Kagen Supports Giving Oil Disaster Commission the Power it Needs

Press Release

Today, Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. voted to give the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling subpoena authority.

This critical tool is key to ensuring that the Commission can conduct a complete analysis of both the deepwater oil industry and potential regulatory failures that led to the catastrophe and thereby prevent future disasters.

"BP is responsible for the greatest environmental disaster in our nation's history," said Dr. Kagen. "The Commission investigating the BP disaster needs subpoena power to enable it to succeed."

Today, the House acted with overwhelming bi-partisan support to give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

Subpoena power will ensure the Commission cannot be stonewalled by BP or any other entity in its search for answers and can get testimony from crucial participants, like those who spotted a dangerous leak signaling a problem with the blowout preventer prior to the explosion.

The Commission--co-chaired by former Senator Bob Graham of Florida and former EPA Administrator Bill Reilly--was established on May 22 and is tasked with providing recommendations on how we can prevent future spills that result from offshore drilling and mitigate any impact.

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