GOP Again Blocks Higher Cap on Oil Company Liability

[babylonsister]

Can someone explain to me why they'd do this? Because they're so intent on bringing down Dems, they don't care about the environment? I'm not getting their reasoning at all.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_05/023858.php

GOP AGAIN BLOCKS HIGHER CAP ON OIL COMPANY LIABILITY.... The political circumstances would seem to benefit the "Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act." Under existing law, there's a $75 million liability cap for oil spills. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) want to increase it to $10 billion.

The impetus for approving the measure should be obvious -- the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf keeps getting worse, and may soon no longer be limited to the Gulf. It's hardly a good time for a politician to take a shameless stand to limit industry liability costs.

And yet, it keeps happening. Last week, it was Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Today, it was Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.).

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) stopped Democrats' efforts on Tuesday of passing a measure to increase oil companies' liability for accidents resulting from offshore drilling.

Inhofe objected to a unanimous consent request by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), who took a second stab Tuesday at passing the bill in an expedited way.

Menendez and his partners on this intend to keep trying -- and the DSCC intends to use Republican opposition as a campaign issue. :thumbsup:

—Steve Benen

[AtomicKitten]

1. Hey, GOP. Thanks for the gift !!!

K&R

[KingFlorez]

2. Apparently, they think the taxpayers should foot all the cost

Heaven forbid their precious oil companies have to pay for damages they are responsible for.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. No, the GOP would not let any tax money pay for the damage too.

[Clio the Leo]

4. Dont those who are blocking represent states where the oil companies have an interest...

... like Alaska?

[babylonsister]

6. Yes, Murkowski does; Inhofe, not so much. But then again, he

will probably say anything he's told to; he is THAT dumb.

[yurbud]

5. the media won't give this the coverage it deserves--will Dems have balls to use it in ads this fall?

That's the only way it will make a difference.

Kudos to Menendez for going after this.

[phleshdef]

7. I seriously think they are digging their own grave on this.

[NJmaverick]

8. The GOP is delaying it, but I am doubtful they will be able to stop it