Ben Cardin

Is there a difference here in regard to those who sign a non-disclosure agreement with the Government and those individuals who do not sign a non- disclosure?

Greater transparency is critical.

I think the answer is no, but where do you draw the line?

Congress is the entity to make our laws.

A prosecutor needs to be apolitical.

It certainly undermines the effectiveness of the statute when this sort of practice occurs.

There needs to be a process here, because let me take it then to someone who is not on the same page here.

Who decides what harm will result.

I think this is critical to trying to understand the espionage laws.

Because my point and the question I would at least put for the record is that the oyster issue is a very sensitive issue for all of us because we are doing everything we can to get the oyster back.

Ocean acidification is not a problem for the oysters. They will all be dead.

What I find surprising is that the Gulf of Mexico spill if it lasts for another month, it will surpass Exxon Valdez.

Stopping further exploration of oil offshore would be No. 2.

The more you realize the depth of information we have and we don't have about the risk factors in the oceans, it really does point out two facts.

If you feel you need additional resources or authorities, we would be only too delighted to hear from you

It may be less damage than otherwise would have been caused, but it is creating a different set of factors.

But we need to know the damage that is being caused as a result of the choice that has been made.

I just urge you to let us know if you need additional tools from Congress in order to be able to deal with the scientific information necessary.

I strongly support EPA using the authorities it has under both the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to deal with the pollutants entering our ocean and the impact it has on not only the environment, but I think public safety and public…

It is important that we establish a hearing record, as we will today, as to the impact of both of these areas.

When you represent the State of Rhode Island or the State of Maryland, you understand how important our oceans are.

Are you seeking further environmental waivers at this point?

Was the report Friday accurate that MMS has granted another environmental exception for a Deepwater Horizon that will be 4,000 feet deep?

I do not know how you could accurately portray to the regulatory agency the minimal risks in the event of a blowout.

Yet MMS accident reports state that blowout preventers have failed or otherwise played a role in at least 14 accidents.