House Republicans Leave Committee Meeting in Protest
SANTA FE – House Republican members serving on the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee left a hearing on Thursday after the committee chair demanded Republicans stop asking questions. House Republicans raised concerns the bill would increase energy costs on customers.
During questions on the bill, committee chair Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Santa Fe) said "I'm frustrated by the pace of the discussion, the round-about questions. I'd like to move on." The chair then cut off further debate on the bill to force a vote.
House Republican members expressed concern the bill before the committee would raise energy costs on customers. "My concern is to make sure that every American gets the lowest cost power that is continually available," said Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) during the hearing.
As House Republicans worked to ask questions in an open and public meeting, the committee chair suggested instead they discuss their concerns away from the public. "I intend to meet with them outside this meeting, I encourage you to do the same," the chair said.
