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Arizona Congressional Republicans Call For Rapid Action To Assist Wallow Fire Recovery Efforts

July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2011
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrew Wilder (Kyl)
Brian Rogers (McCain)
Hannah Loy (Gosar)
Ben Carnes (Franks)
Richard Cullen (Quayle)
Rachel Semmel (Schweikert)
Genevieve Frye Rozansky (Flake)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican members of Arizona’s congressional delegation today sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging him to request alternative arrangements for federal regulatory compliance in order to expedite clean up and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire.

“Destruction from the Wallow Fire has exposed large areas in Eastern Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to the risk of additional damage,” the members of the delegation said, explaining the reason for their letter. “Time is of the essence, especially with the arrival of the monsoon season, in acting to protect life and property, and to reduce the risks for further damage to the environment.”

“While the reviews prescribed in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) might be desirable in certain, less urgent circumstances, we believe the existing procedures are incompatible with the current exigencies faced in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire.”

Council on Environmental Quality regulations permit “alternative arrangements” for NEPA compliance in order to provide flexibility in emergency situations. The members of the delegation who sent the letter believe that the Wallow Fire situation conforms to the very circumstances contemplated for such alternate arrangements, and have urged Chief Tidwell to exercise this option.

The text of the letter to Chief Tidwell follows below and is also attached in PDF form:

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July 20, 2011

The Honorable Tom Tidwell
Chief, U.S. Forest Service
Yates Building, 5th Floor
201 14th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Chief Tidwell:

We write to urge you to request from the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) “alternative arrangements,” pursuant to Section 1506.11, for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 C.F.R §1500 et seq) to respond to the Wallow Fire.

As you are well aware, the Wallow Fire in Eastern Arizona has burned for more than 40 days, across more than 538,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and into neighboring New Mexico. The fire is now the largest in Arizona’s recorded history. The damage to the national forest is still being assessed, but it is known that that the fire has killed or severely damaged a large number of trees. The volume of dead and dying trees increases the fuel load for future high-intensity fires, and provides ideal conditions for insect and disease outbreaks. The exposed soil and the arrival of the monsoon rains present an immediate risk of flooding and debris flows that threaten lives, property, water quality, and valuable natural resources throughout the burned area. The State of Arizona has declared a state of emergency and county and local officials have declared the situation a disaster.

Given the post-fire conditions in the Wallow Fire area, swift action is needed by the Forest Service to protect human life and property and mitigate further damage to timber resources and the environment. There is not sufficient time to follow all of the procedures for environmental review under the NEPA of all the actions that will be needed to respond. The alternative arrangements regulation was put in place for circumstances such as this one. As you know, alternative arrangements do not waive the requirements to comply with the NEPA, but instead establish alternative arrangements for compliance in emergencies.

Having seen the devastation for yourself, we are hopeful you will agree that the circumstances of the Wallow Fire warrant the application of alternative arrangements. The communities affected by the Wallow Fire cannot afford needless delays.

Sincerely,

JON KYL
United States Senator

JOHN MCCAIN
United States Senator

JEFF FLAKE
Member of Congress

PAUL A. GOSAR, D.D.S.
Member of Congress

BEN QUAYLE
Member of Congress

TRENT FRANKS
Member of Congress

DAVID SCHWEIKERT
Member of Congress

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Congressman Trent Franks: Obama Administration Arrogance, Lack of leadership on Budget & Debt

July 19, 2011 By 3 Comments

In case you missed it, our own Congressman Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House yesterday explaining the hubris of the Obama Administration regarding lack of leadership in solving the national debt crisis.

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This is YOUR chance to contact Congress and demand that they Cut, Cap and Balance the Budget. Call TODAY at (202) 224-3121 and demand they support HR 2560.

Filed Under: Debt, Federal Budget, Federal Government, Spending, Taxation Tagged With: , , , ,

Trent Franks to Introduce Seniors Financial Security Act

May 13, 2011 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2011
CONTACT: Ben Carnes

May 18th: Trent Franks to Introduce Seniors Financial Security Act at Sun City Senior Center

Sun City, AZ — On Wednesday, May 18th, Congressman Trent Franks will be introducing the Seniors Financial Security Act at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City, AZ. The Seniors Financial Security Act aims to reduce the tax burden on senior citizens by excluding Social Security benefits from seniors’ taxable income.

