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Congresswoman Hirono Votes in Favor of Greater Legal Protections for Victims of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Press Release

Date: July 1, 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Judicial Branch

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today voted in favor of H.R. 5503, the Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability Act, or SPILL Act. This bill, which she cosponsored, reforms maritime liability laws to ensure that the families of those killed or injured in the British Petroleum oil spill and other such tragedies are justly compensated for their losses. The U.S. House passed the bill by voice vote. The SPILL Act now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"This bill allows the families of those killed or injured in the BP disaster to seek the full range of compensation for their losses -- not just for lost income and funeral expenses -- but for pain and suffering, and loss of care, comfort and companionship. We recognize that no amount of money can compensate for the loss of loved ones, but this bill holds those responsible more fully accountable," said Congresswoman Hirono.

To address the numerous other problems that have arisen as a result of the oil spill, Congresswoman Hirono also supports the Oil Spill Accountability and Environmental Protection Act of 2010, H.R. 5629, which was recently passed by her House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill requires that all oil drilling vessels operating in U.S. waters must be examined by and registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The legislation would also require federal approval of oil spill response plans, testing on dispersants used in oil spill cleanup efforts, and greater proof that oil companies operating in U.S. waters are able to pay damages of up to $1.5 billion in the event of a disaster.

During Committee debate, Congresswoman Hirono joined Congressman Michael Arcuri (D-NY) in offering an amendment to reinstate Clean Water Act authority over oil and gas activities. The committee adopted the amendment by a voice vote.

H.R. 5629 will soon be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives.


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