A visit to the "Great Minnesota Get-Together"

AUGUST 22, 2008 – I spent this afternoon at the Minnesota State Fair, where I visited with Minnesotans to hear what issues are on their minds. As they have throughout the spring and summer, constituents continue to share with me their frustration with the high costs of gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas. I can certainly identify. As I told them, I firmly believe Congress should not be spending the entire month of August on vacation while Americans continue to pump their paychecks into their gas tanks.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi should call Members of Congress back from their paid vacation so they can vote on the “American Energy Act.” This common-sense, bipartisan bill would lower gas prices and help make America more energy independent by encouraging more conservation and efficiency, promoting the use of alterative and renewable fuels, and expanding drilling on remote lands and far off American shores in an environmentally-safe way.

In addition to visiting with constituents and other Minnesotans at the State Fair, I took the opportunity to raise awareness about the need for a comprehensive energy plan that increases American-made energy in all forms, including - most importantly - domestic drilling by participating in a number of interviews on Minnesota radio stations. I was pleased to talk with the hosts of several live radio programs earlier today.

The State Fair truly lives up to its nickname – “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” If you haven’t already, I encourage you and your family to take part in the fun.