I’ve outlined in previous blog postings about how Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA-10) claims to support the middle class through tax incentives and also seems to promote job creation.  Yet his actions speak louder than his words, to use an oft-quoted axiom.

On May 6, 2010, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, on a 246-161 vote.  This act, among other things, would “create jobs, save energy, and lower families’ energy bills”.  The act would authorize rebates between $3,000 and $8,000 for homeowners who upgrade their homes to be more energy-efficient. The jobs would be created in the construction industry (along with construction-related sectors), and would potentially offer benefits to 3 million homeowners.

Yet, Rep. Wolf voted “no” on H.R. 5019. In the past, Rep. Wolf has voted against Democratic proposals simply on the basis of party politics. Yet on this bill, a number of Republicans voted “Yea” (Maryland Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, for one), so party politics may not be entirely to blame.  It could have something to do with funding, yet the CBO states:

“Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues”

Nowhere on Rep. Wolf’s campaign website does it mention anything about protecting the environment or creating private sector jobs,  but on his official House website, he does state that he supports conservation and energy efficiency. It looks, though, as if that only applies to conserving fuel, not the energy in your homes.

He does support H.R. 2846, the American Energy Act, which provides “tax incentives to businesses and homeowners that improve energy efficiency”, but that bill is heavily tilted towards supporting off-shore oil drilling. That bill was sponsored by House Minority leader John Boehner (R-OH), and is currently in committee. H.R. 5019 was sponsored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), so that could explain his ambivalence.

Nevertheless, when it comes to supporting job creation, energy efficiency, and tax incentives for homeowners, Frank Wolf continues to play politics, while Jeff Barnett, Democratic candidate for the 10th district of Virginia is actually looking out for your best interests.