GOP still speaking on floor despite recess

Republicans continued their call Monday for a vote on expanded domestic drilling from the floor of the shuttered House, which is on recess.

At a press conference, lawmakers said they’d continue to give speeches on the need for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to bring back the House and allow a vote on expanding domestic drilling. The speeches are being given to visitors in the gallery, but are not being televised by C-SPAN because of the recess.

{mosads}The lawmakers took no questions at their press conference, and instead quickly headed to the floor to begin speeches on energy.

“I’m pleased and humbled to be joined by these men and women who are putting the interests of the nation before their own personal convenience,” said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) in the press conference. “To be on the floor after adjournment last week was rare. For these members of Congress to convene and debate American energy independence this week on the floor of Congress is unprecedented.”

Republicans launched the impromptu effort on Friday with the House formally on recess. As a result, C-SPAN cameras did not televise the speeches, and even the lights were turned off at one point.

The stunt served as a pep rally for Republican members and staff, however, and garnered much media attention. Over the weekend, House GOP leaders asked members to keep up the activity on Monday.

It's not clear how long the House GOP floor action will take place, although lawmakers hinted that the protests would keep going. Pence said Monday's action was "the beginning of a sustained effort" to get Pelosi to bring up a vote on expanded drilling.

Republicans want to vote on whether to expand domestic oil production by reversing a ban on offshore drilling.

Democrats argue that the move would not result in relief at the pump for years and have criticized Republicans for opposing measures that they claim would immediately benefit consumers.