U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, the Cape Coral Republican who got his political start representing Broward and a portion of Palm Beach County in the state House, joined most congressional Republicans in voting against the sweeping climate legislation that squeaked through the House on a 219-212 vote Friday.

Only eight House Republicans voted for the bill. One of them was Mack’s wife, U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif.

Read their dueling statements after the jump…..

Mack’s office called the bill “costly and burdensome legislation that would impose a national energy tax on hardworking American families and businesses, drastically expand the scope of federal regulations, and impact virtually every aspect of our economy.”

The congressman himself was quoted as saying: “Instead of implementing a policy of cap-and-trade, which vastly expands government interference in the private sector, we must be bold and create an environment that uses tax incentives and regulatory reform to ignite a storm of innovation which unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit in America.

“We must diversify our energy supply and ensure America remains the leading energy innovator in the world. We should look into developing a wide range of technologies to diversify our energy supply, including nuclear, clean coal, renewable energy, offshore oil and natural gas drilling, wind, solar, and biofuels, among others.

“I am confident that we can lower energy costs, create jobs, and protect our environment at the same time, without enacting a huge tax on the American people.”

And here’s U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack’s statement:

“It’s beyond time for our nation to become energy independent and embrace future energy sources. While not perfect, this bill takes bold steps forward that will help create new green jobs, build a stronger, more sustainable American energy supply and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“There’s much work to be done before this bill becomes law, and I will continue to seek bipartisan improvements that will move us forward in the most cost-efficient way and benefit all Americans.”

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