Boyd Calls on Barton to Step Down

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) called for Rep. Joe Barton to step down as the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee following Mr. Barton's apology to BP CEO Tony Hayward during yesterday's congressional hearing.

"Mr. Barton's apology to BP CEO Tony Hayward is emblematic of why many are furious with Washington. We are sent to the nation's capital to fight for the people we represent day in and day out, and that responsibility is never more important than during a crisis such as this. Mr. Barton's comments show he has forgotten that and is not as concerned as he should be about solving this crisis and protecting our people from a future incident. The proper course of action is for Mr. Barton to relinquish his leadership position as ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and turn that role over to another Republican member who will work hand in hand with Republicans and Democrats to see that this environmental crisis is cleaned up and that the people, businesses and industries suffering economically are made whole as soon as possible. That is where my focus has been and where it will continue to be."

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