Political Quotes

“It is now day 37 of the oil spill. We are no closer to finding a solution to this crisis than we were on day one. Oil continues to pour into the gulf at an unprecedented rate, significantly more than the estimate of 5,000 barrels a day. Oil has reached deep into the Louisiana marshes. Tar balls have washed up on the shores of Alabama and Mississippi. As long as this oil continues to flow into the gulf we have a real and unprecedented disaster. On May 18, I requested that the Secretary of Commerce declare a fisheries disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama's fishing industry represents one of the largest economic engines in the State, accounting for more than $800 million in annual sales and nearly 18,000 jobs. Now, it is up to Congress to ensure that our fishermen who will be adversely impacted by this oil spill for years to come receive adequate assistance. Today, I offer an amendment to help our gulf coast communities mitigate the disastrous effects of the oil spill. This amendment is not more spending but offset from the oil spill liability trust fund.”