The high cost of gas and American dependence on foreign oil have become hot topics on Capitol Hill. In Congress, legislators on each side of the aisle are proposing very different solutions. Last friday, Republicans spoke up just before summer break, calling Nancy Pelosi to reconvene the U.S. House of Representatives.

It's the latest chapter in a bizarre protest. On the last day before Congress took it's 5-week summer recess, Republicans staged a sit-in, calling attention to what they consider irresponsibility by Democrats for not passing energy policy.

Congressman Dean Heller went back to Washington Thursday. He says, "Everyone knows plan A and B- we oughta bring these two together."

in an exclusive satellite interview, Congressman Heller tells KOLO 8 News Now, the protest is gaining momentum. With the House chamber closed for August, G.O.P. members are speaking to the public without microphones or even lights.

Congressman Heller says, "I think the fact that we're talking to a packed house- this protest has a life of its own. It's being generated by the American people."

In a letter to the House Republican leader, Speaker Pelosi calls the move too little, too late. She says, "To date, Democrats have brought forward 13 major initiatives to accomplish the above goals and each time a majority of house republicans have voted against these proposals." However, with energy at the top of everyone's mind, the votes may be different.

According to Congressman Heller, "If there was a vote today, I believe the all of the above energy policy would pass. So it's just a matter of Pelosi bringing it to the floor for a vote." Until that happens, G.O.P. members say they'll continue to speak out.

Republicans are putting forward a 3 tiered plan: conservation, renewable energy and additional offshore drilling. The sticking point for democrats: drilling. Not only do they argue it's environmental effects; they say it wouldn't reach the market until 2017 and the impact on prices would be insignificant.