Political Quotes

Dick Durbin: “Could I also ask the chairman of the Finance Committee, in this situation--where BP is clearly responsible for the mess…”

On the recordJune 9, 2010
Could I also ask the chairman of the Finance Committee, in this situation--where BP is clearly responsible for the mess in the Gulf of Mexico and has at least stated its responsibility; where we have a deep-pocket defendant that declared $5.6 billion in profits the first quarter of this year--if the next spill or the next accident resulting in multibillion-dollar damage to the Gulf of Mexico, or wherever, is caused by a company without deep pockets, is this fund the only place to turn to protect taxpayers?
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov
Jun 9, 2010

Editor's note · Context

Durbin questions the adequacy of funds to protect taxpayers in case of future environmental disasters.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Oct 14, 2026

These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict.

durbin.senate.gov
Oct 13, 2026

You can’t survive in politics unless you’re optimistic. You’ve got to believe that even though you face a setback or you don’t have all the laws you need, that tomorrow will be better.

rollcall.com
Oct 14, 2026

For decades, America has stood as the bastion of freedom against tyranny, and American presidents have embodied our nation’s resistance to tyrants. Putin is a tyrant.

durbin.senate.gov
Oct 9, 2026

We ask that you immediately provide all committee records that you have withheld, commit to fully complying with Senate Rules XXVI and XXVII going forward, and apologize to Mr. Smith on behalf of the Committee.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation