Travis Childers Rejects Alternative Energy Proposal

Democrats Take Political Cover behind Sham Legislation

Washington- Republicans have focused on enacting an “all of the above” alternative energy bill this week, but were blocked by Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS) and his Democrat colleagues, who refused to sign a discharge petition and voted against considering the bill. (House Roll Call 451 and 453).

After failing to address skyrocketing gas prices before the Independence Day holiday, Childers rejected a real energy solution that would increase production of alternative American energy, encourage more conservation and efficiency, and promote the use of alternative fuels.  Instead, Democrats chose to insult the American people by offering sham bills that are already laws in order to seek political cover before heading back to their districts for a week-long vacation:

This fall’s elections might have been a primary reason why Speaker Pelosi held a vote on a slightly revised version of a bill the House had already approved this Congress. Lawmakers could use that May 2007 bill if they want to conference with a Senate bill and try to make anti-price-gouging legislation law this Congress. (CongressDaily, 6/26/08)

The Democrats’ “plans” have been criticized both within their own ranks and from independent observers:

Gene Green (D-TX) said, “I think there’s a lot of opposition from Energy Democrats to use it or lose it.  You can’t produce on every acre or even every 100 acres. I think those numbers come from people who don’t understand this business.”

Tyson Slocom, and energy analyst for the advocacy group Public Citizen said, “I understand what they’re doing, but it’s a little simplistic.  It looks like a middle-ground, slightly muddled message. Some of these leases are not super-productive. People are upset and desperate with high prices. Democrats are scared of the new polling” (CQ, 6/25/08)

“It’s become astoundingly clear that Travis Childers and his Democrat leaders have no direction and no hope for solving the nation’s energy crisis,” said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. “The American people demand action and accountability for record-high gas prices and Travis Childers has responded by sitting on his hands while his party plays political games.”

Even though gas prices are breaking the bank for American voters, Democrats continue to fail their constituents by refusing to pass meaningful energy legislation. What will it take for Childers to stop taking political cover and finally get on-board with real energy solutions? The American people are tired of waiting.