Recess has come to an end and Congress is back in action, ready to debate "The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" (ACES). The fun starts Wednesday as representatives make it their business to get America's energy policies back on track. Democrats and Republicans are divided on the issue, no doubt, and hard hitting debates are set to ensue.

In response to the Democrat bill, sponsored by Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee and Select Committee on Global Warming, Republicans have created the GOP Energy Solutions Group.

While Democrats' tout the global merits of ACES, they fail to emphasize the pricy tax increases that come with it. President Obama has admitted this legislation will be paid for by the American taxpayer. The Heritage Foundation reports the most disturbing aspect of the bill is "cap and trade," which could cost $1.9 trillion in just eight years, causing every American household a $2,000 annual tax.

“As gasoline prices skyrocketed to record levels last summer, Republicans consistently advocated an all-of-the-above strategy to create up to one million new jobs in the United States by increasing American energy production, encouraging greater efficiency and conservation, and promoting the use of alternative fuels," said House Leader John Boehner on the unveiling of the energy working group. 

The Congressional energy discussion will allow Members to hear from their colleagues, professionals in the industry, researchers and leaders in the energy field. Stay tuned to GOP.gov for the latest on the energy debates.