It is the time of year that most Hill inhabitants despise. At the beginning of August the Senate and House go into recess for five long weeks. If you happen to be one of the staffers stuck on the hill for the duration then life pretty much slows down to a pace that makes each hour seem like three. The Hill is like a ghost town, there is no hearings to go, no laws to pass, no senators or congressman to appease. It is the hum-drum part of the year that allows staffers to come dressed in jeans and a polo because there really is nobody of significance to impress.
Yet, this year has been different. The House Republicans have refused to leave. They're still giving floor speeches to Nancy Pelosi (although she is MIA and won't acknowledge them). It began last friday when the House was adjourned by the Majority, yet there was still a line-up of GOP congressmen and women who still wanted to solve the energy crisis. They feel it is wrong for the lawmakers to leave for five weeks and not do anything to solve the energy crisis. So, they have revolted. On Friday, the majority party turned out the lights, turned off the microphones, and turned off C-SPAN. The republicans ushered constituents into the gallery and answered their questions from the floor. It lasted for 5 hours before the protesting congressmen and women decided to call it quits for the weekend. Now I do say the weekend, because today they were back at on the house floor. I invite you to read some more articles and watch this video about what they are doing for the American people.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-energy-revolt-presses-on-dems-dismiss-stunt-2008-08-04.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs-dNopBDeQ
These men and women are taking the time they have from campaigning for re-election, visiting their districts, and attending to their families, to fight to find a compromise to solve the energy crisis. Yet, the house majority is refusing to acknowledge them. Even if you would like to call the congressmen and women to give them your encouragement and also your appreciation, I know they would be thankful to hear from the American citizens.