BP CEO Tony Hayward offered little new information on the oil spill to members of Congress on Thursday, which left both parties frustrated. But the biggest event was Texas Rep. Joe Barton accusing the White House of a ‘shakedown’ against BP to create a ‘slush fund’ – a statement that sent Democrats into a rage. We’ll also tell you what Hayward was willing to say.
Archives for June 17, 2010
Was Barton Right?
Texas Rep. Joe Barton triggered a firestorm today when he accused the White House of launching a “shakedown” of BP by forcing the firm to put up $20 billion for Gulf restoration and having no control over where the money goes. Democrats have fired back in a major way, saying Republicans are defending BP over the residents of the Gulf coast. Who is right? What’s the political impact of Barton’s assertion? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events, who will also offer his thoughts on a bad week for North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge and the strange case of South Carolina senate nominee Alvin Greene.
Obama’s Absurd Offshore Moratorium
Texas Rep. Ted Poe is imploring Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and President Obama to lift the six-month moratorium on deep water oil drilling. Why does he believe shutting down every oil rig because of one disaster is ‘absurd’? Why does he say this decision will cost countless jobs that will not come back in six months? What does Poe think of the government forcing BP to put up at least $20 billion to make compensation payments through a third party? We ask these and other questions to Rep. Poe.
Etheridge Opponent Speaks Out
Earlier this week, North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge apologized for scolding and grabbing a college student who asked if the congressman supported the Obama agenda. So how is this impacting the campaign of his GOP opponent, Renee Ellmers? What is her reaction to Etheridge’s embarrassing incident? What has she heard from the voters? What is her background and why is she running? And what would be her biggest priorities if elected in November? Listen here to find out.