Jeff Bingaman actually said...

"The current penalty and liability system is inadequate."

"It's a sobering reality to see oil begin to impact the shorelines and know that this well is not yet under control."

"Robust safety and environmental standards, and tough penalties for noncompliance with those standards, help to avoid disasters."

"While today's hearing will focus on liability and financial issues, we continue to have foremost in our minds the human component of this accident."