Introduction of Seniors Financial Security Act in Sun City

What: Introduction of the Seniors Financial Security Act
When: May 18th, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Where: Banner Olive Branch Senior Center
Address: 11250 N. 107th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 (map)

For further information or to schedule an interview in advance, please contact Ben Carnes at ben.carnes@mail.house.gov or, by phone, at 202-579-0005.

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Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.


 

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Press Release, Social Security, Special Event, Taxation, Town Hall Tagged With: ,

Reps Franks, Gosar Request Congressional Hearing on Navajo Generating Station

May 3, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2011
CONTACT: Ben Carnes

Congressmen Trent Franks and Paul Gosar Request a Congressional Hearing about the Navajo Generating Station

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressmen Trent Franks (AZ-02) and Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) sent a joint letter to the Chairmen of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power and the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, requesting a hearing regarding the Navajo Generating Station (NGS).

The NGS, which is located near Page, Arizona, provides 95% of the power needed for the Central Arizona Project (CAP). 45 percent of the City of Phoenix and 80 percent of the City of Tucson depend on the NGS and the CAP for their water supply. Furthermore, the NGS provides over 500 good paying jobs to the area, over 80 percent of which go to members of the Navajo Nation. The plant and the associated Kayenta coal mine provides $137 million in revenue and wages to the Navajo Nation and its tribal members, and about $12 million annually to the Hopi Tribe, nearly 88 percent of their annual operating budget.

Franks and Gosar are concerned about the future of the NGS and Arizona’s water supply because of burdensome regulations that threaten the viability of the plant.

Rep. Franks:
“This situation is a stunning example of environmentalism run amuck. Closing the Navajo Generating Station would be devastating to the economies of the surrounding region, including those of the Hopi and Navajo tribes.”

“As the sole remaining buyer of coal from the Hopi tribe, shutting down the NGS would cut nearly 90% of the tribe’s income and would effectively shut down the Hopi tribe as a functioning government, in addition to putting hundreds of Arizonans (including hundreds of members of the Navajo tribe) out of work, and affecting hundreds of thousands of Arizonans’ current ability to receive water and electricity.

“In exchange for all of the difficulties created, the only ‘benefit’ yielded by the dismantling of the NGS would be a change in visibility so slight as to not even be detectable without specialized equipment that is significantly more sensitive than the human eye. In other words, the supposed environmental benefit is functionally non-existent.

“This is far beyond the pale of environmental stewardship, and I look forward to a hearing during which these concerns can be laid out in greater detail.”

Rep. Gosar:
“My district faces extremely high unemployment, especially on tribal lands near the Navajo Generating Station. I have requested this hearing so that my colleagues can understand the significant impact the NGS has on our local economy. The plant and associated mine provides nearly 1,000 jobs in Northern Arizona, is critical to the livelihood of the Pinal County and Native American agricultural community, and is essential to supplying water to 80% of the state’s population. We must carefully examine regulations that could threaten the State of Arizona’s water and power supply.”

Rep. Gosar, a member of the Natural Resources Committee, has been an outspoken advocate on the committee to raise concerns about problems impacting his constituents. He spoke at a hearing with the Navajo Nation’s President Shelly about NGS here:

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In another recent hearing he spoke about the water and power concerns with NGS here:

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Attached is a copy of the letter that was sent to Chairmen Tom McClintock and Don Young.

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Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.


Filed Under: Elected Officials, Energy, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Congressman Trent Franks Endorses Matt Salmon

April 28, 2011 By 7 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2011
CONTACT: Robert Johnson

“Matt brings the kind of leadership Arizona needs and I look forward to working with him.”

EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman Matt Salmon announced today that Congressman Trent Franks has endorsed his bid for Congress.

Franks said, “I have known Matt Salmon for many years. He is a solid fiscal conservative who has unparalleled experience in balancing budgets and protecting the taxpayers. Matt is a staunch defender of the unborn and a champion for second amendment rights. He has the experience, understanding, and skill to be a driving force in Congress. Matt brings the kind of leadership Arizona needs and I look forward to working with him.”

“I am honored to receive the support of Congressman Franks,” said Salmon, “He is a champion for limited government and reducing the burden on taxpayers. He has worked tirelessly on children’s issues and protecting the innocent. I am proud to call Trent my friend and I hope to soon call him my colleague.”

