Tom Carper

The President signed in a signing ceremony today at the White House legislation that I had introduced with the support of a number of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, on this Subcommittee.

You have heard your colleagues at this panel give their testimony.

One, trying to be responsive; second, trying not to be foolish.

I believe no claims have been denied to date, which really I find hard to believe.

That is commendable.

I strongly believe that the taxpayers of America should not be stuck with the bill for the tragedy in the Gulf.

If for some reason the costs just get to be a point where they cannot or will not, I think the trust fund is threatened.

I would urge you to continue to work with the local folks down there to provide the answers that they are seeking.

We appreciate very much your appearance before our Subcommittee today.

What instructions has the White House given you about how this newly created independent trust fund might interact with your office and with the current claims process being led by BP?

They were appointed by Admiral Allen, and this team has been working hard to oversee BP's claims process on behalf of the Federal Government and the American people.

This fund will be administered by Ken Feinberg, who oversaw the September 11, 2001, victim compensation fund.

Honestly, we are focused on making sure that the costs associated with this clean-up and spill in the Gulf of Mexico are paid.

Big oil, with enormous profits every month, can afford to pay for their recklessness.

We need to seize the day.

I think a number of us have learned lessons in that regard.

I do not pretend to understand well the financial condition or strength of both of your companies.

I have encouraged BP to do the same thing. I know they are.

Well, good. There is a tension----

National parks are an invaluable resource for understanding our nation's historic and cultural heritage, as well as its natural environment.

With a price tag that large, our subcommittee believes there has got to be some significant opportunities for savings.

The Federal Government is the single largest user of energy in our Nation.

I believe that it will help the Federal Government, our Federal Government to lead by example and demonstrate to the American people that energy efficiency efforts can pay real dividends, both in saving money and in preserving our…

As Senator Carper said, if you can't measure it, then you really don't know how much you are using.

This legislation, if adopted, would establish the first national park in the State of Delaware, the only state in the Union which is home to neither a national park or even to a unit of the national park system.