During his State of the Union speech, President Obama talked about opening up more opportunities for offshore oil drilling and natural gas production. Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais of Jasper says House Republicans have already taken action. He says the House passed a bill eight months ago that eases rules on natural gas exploration.

“He was talking about getting rid of regulations, he was talking about lifting moratoriums on off-shore drilling. That was something we sent to him eight months ago, so I’m hoping he’s willing to sit down and start working this true all-in energy approach.

DesJarlais says he wanted to hear more from the President on what to do about the nation’s budget deficit. He’s co-sponsor of a bill with Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper that would dock congressional pay if lawmakers don’t pass a budget on time.

The President also proposed that Congress use the savings from winding down the Iraq War to pay down the national debt, which now more than 15 trillion dollars. Tennessee Republican Bob Corker says President Obama’s plan was long on platitudes and short on details.

“I thought he missed the greatest threat to our country, which is our own fiscal situation. I wish he had spent more time talking on the biggest issue we face, and that’s our inability to discipline ourselves. Hopefully Congress will take that up.”

Last year, a Congressional supercommittee failed to reach a deal on long-term deficit reduction. As a result, automatic spending cuts are set to take effect in 2013.

Matt Laslo contributed to this report.