August 14, 2008– U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) once again participated yesterday in the historic Republican Floor protest taking place at the United States Capitol.  Despite the Majority Leadership choosing to close down the House Floor and turn off all cameras on Friday, August 1st— forcing adjournment of the House for the five week recess— Republicans have continued their fight for a fair, open vote on energy, by forgoing the August District Work Period and returning to the Capitol to speak before large crowds of visitors and constituents.

“Energy independence is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it is an American issue.” Franks stated. “Whenever this nation has rallied its energies and collective genius, America has proven itself equal to every great challenge and crisis in its history.  Yet, the American people continue to be robbed of their voice by the Speaker of the People’s House, who has opted to engage on a book tour rather than allow a vote the American Energy Act.

"Every day, my office fields calls from constituents who are infuriated with the status quo in Washington.  It is both a duty and privilege for me to join with my colleagues in Congress who are forgoing time to work in their districts and spend time with their families, and are instead returning to Washington and demonstrating their commitment to breaking our reliance on foreign energy on behalf of the hundreds of millions of Americans whose voices have been completely silenced in this debate.”