House Republicans refuse to give up on their push for a comprehensive energy bill, including expanded domestic drilling options. It’s important to put the emphasis on the word “comprehensive.” Media shorthand often equates Republicans with a “drill only” approach. In reality, the GOP “all of the above” initiative is a wide-ranging plan. The protest continues today — gaining momentum and press coverage. I received this email from a senior House GOP aide outlining events so far today. Sounds like some tourists are getting an unexpected glimpse of democracy in action.
The protest has kicked into a whole new gear this morning. We have more than 20 members here, including moderates like Shays (CT) and Biggert (IL). The floor is packed full of people (real people – not politicians or aides), and there is a line of them waiting to get onto the House floor. The members just did a news conference with Newt and as they walked through Statuary Hall on their way to the news conference, it was packed full of people who broke out into applause as the members walked through. The only sign of Pelosi, who of course is off on her book tour, was a staffer feebly passing out a fact sheet from the Speaker’s office asking “10 questions” of the House Republicans.
