Mr. President, I commend the majority leader for introducing the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act. This bill, which I am proud to support, is a timely and targeted response to the continuing devastation in the Gulf of Mexico, a catastrophe which began 100 days ago. The Senate must move quickly to address one of the most immediate and pressing problems facing our Nation and to find meaningful ways to prevent similar disasters in the future. The American people rightly expect that the lessons learned from this disaster will be heeded. This legislation addresses several issues brought to light in the spill's aftermath. It will ensure the fair treatment of victims like the families of the 11 Americans who were killed in the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. It will encourage responsible corporate behavior and provide meaningful criminal penalties for environmental crimes. It will ensure that British Petroleum and those responsible for this disaster and any responsible party associated with an oilspill at an offshore facility in the future are held fully accountable and liable for all of the damages the oilspill causes and that the American taxpayer is not left with the bill. It is a response that will help the people of the gulf begin the long process of restoring what they have lost. And for those who cannot recover what they have lost, it will help them as they move forward.…
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