NATCHEZ — Natchez residents came out to meet with U.S. House Representative Tuesday morning over cereal and sausages.

U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Mississippi, visited the Natchez Grand Hotel to meet with Natchez residents, who ate breakfast with the congressman, listened to him speak and asked him questions.

Harper represents Mississippi’s third congressional district, which includes Natchez, Brookhaven, Meridian, Starkville and parts of Jackson.

Harper took the breakfast as an opportunity to discuss his energy policies with the nearly 100 people present.

“If you see where we are in southwest Mississippi, you have to look to look at the resources we have,” Harper said.

Harper had met with regional energy companies Monday to discuss regulations, and how he can support domestic energy in and around the Miss-Lou.

Harper’s focus on energy was a relief to Aaron Shermer, Vice President of Business Development for Great River Industries.

Shermer did not plan to go to the breakfast, but was happy he did so he could ask Harper a question.

“I always have a question to ask,” Shermer said. “I always believe in asking it.”

Shermer’s question was about how the clean coal initiatives coming out of Washington, D.C., would affect GRI’s industry in Natchez.

Shermer said he already knew how Harper was going to answer because the GRI employee keeps up any legislation on coal. But the Natchez resident said it’s always good to hear it straight from the source.

Harper also discussed his family, his history and his time in Natchez.

“The only problem with coming to Natchez is not being able to stay long enough,” Harper said.

Harper also received an award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for maintaining a pro-business voting record.

Moore Hallmark, who is the Executive Director of the Southeast region for the Chamber of Commerce, presented Harper with the award.

Hallmark said the Chamber of Commerce keeps up with the voting records of all the members of Congress to decide whom to endorse in upcoming elections.

“We were looking for an opportunity to get out of the congressional district and into the home districts,” Hallmark said. “Just to say ‘thank you.’”