Roger Wicker

A number of people are concerned about the privacy implications of the data that will be collected under the bill.

I think we should be careful to make sure the specific amounts requested actually relate to the actual cost.

With regard to the imminent hazard authority, the Federal Railroad Administration doesn't have this.

I appreciate the Committee's efforts to address that issue.

I want to ensure that all rulemakings and new mandates are appropriately researched and founded in facts.

I have several reservations about the bill, in its current form.

I am interested to learn more about the budget authorization increases in the bill.

I do have reservations about the bill in its current form.

I'm concerned about that.

Can you think of any reason why, in this instance, that the oil would not come to the surface and cause this plume or mist of particles that NOAA testified about?

OK. And you have not received interim reports.

Well, it's amazing to me that, as explosive as an oil rig might be, that something like this could happen, and the signal not be sent.

Well, I'm asking you to check on that and get back on the record.

I see. And your employees, to the extent that they are available, are testifying before those government investigative----

The blowout preventer is supposed to kick in suddenly if something goes wrong.

So, you have visited with him from time to time about what his reports are revealing so far.

OK. Well, I finally got an answer to that question, with 17 seconds left.

So, it may be, Mr. Chairman, there's just something down there with the blowout preventer that's preventing it from, even today, kicking in.

At that point, would you be able to speak with a relatively high degree of certainty on whether these are oil plumes or something else?

It's unfortunate that you weren't able to talk more about the history of a number of these things that had gone on.

Thank you very much.

Will you interview the people present, and get back to us, on the record?

Finally, with regard to the response of the Federal Government, looking back over the 4 weeks of this tragedy, is there anything you wish the Coast Guard or the Department had done differently or earlier?

Would this be so unusual, Mr. Newman, that it should have been considered a warning sign that this well was problematic and you should have been more careful?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.