Barbara Boxer

Without objection. So ordered.

Here is where we are. There is a lot of interest, so I am going to have to ask you to stay, gentlemen, until we come back.

We cannot have a world where people say one thing before they get a permit and then just act like they never said it.

That was my question. Thank you.

So, let us just say the well owner does not do it. Do you feel you have any responsibility to urge them to do it given what did happen in Australia?

And make that available to us.

I understand it is far more than has been released. Would you get back to this Committee?

We need dollars right now in the Gulf States to mitigate and prevent this oil from doing tremendous environmental and economic harm.

I think it is very reasonable to expect that you ought to consider raising that liability for economic damage to at least $10 billion.

Oil drilling is a 19th century answer to a 21st century problem. It is inherently dangerous, inherently dirty, and inherently destructive to our environment.

But by the same token, if the Federal officials failed to exercise proper oversight or implement specific requirements, then we will hold them accountable, too.

If we find gross negligence or other violations of Federal law on the part of oil companies and their subcontractors, then we will hold them accountable.

We need to remember that even if we halted all offshore drilling, all we would be doing is moving the production to other areas outside the United States with even weaker environmental law.

If we stay focused on those priorities, then we can make prudent short- and long-term policy decisions as we address this spill.

Those responsible must provide the resources, and that means we need to change the law regarding limits on liability.

We are all united in our top priority, stopping the spill, cleaning up the oil, and protecting the threatened and natural resources of the region.

What can you say about other spills like this?

Compared to an oil spill, regulation is a bargain.

I think the answer is clearly no.

I think it is so great that we can work together on these infrastructure programs because you and I just agree completely.

I strongly support your report, and I hope this Committee will adopt it.

I have been following the flooding in your State, and my heart goes out to you.

I want to thank them for all the help they gave us, along with the Chamber and the unions and so many others, in moving our Highway Bill and getting it extended to the end of the year.

WRDA works. WRDA puts people to work.

I want to thank you very much. It is good to be on a team with the Chamber.