It is important that our government step in and -- and make some real change, fundamental changes.

Mr. Speaker, a recent report has shown that enrollment in high-deductible health plans associated with health savings accounts grew by 25 percent in 2009 to a total of 10 million Americans. These plans, which often provide the…

And I have got to say this. The minority, the House Republican leader, John Boehner, says there's too many hearings? He has spent too much time under a tanning light, man. We're not having enough hearings. That's the only way that we're…

With that, I relinquish the floor and thank my colleague for the courtesy of letting me call it up. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont. Amendment No. 4318

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To ensure that any new revenues to the Oil Spill Liability…

And if we don't have the power to do that under the act, then change the act. It is just a stupid act of Congress. It can be changed instantly.

And, finally, BP lawyers -- BP lawyers delivered the tape to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. That's how we got it.

I have a bill directly on point that lifts all liability caps on BP for this event, but also sets up an expedited claim process.

This bill is very simple. You have it before you. It does two things. First of all it removes any and all liability cap on BP for this event.

It absolutely does that without equivocation to give certainty on that issue to the people of the Gulf Coast who are going through an ongoing crisis.

It establishes an expedited claims process because it is crucial that these folks not just be made whole eventually, but they start to be made whole now because they are struggling month to month.

The point is that we need a permanent revision of the law, but there is clearly disagreement about how to do that.

I apologize to Senator Lautenberg. As a member of the Committee coming from the most affected State by this ongoing crisis, for having the gall to have legislation to try to address it now.

I would again urge us and plead that we can act to address the ongoing crisis in the Gulf through a focused bill.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Gulf Oilspill

Mr. President, I come to the floor to talk about the ongoing oil disaster in the gulf. Being from Louisiana, we view this, correctly, as an ongoing disaster. This is not history. This is not a past event. This is not just some issue to…

And, by the way, if it takes an act of Congress, do then it.

We have got to treat this like it's an invasion.