White House says no to special session of Congress

The White House has rejected calls from House Republicans that it convene a special session of Congress on energy, saying it wouldn’t make a difference.

“We don't have plans to call Congress into session — it won't make a difference if Democratic leaders are unwilling to bring up a bill for an up-down vote,” said White House spokesman Tony Fratto.

Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) asked President Bush to convene the special session in an Aug. 1 letter. The same day, House Republicans launched an unusual protest on the House floor urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call Congress back to work.

"Since Speaker Pelosi has decided not to keep the House in session to allow this vote to take place, we urge you to use the power vested in you by the Constitution to convene an immediate energy special session of Congress,” the letter said.

The protests continued Monday, with several House Republicans speaking on energy from the House floor, despite the fact that the House has adjourned and C-SPAN is not televising the proceedings. Cameras are not allowed in the House without the Speaker's permission.

“We know congressional Democrats won't pass all of the appropriations bills — they've already demonstrated their failure with that — but when they return they'll have a month to at least address the top priorities: funding our troops by passing the DoD [Department of Defense] appropriations bill, and the bringing to the floor of the Interior appropriations bill to allow for votes on oil shale and exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf,” Fratto said in an e-mail.

A spokesman for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said McCain supported bringing Congress back into session to address energy issues.

House aides said that while the president can declare that Congress must sit for an emergency session, he cannot set the agenda – only the leadership of the majority party can do that.

Pelosi’s office could not be immediately reached for comment.

About 20 House Republicans re-launched their floor action after a short press conference where no questions were taken. The speeches to visitors and staff in the House gallery began at about 10 a.m. Monday.

In an attempt to build momentum and steer more listeners into the chamber, GOP leadership staff sent e-mails to colleagues encouraging them to bring their tours to view the protest.

Speeches have varied from the mundane to the raucous, with Rep. Don Manzullo’s (R-Ill.) impassioned pro-drilling speech ending with hugs from colleagues and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Some members came with props: Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) came to speak with a large photo of Pelosi with the words “I am trying to save the planet” written beneath it. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) arrived with an empty red gas can and an energy-efficient light bulb.

Members said they planned to continue their floor action through this week and possibly through the month, depending on member participation.

Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) officiated over the parade of members and encouraged listeners to call the Capitol switchboard and ask to speak to Pelosi's office.

No members of the GOP leadership attended Monday’s demonstration, but Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)  will attend the protest on Wednesday and Thursday, according to his office. Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) staff indicated he would try to attend at the end of the week despite a flurry of campaign appearances across the country.

Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) will also return to speak during the week.

Sam Youngman contributed to this report.