From the office of Rep. Bill Sali

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Bill Sali today again insisted that Congress return to work right away and vote to open up American energy exploration and production in order to get gas prices down. Sali spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives, even though the House is not in session today. The Democrat-controlled Congress voted to adjourn for a 5-week recess, even though Americans want Congress to work on a solution to high energy prices. Sali voted against adjournment. He is a co-sponsor of several bills that contain more oil production, as well as conservation and emphasis on new alternative energy technology. However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has refused to consider that legislation, objecting to more drilling on American soil and offshore.

“It’s extraordinary that Speaker Pelosi is on a tour promoting her new book, while Idahoans and other hardworking Americans are struggling to pay for gas. This Congress has an approval rating of 9 percent. And it’s very obvious why. Congress should be working right now to pass legislation that boosts supply of American crude oil, so that gas prices will actually go down,” said Sali. “Doing nothing is not an answer to high gas prices. Congress created the policies that are responsible for high gas prices. Congress needs to lift the ban on American oil production and exploration in order to get those prices down.”

Last week, Sali was one of several Republican Members of Congress who spoke on the need for energy independence after Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat leadership of House turned off the lights, the cameras and the microphones. Sali and the others stayed behind to give their speeches in front of a gallery of Americans concerned about high gas prices.

Sali has also introduced legislation to provide a tax credit to Americans to help offset the impact of high gas prices. Sali and other Republicans have asked President Bush to call Congress into session in order to take up legislation that would increase America’s energy independence.

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