About Congressman Trent Franks

Congressman Franks is serving his fourth term in the United States Congress, representing the Second District of Arizona. He serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee, where he is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commercial Law and Administration. He is an active member of the Republican Study Committee and is an Executive Committee Member of the Tom Lantos Congressional Human Rights Commission, co-founder and co-chairman of the International Religious Freedom Caucus. Congressman Franks also serves on a host of task force and caucus groups, including the House Working Group on Judicial Accountability, the Education Freedom Caucus, the House Working Group on Waste, Fraud and Abuse, the Liberty Caucus, the Human Rights Caucus, the India Caucus, the Anti-Terrorism Caucus, and is co-founder of the Israel Allies Caucus (IAC).

About Matt Salmon

Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud fiscal conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Franks Votes to Fund Troops, Cut Spending, Keep Government Running

April 7, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2011
CONTACT: Ben Carnes

April 7, 2011 – Following his vote in favor of a one-week Continuing Resolution that would keep the government from shutting down at midnight tonight, would ensure the troops continue to receive funding, and would cut $12 billion in spending, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today released the following statement:

“Quite simply, Democrats today have done precisely what pushed Americans to throw them out of office en masse in the last election.

“Last year, while Democrats were still in control of the House, they failed to accomplish one of their most fundamental responsibilities — to pass a budget. Since that time, Democrats have also refused to support any Republican budget proposal, including the plan offered today to ensure our troops continue to be paid and our government doesn’t shutdown.

“Instead, Democrats overwhelmingly demonstrated today that they would rather allow our military to go unpaid and our government to stop operating than to budge even an inch on their big spending liberal dogma.

“My vote on today’s troop-funding bill was a vote to continue paying our men and women in uniform, to cut $12 billion in excess spending, and to keep our government functioning.”

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Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

 

Filed Under: Federal Budget, Military, Press Release, Spending Tagged With: ,

PR: Trent Franks Addresses Potential Senate Bid

April 1, 2011 By 25 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2011
CONTACT: Ben Carnes

April 1, 2011 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today released the following statement addressing the possibility of running for Senator Jon Kyl’s Senate seat:

“For three weeks, there have been numerous press accounts regarding the possibility that I might enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated in 2012 by Arizona’s venerable Senator, Jon Kyl. Indeed, I have made no secret about the fact that I was very actively considering the possibility and leaning strongly in the direction of running.

“A decision like this is among the most complicated a man can ever make. One has a duty to measure how to best serve his God, his country, and his loved ones. There is a complex array of factors that must coincide within the right timeframe in order to prudently move forward with such an undertaking.

“After diligently and prayerfully trying to consider every aspect a potential Senate bid would entail, I have sincerely concluded that mounting a Senate bid at this time would not be what is best for my family, nor what would best allow me to serve my country at this critical time in her history.

“It is the nature of Congress that tenure and experience allow Members to have a greater impact than perhaps they were able to have when they first arrived in D.C. To that end, after the Republican takeover of the U.S. House in the last election, I now have the distinct honor of serving as Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee, in addition to my roles on the Armed Services and Judiciary Committees and the Strategic Forces Subcommittee; as well as my positions of leadership on numerous vital caucuses, including the EMP Caucus, the Missile Defense Caucus, the International Religious Freedom Caucus, and the Israel Allies Caucus.

“Considering certain critical bills being debated in the house along with ongoing and recent developments in the world, and the overall direction our country is taking, along with my tenure and committee assignments, I believe I can best serve my country at this time by remaining in and running for reelection to the U.S House of Representatives.

“In announcing this decision, I cannot begin to fully relate the abiding gratitude in my heart for absolutely everyone who came together to help and support me. I will never forget their commitment to their country or their kindness to me. And I ask for their continued prayers as, over the next two years, I continue to focus on the same the same issues of national security, border security, free enterprise economic growth, and protecting the constitutional rights of life, liberty, and property for all Americans that I pray have marked and will continue to mark my public service career.

“I am grateful to God, to my family, and to those who have supported me for so long for that profound privilege.”

Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Friday Poll: Which Republican should run for CD-2?

March 25, 2011 By 22 Comments

This week’s Friday Poll is now up and we’re asking which Republican should run for CD-2 should Congressman Trent Franks enter the race for US Senate?

We’ve ruled out a number of potential candidates who we know have not shown any interest but we’re allowing “Other” to be an option in the poll.

Again, the poll will be open one week and repeat voting is blocked in an attempt to make the poll more accurate.

Cast your vote!

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Polls Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Trent Franks seriously considering US Senate bid

March 7, 2011 By 15 Comments

The East Valley Tribune is reporting that Congressman Trent Franks is evaluating whether or not he should enter the race for US Senate in Arizona. Unlike Congressman Jeff Flake who announced literally days after Jon Kyl’s retirement announcement, Congressman Trent Frank is taking more time to weigh the decision as he prays and seeks counsel with his constituents.

