So yesterday, Friday, August 1st, the Senate Session was over until September. My office decided to head out for mini burgers and beer to celebrate. However, as we were leaving the office, we heard that something was happening in the House. There wasn't much news about it yet so we decided that after lunch we would check it out. Little did I know that I was about to witness history in the making.
Nancy Pelosi, Lord bless her heart, decided to adjourn the House without ever passing any energy legislation. A group of Representatives thought that it was unfair to take off on a 5-week paid vacation if the American taxpayers couldn't afford to take their own vacation because gas prices were too high. So, when Pelosi turned off the lights and microphones, the Reps stayed. They wanted a vote on energy legislation. Regardless of whether it was a yes or no- the Reps wanted the American public to know that before the session let out- they had done their best to lower the price of gas. However, Pelosi was ready to take off for Pe-lala land, and she did.
However, this small group of Representatives stayed to let their voices be heard. For over five hours, more than 50 Representatives came onto the House floor to tell us all how much they cared about the American public and were disgusted over the gas prices. Each Representative gave at least a 5-minute speech-- and they were all heartfelt.
So who was in the audience listening? Me. And many other Senate & House staff members. We filled the House floor and I soon realized that the gallery was full of families and Capitol visitors. Each Rep spoke and we cheered, clapped, and yelled in support for the stand that they were taking. One Rep rolled his suitcase onto the House floor to cheers and applause and he said that he couldn't take his vacation quite yet. It was incredible. I had chills. I simply could not believe what was unfolding before my eyes.
This story didn't make major news coverage (besides the Drudge Report and C-Span) because Pelosi ordered the C-Span cameras off. If the House is not in session, the cameras cannot be filming the activity on the House floor. However, the House floor cannot be closed if a member is still on the floor. So, the Reps made sure that at least one member was still on the floor at all times. In between speeches, they would take turns walking out to the foyer of the Capitol to tell the press what was going on inside. The picture you see above is a group of the Reps telling the press what is currently going on in the House. As they were speaking, I was sitting on the House floor listening to more Reps speak. We cheered "vote!"-- "drill now"-- "USA!"... it was incredible.
After 5 hours of speeches and cheers, we all stood together and the Reps lead us in "God Bless America" and ended with cheers of "USA." I am still in awe.
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