GOP Talkathon To Continue 'as Long As It Takes'

House Republicans vowed to continue their talkathon on the House floor "as long as it takes," saying Monday they would continue their protest indefinitely if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does not allow for a vote on domestic oil drilling.

"There are plans underway to be here into next week," said Rep. Mike Pence, one of the organizers of the protest. "We will be here as long as it takes."

Aides to House Minority Leader John Boehner said he was expected to return to Washington at the end of the week. House Minority Whip Roy Blunt was expected to return mid-week, according to his aides.

With 24 members already back in Washington as of noon Monday, lawmakers said reinforcements were on their way.

Rep. Peter J. Roskam of Illinois said he got the call on Sunday afternoon and drove through the night, pulling into the Capitol just before daybreak.

"We loaded up the minivan just like the Griswolds," said Roskam, referencing the classic Chevy Chase movie "National Lampoon's Vacation."

No word if Roskam saw Christie Brinkley on the highway in a red Ferrari.