At a West Valley Republican meeting this last Saturday, Congressman Franks spoke about the decision which was also prodded by a spontaneous poll of its members. He received overwhelming support for a potential bid.

Franks also discussed three major areas which he believes are critical to our national survival: the economy, national security and Constitutional adherence. The congressman currently serves on several subcommittees for the House Armed Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee where he plays a strong role is support of national defense and the fight against international terrorism. He is also one the strongest advocates for protecting marriage and the human rights of the unborn.

Congressman Franks is expected to make a decision by April 7th.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials Tagged With:

Reagan Day Dinner and Fundraiser – This Saturday!

March 7, 2011 By

Please join Congressman Trent Franks, State Senate President Russell Pearce, and State Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey in this traditional event honoring our great conservative Republican President Reagan. There will also be a special video message from Congressman David Schweikert.

Mountain View Lutheran Church (Hall)
11002 S. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ

5:30 – 8:30 PM

Tickets: $25
(Purchase Online)

SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorship tables and commemorative program ad space are available here. Donations of items for the Silent Auction or Raffle are also needed and would be very welcome.

SCHEDULE:
5:30 Sign In/Silent Auction Opens
6:00 Social
6:30 Dinner and Program

DINNER MENU:
Baked Seasoned Italiano Chicken
Pasta With Marinara or Alfredo Sauce
Steamed Vegetables, Asparagus
Caesar Salad
Rolls and ButterDessert and Beverages

For more information, please call (480) 560-4268 or (520) 709-2311

Sponsored by Arizona Liberty Project PAC

 

 

 

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Special Event Tagged With: , , , ,

Run Trent Run!

March 3, 2011 By 32 Comments

(Not paid for or authorized by Congressman Trent Franks or anyone associated with Congressman Trent Franks or any of his political campaign committees.)
Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections Tagged With:

Franks Responds to DADT Report

December 3, 2010 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bethany Haley or Ben Carnes at (202) 225-4576

Calls On President Obama to Refrain from Social Engineering with our Armed Forces During a Time of War

December 2, 2010 — Following a briefing by Jeh Johnson, General Counsel for the Department of Defense, and General Carter Ham, the U.S. Army’s Commanding Officer in Europe, on the Pentagon’s new report on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and in light of recent attempts by Congressional Democrats to overturn current military policy, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today released the following statement urging Democrats to stop using our military as a test bed for their own radical social agenda:

“It is disturbing to me that despite the fact that an overwhelming number of our commanding generals oppose repealing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy, particularly during a time of war, the Obama Administration is insisting on imposing its ideological commitment to ‘fundamentally transform America’ on the men and women of our armed forces who even today are fighting to keep us all free.

“The DOD report cited as evidence justifying the repeal of this policy was obviously engineered to bring about a predetermined result. It also remains to be seen whether a climate of intimidation helped generate some of the survey findings. The fact is, in repeated Armed Services Committee hearings, our warfighters have raised concerns that the implications of repealing DADT have not been given full consideration as they should, in public hearings as well as in the public forum.

“Just today, a coalition of 40 million Americans sent a letter to Senators urging them not to repeal DADT. Among the concerns they raise is also the potential effect that repealing DADT would have on religious freedom. Those who oppose a repeal of DADT have already been labeled “bigots” by one general, and it is possible that chaplains would be forbidden to teach about their denomination’s position on homosexuality were the repeal to pass. Furthermore, they point out that the time between the release of the DOD report and adjournment is simply inadequate to thoroughly investigate all these related issues.

“Either Democrats’ have not fully realized the negative impact a repeal of this policy would have, or they don’t care. Either way, their blind commitment to social engineering and ramming a DADT repeal through the Congress will have a tangible and potentially dangerous effect upon our service men and women on the ground.”

Attached is a copy of the coalition letter referenced above. It can also be accessed here.

Congressman Franks is serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee, Military Readiness Subcommittee, Committee on the Judiciary, Constitution Subcommittee, and is Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Filed Under: Culture, LGBT, Military, Press Release Tagged With: , ,

Bonus Time for AZ Congressional Staffers

December 22, 2009 By 24 Comments

Well, as always it’s party time for Congress, and the party never stops.

PHOENIX — While dealing with the “greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression”, seven Arizona congressional representatives handed out around $300,000 in staff bonuses in late 2008.

