John Stephen Says President Should Call Congress Back To Work

For Immediate Release                                          Greg MooreAugust 5, 2008                                     (603) 206-1223 x1013
John Stephen Says President Should Call Congress Back To WorkCandidate Says Congress' Must End Vacation And Find Energy Solutions
MANCHESTER, NH- 1st District Congressional candidate John Stephen today called on President Bush to call Congress back from its five week vacation for a special session to solve the nation's energy crisis.  In a letter to the President from the House Republican Study Committee, Reps. Mike Pence and Jeb Hensarling requested that Bush convene a special session, bringing Congress back from its break to vote on energy bills sitting before the House and Senate.
"It's time for Congress to get to work for once to find solutions for our energy needs," said Stephen.  "Americans are struggling to pay their gas bills and our representatives chose to take a vacation instead of working to fix the problem.  Congress has failed, so now the President should step up and call them back to work until we can find a resolution that begins to get the price of gas and oil down for the working families of New Hampshire and across the country."
Through a spokesman, Bush indicated that he did not have plans to call Congress back to session, according The Hill newspaper.  The President has the authority under the Constitution to convene a special session while Congress is on break.
"President Bush should reconsider and call Congress back so that they can get the job done," added Stephen.  "This isn't about a political party, it's about values.  Getting the price of gas down isn't a Republican, Democrat or Independent issue; it's about helping the American people.  We need to work together and, at the least, start having some votes on the floor.  We can all agree on three common goals:  energy independence, lowering gas prices and protecting the environment.  Everything should be on the table.  We need to get everyone on the same page and start to take action.  We can't wait any longer."