Back to Washington to Join Energy Protest

As many of you know, Speaker Pelosi adjourned the House of Representative on August 1st. Since that day, a rotating group of Republican Congressmen has stayed behind as a symbol to the American people of our desire to pass a historic and comprehensive “All of the Above” energy bill known as the American Energy Act. Every weekday, Republican members (in groups of 8-15 a day) have come to the floor without CSPAN cameras, microphones, or even full lighting to address the American people and other tourists passing through. Though restricted to the gallery (balcony) when the House is in session, we have invited the American people to sit in the members’ chairs on the House floor and participate in this unique moment in history.

From the day I got back to Texas, I have been crisscrossing the 24th District meeting with civic groups, local public officials, seniors, veterans, and business leaders, hearing firsthand about how energy prices have affected them. Though I would have liked to be at the energy protest earlier, I had many longstanding commitments I felt necessary to keep. On Tuesday, September 2nd, I will travel back to Washington to lend my voice – and yours – to the energy debate.

We should pass a bipartisan bill that includes:

1) increased domestic energy exploration and production;
2) incentives for conservation and fuel-efficiency; and
3) increased funding for research into alternative and renewable energy technologies.

We cannot afford to do only one prong of this approach; our future energy independence, fiscal stability, and national security depend on making a bold decision to do it all. We need to tackle the energy crisis from all sides with conventional fossil fuels serving as a bridge to alternative technologies until they can be brought on line. From schools to police departments to small businesses, the energy crisis is affecting public safety, commerce, and consumer purchasing power in a real way. The time to act is now.

In the 24th District

North Texas Congressmen Convene Energy Forum
On the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington, I joined Rep. Joe Barton (the organizer), Rep. Sam Johnson, Rep. Michael Burgess, and Rep. Pete Sessions at a regional energy forum. The forum, open to the public, included representatives from a variety of industries including: airlines; steelmakers; electric companies; regulators; and producers. After welcoming remarks from UTA President James Spaniolo, the Congressmen provided opening statements. My remarks focused specifically on the need for America to consider nuclear energy as part of a multi-pronged strategy to lessen our dependence upon foreign energy. Though it’s not a politically appealing to talk about nuclear energy, the fact remains that nuclear energy is clean-burning and recyclable. France, a country I would not normally be inclined to model ourselves after, relies on 80% of its energy from domestic nuclear energy. We must think outside the box and work in a bipartisan way to solve our energy crisis and nuclear power is one option that should be on the table for serious consideration.

Local Issues Matter
Former House Speaker Tip O’Neill used to say all politics is local; that still rings true today. While many of the needs and issues confronting the people of the 24th District are similar, I take great care in getting to know and understand the everyday concerns of my constituents on a micro level. I had the pleasure of meeting with Chris Brown, a Bedford City Councilman, to discuss the future of Bedford and the needs of the city. At 19, Councilman Brown, a University of North Texas student, is a role model for young people who aspire to become involved in policy and politics. During my meeting with Councilman Brown, I was reminded of my time as Councilman and Mayor of Carrollton and how important it was to feel the pulse of the community. Not surprisingly, many of the same issues – taxes and energy – which are prevalent at the federal level also have great salience at the local level.     

Builders Feeling the Effects of the Mortgage Crisis
New home sales are one of the leading indicators of the state of the economy. I met with Scott Sandlin of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association to discuss the challenges facing builders with fewer Americans purchasing new homes and the First Time Home Buyers Program. We also discussed the recent Mortgage Bailout Bill that I voted against in July. Though I supported some provisions of the bill, specifically Federal Housing Administration modernization and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform, the bill that passed the House was the model of bad policy. The bill: 1) abdicates congressional oversight authority and power of the purse to the Treasury Department for future bailout actions; 2) makes the federal government a landlord; 3) balances enormous financial risk and liability on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers; and 4) creates a permanent entitlement slush fund to subsidize left-wing political activist groups. As is all too common with legislation that passes through the House, much of the good legislation that should pass into law is stuffed like a burrito with wasteful and unnecessary add-ons. I like burritos, but this was one burrito I could not bite into.

Informal Constituent Meeting
From time to time, I am asked to meet informally with small groups of constituents to discuss public policy. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with 30 Southlake residents. The topic of discussion did not focus on one particular issue and, in fact, was more of a survey of a whole host of important topics affecting residents of the 24th District.

Energy Predominates Discussion in Tarrant County
Energy took center stage as I met with about 50 or 60 constituents from Tarrant County. As part of a lively discussion, I fielded questions about the American Energy Act, a bill of which I am an original cosponsor. I spoke of my belief that America can become energy independent with an energy bill that includes an array of ideas that have broad bipartisan support in Congress.  

Analog Television to go Digital
I often meet with trade associations to see how federal policies affect their industries. Meeting with the National Association of Broadcasters, we discussed the conversion of analog television over to digital television on February of 2009 and the need to spread word to the public about the availability of vouchers for converter boxes for those currently without digital television. For more information, please visit www.dtv.gov.

Higher Education in Farmers Branch
Dallas Christian College, nestled near I-35E and LBJ Freeway, is a shining example of higher education in the 24th District. I was pleased to talk to its President, Dusty Rubeck, about the long-term plans for Dallas Christian College in Farmers Branch including viewing the new campus master plan and discussing the value of having an institution of Dallas Christian College’s caliber in the 24th District.

I am honored to represent the 24th District of Texas, and appreciate your interest in my e-newsletter.  Please contact my District or DC office with any further questions you may have or visit my website at www.marchant.house.gov.