Barbara Boxer: “First, let me say there are 777 companies that are not impacted at all by this Interior rule, but there are 44 companies…”

“First, let me say there are 777 companies that are not impacted at all by this Interior rule, but there are 44 companies that are impacted. Let me say to my colleague, I voted to help the small oil companies. I was proud to support the Domenici amendment. We took it up recently when we helped the steel companies. If we want to help the oil companies because they are having tough times, I will be right there. If there are reasons to help smaller companies, I am right there. And I have always been right there. But it seems to me we can't stand on the floor of the Senate and help the largest oil companies--most of these are the largest; not all, but most--5 percent of the oil companies that are out-and-out cheating the taxpayers. We know it because it has been testified to in a court of law, and we know it because they have been settling these cases all over the country. My friend should feel very comfortable when he opposes the Hutchison amendment case that he is impacting only 5 percent.”