Nathan Straus Photo Congressman Jeb Hensarling meets with citizens to discuss the American Energy Act during his visit to Chandler. Chandler residents got an opportunity to meet with U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) Wednesday, August 13. Hensarling spoke with citizens as part of his tour of East Texas to promote a vote on the American Energy Act.

The get-together took place at the Chandler Kidd Jones Valero gas station at about 10:45 am. Hensarling brought a petition demanding Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi allow an up-or-down vote on comprehensive legislation to develop more American energy.

"We've got 85 percent of our offshore resources that are illegal to develop," Hensarling said, "and 75 percent of our on-shore resources are also illegal to develop.

People in East Texas are struggling to fill up their tank, and I'm trying to get a petition to the Speaker to at least allow a vote on this."

Hensarling added so far not one person has declined to sign the petition.

"I think East Texas has been giving better reception to this than the rest of the country," he said. "I believe the national poll lists somewhere around 75 percent approval on this, while East Texas is closer to 85-90 percent."

Hensarling called the American Energy Act the "Anything but Foreign Oil" Act.

After leaving Chandler, one of Hensarling's first few stops on his tour, he had around 100 signatures.

"Let the peoples' voice be heard," Hensarling said.

"This is the number one concern in America. We can do this as a nation, we just have to decide to do it.

"Madame Speaker, let our people vote," he added.

Hensarling's congressional staff will visit Chandler on August 28. The staff will be available at the Chandler Community Center from 2-3 pm to meet with constituents requiring assistance with federal government agencies.