John Stephen Blasts Congress' Inaction In Taking A Vacation

For Immediate Release                                                                                                  Greg MooreJuly 30, 2008                                                                                                  (603) 206-1223 x1013
John Stephen Blasts Congress' Inaction In Taking A VacationCongressional Candidate Says Action Needed On Energy Before 5-Week Break
MANCHESTER, NH- 1st District Congressional candidate John Stephen today blasted the House of Representatives inaction on energy legislation before taking a 5-week vacation today.  The House voted 213-212 to take a break before voting on critical legislation to expand the nation's energy supply and extend alternative energy tax credits.  Rep. Carol Shea-Porter cast the deciding vote to send the House home for recess.
"We've had enough waiting; Congress' inaction on energy is what brought us $4 a gallon gasoline," said Stephen.  "When we need solutions, the House is voting to give itself a vacation, not deal with the energy crisis in our nation today.  Average Americans can't afford to travel this year because of high gas prices, but members of Congress will be driving through their districts, on the campaign trail.  As they pass the gas stations across their district, they should think about the many people who are struggling with the high costs of filling their tanks, because Congress refuses to act to energy legislation."
Yesterday, Stephen released his Roadmap for Energy Independence, a strategy to break America's reliance on foreign oil and create innovative strategies to meet the countries long-term energy goals.  The plan promotes conservation, lifts restrictions on drilling in Alaska and offshore as well as federal barriers for oil shale and tar sand.  In addition, it provides regulatory relief for new energy technology and building nuclear plants and refineries.
"It's about time President Bush, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid got together and found common ground to find answers to help get oil and gas prices down," added Stephen.  "There certainly are areas where they can agree and move forward on components that will bring results now.  I have a long-term, comprehensive plan for energy independence, but there are sections that can be done right now that will help to cut prices and help the environment."