep political pressure on Democratic leaders who oppose expanding offshore drilling.
In an e-mail sent to House Republican aides on Tuesday, the office of Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) stated, “GOP Leadership in the House is requesting that all Republican Members join in the debate at some point this week, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. Friday. We hope to finish the week as strong as we started.”
Leadership officials said they see no foreseeable end to the protest that began as an impromptu series of floor speeches after the House officially adjourned last week. And after three days of a handful of rank-and-file members holding down the fort, Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) are expected back in town Wednesday, when they will meet with former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) to discuss strategy before taking to the floor to resume the protest.
Michael Steel, a spokesman for Boehner, said they have enough commitments from members to carry them through Friday. Aides say the mock sessions of Congress could last up until the Democratic convention, which begins Aug. 25.
“We currently have a substantial number of members scheduled to speak every day through the end of this week,” Steel said. “We are constantly working with our members to find the best way to build pressure on the House Democratic leadership to do the right thing and bring the House back into session so we can pass legislation to increase the supply of American energy and help bring down gas prices.”
Nick Simpson, a spokesman for Blunt, said that members outside D.C. have been calling in with their August schedules so Republicans in town will know who will be available this month.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Boehner on Tuesday that was critical of the GOP on energy. Pelosi wrote, “While a very small band of your colleagues remain on the House floor to discuss gas prices, their constituents deserve to know why their representatives in Congress have failed to support serious, responsible proposals.”
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