Political Quotes

“If I may follow up with the Senator from Louisiana on the expedited claims process, this is something we heard yesterday, the concerns from those saying they don't believe the claims process is transparent, is efficient, is easy enough. Are there the translators necessary to help those, for instance, Vietnamese shrimpers? Do we have the processes in place? If I understand the intention of the Senator from Louisiana with the expedited claims process, it is designed to not only make it more transparent but make it more readily accessible in terms of multiple resource centers; also establishes an advisory committee that consists of representatives of claimants of the responsible parties. We heard yesterday that people who have been affected want to know they are dealing with somebody in a position of authority to answer their questions, address their concerns. We understand that within this advisory committee on Deepwater Horizon compensation, these individuals will advise the administrator. There are also other provisions that are designed to protect the interests of the claimants, one of which I think is very important; that is, that those who may have filed incomplete claims because they simply were not aware of all the information that is needed, are notified by the administrator and allow the administrator to conduct hearings in a manner that best determines the rights of the parties. I think it is critically important that these processes be put in place.”