Energy protests pulled in 70 percent of House GOP

Nearly 70 percent of House Republicans returned to Washington during the August recess to speak out on energy policies.

The GOP initiative to deliver energy speeches on the House floor — even though the lower chamber was officially adjourned — started spontaneously with a couple of members.

{mosads}But it quickly became a scheduled daily event as 136 House Republicans tag-teamed in their call for Democrats to commit to votes on drilling.

Every member of the elected House Republican leadership attended at least one GOP energy protest. Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) made three appearances. Minority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (Texas) were present four days during the break, according to a list from the office of the Republican whip.

GOP Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) held down the GOP fort during both the Democratic and the Republican conventions and as a result clocked the most time on the dimly lit House floor. McCotter’s tally was 13.

Reps. Mike Pence (Ind.) and Rep. Louis Gohmert (Texas) were also common fixtures in front of the Will Rogers statue for the daily press conferences, appearing eight and nine times, respectively.

Asked whether attendance was mandatory — implicit or otherwise — staff and members said that the call to take part in the so-called summer session was completely voluntary and that it was unlikely that any repercussions would come from an inability or unwillingness to attend.

Yet, it was clear that House Republican leaders were keeping attendance.

Of the 63 members who did not return to Washington, over a dozen announced their retirement from Congress earlier in the session.

Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) was probably the most noticeably absent retiree, given his commitment to the issue of offshore drilling.

“Although he was not here, he was very supportive of the cause, and after working on this issue for 12 years he is just happy that this is finally at the top of Congress’ agenda,” said spokesman Patrick Creighton. “My boss felt that the best use of his time during this energy crisis was being back at home, listening to his constituents, brainstorming with [Rep.] Neil Abercrombie [D-Hawaii] and continuing to work on a bipartisan energy bill that we believe is our best hope of getting out of this energy crisis.”

Most of the remainder of the no-shows said full schedules in their districts kept them from returning, but nearly every office contacted by The Hill said the member spoke frequently about the issue during various town halls and community meetings.

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who serves as ranking member on the House Budget Committee, issued a release Aug. 7 in support of the floor protest, adding that he would return to Washington if a recess vote occurred.

“House Republicans have refused to be silenced, and will continue to advocate on behalf of the American people,” Ryan said. “On behalf of those I serve, I demand action on a commonsense energy plan, and stand ready to return to the House floor should Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi [D-Calif.] allow for a vote.”

House Appropriations ranking member Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) was also in his district, according to a spokeswoman. Lewis spent the bulk of the recess helping constituents cope with the foreclosure crisis, which has hit his area particularly hard, as well as responding to wildfires, which seasonally ravage the dry California countryside.

A few members coped with family tragedies. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite’s (R-Fla.) husband, Harvey, died of pancreatic cancer. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) was originally scheduled to take part in the demonstration until his mother fell ill, a spokeswoman said.