House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-CA) today issued the following statement regarding plans for floor consideration of the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act:

“Even with the possible addition of floor action on legislation to extend the payroll tax cut for the remainder of the year, we will still consider the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act this week.

“Republicans pledged to pass bills in a more transparent manner and reverse the era of quickly moving massive bills across the floor without proper examination.  Accordingly, the energy/infrastructure jobs plan will be considered on the floor in the same manner in which it was written and voted upon in committee – in separate pieces, allowing each major component of the plan to be debated and amended more openly, rather than as a single ‘comprehensive’ bill with limited debate and limited opportunity for amendment.  

“Hundreds of amendments relating to the energy/infrastructure jobs package have already been offered in committee, and we are determined to allow as many members to participate and offer their amendments on the floor as possible.  The process will facilitate this.

“This more open, inclusive process will continue the contrast between the new Republican majority in the House and the previous Democratic majority, whose preference for large bills with limited debate and minimal opportunities for amendment infamously resulted in flawed legislation.”

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