With back-to-school season approaching, House Republicans on Wednesday unveiled a new weapon for blasting Democrats on their no-new-drilling energy policy: teachers.

During a GOP Conference meeting, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Rep. Howard McKeon (R-Calif.) pointed to a new Web site where Republicans can use an online survey over the August recess to gather input from school officials, teachers and parents impacted by surging gas prices.

Members will then be encouraged to use that information to bolster the GOP energy proposal, which includes offshore drilling among its solutions to lowering gas prices, when they return to Congress in September.

“It’s important for Congress to communicate directly with education stakeholders from across the country to learn how they are coping with today’s soaring energy costs, and it’s important that we understand the consequences of Congress’ failure to vote on legislation that will lower fuel costs for American families, small businesses, and schools,” Boehner said.

The survey is on the House Education and Labor Committee Republican Web site.