  • Former Republican Rep. Rick Renzi, who had already been indicted on fraud charges and was serving the final days of his term, was the most generous, splitting $136,000 among 12 staff members.
  • Among House members still in office, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a Democrat, was tops, distributing $52,000 to 16 employees.
  • Republican Jeff Flake, who gave $36,000 to 13 employees
  • Democrat Harry Mitchell gave $38,000 to 10 employees.
  • Republican Rep. Trent Franks gave $22,000 to nine employees.
  • Republican John Shadegg gave $24,000 to nine employees.
  • Democrat Ed Pastor gave $13,500 to nine employees.
  • Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick took office in 2009, replacing Renzi. An e-mailed statement from chief of staff Michael Frias said Kirkpatrick likely would award bonuses for 2009, though a final decision hadn’t been made as of November.

But it’s not just about the bonuses. It’s about the overall staff sizes of those who “represent” us. Here’s the current breakdown for the AZ Representatives through 9/30/09.

D1 – Ann Kirkpatrick (D) $469,372
D2 – Trent Franks ® $727,127
D3 – John Shadegg ® $790,536
D4 – Ed Pastor (D) $607,993
D5 – Harry Mitchell (D) $654,128
D6 – Jeff Flake ® $728,819
D7 – Raul Grijalva (D) $808,687
D8 – Gabrielle Giffords (D) $761,579

Source: http://www.legistorm.com/browse_by_representative/index.html

That adds up to $5.5 million ANNUALLY.  Don’t know about you, but whenever I call my congressman’s office to get an answer regarding legislation, I can NEVER get a atrraight answer.  Just the usual ‘I can pass your message along to the congressman”.   That’s a lot of money for staffers who do nothing but act as answering machines and email spammers. So the next time your congressman tells you he’s down with the struggle of the American people or he feels the pain and challenges of “folks at the grass-roots” level, remember they are still doling out tax-dollar bonus money for their “peeps”. Nice work if you can get.

Filed Under: Federal Budget, Government, State Government Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Press Release: Congressman Franks Demands Vote on Energy Legislation

August 6, 2008 By 4 Comments

For Immediate Release: August 6, 2008
Contact: Bethany Barker, (202) 225-4576

Franks Announces Intention to Return to Congress, Join Republican Fight for a Fair Vote on Energy Legislation

August 6, 2008 – U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) announced his intention to return to Washington, D.C. the week of August 11th, 2008, and join House Republicans in taking to the House Floor to protest the reckless decision made by Democrat Leadership to force Congress to adjourn for the five-week summer recess without considering comprehensive energy legislation or even allowing an up-or-down vote on an “all of the above” energy bill that would truly help to lower gas prices for the American people.

“Once again Speaker Pelosi and Democrat leaders of Congress have broken trust with the American people and shown themselves to be completely indifferent to reality.  Over the past several months, the consequences of Democrat intransigence have been borne by literally hundreds of millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet through the summer months.  The impact of skyrocketing gas prices has been felt across the economic spectrum – from individuals who cannot afford to even drive to work, to small business having to scale back on employment to stay afloat, to charities, school buses, and law enforcement, all being forced to reduce the vital services they offer their communities.

“When three in four Americans believe that Congress should act NOW to increase our supply of American energy and eliminate our dependence on foreign, unstable sources of oil, it is unconscionable for Democrat leaders of the People’s House to continue ignoring and defying the will of those individuals we represent.  Not only is it a dereliction of duty, but it continues to jeopardize our national security and place us further in the grip of OPEC nations who have no compulsion to act in the best interest of American citizens.

“Republicans have offered bill after bill that would facilitate an ‘all of the above’ approach to America’s energy policy, and would begin to allow responsible drilling in America’s vast energy reserves currently being kept under federal lock and key.  I applaud the 17 Democrats who joined Republicans in voting against the Adjournment Resolution today and thereby calling on Democrat leadership to allow an up-or-down vote on legislation that would address the number one concern of the American people and actually help to bring down gas prices.

“I look forward to joining my colleagues who are choosing to stand firm and demand a fair vote on energy legislation on behalf of the American people.”

Congress narrowly passed an adjournment resolution on Friday, August 1st, by a vote of 213-212, without a single Republican voting in the affirmative, and 17 Democrats voting with Republicans to keep Congress in session until it helps to address the energy crisis being felt by hundreds of millions of hardworking Americans.

Congressman Franks is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Military Readiness Subcommittee, Committee on the Judiciary, and is Ranking Member on the Constitution Subcommittee.

Filed Under: Energy, Legislation, Press Release Tagged With: ,
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