May 26, 2010: Congressman Wittman Statement on Deepwater Horizon Hearing

Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement today on the House Natural Resources Committee oversight hearing, "Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Strategy and Implications of the Deepwater Horizon Rig Explosion":

"Like most Americans, I've watched with increasing alarm and frustration as the Gulf oil spill has continued for over a month.  The fire, sinking and tragic loss of 11 crewmembers of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig is a true tragedy.  The ongoing oil spill now threatens the Gulf with significant ecological and economic disaster. 

"Today's Natural Resource Committee hearing is a critical opportunity to address ongoing efforts to stop the oil leak and clean-up the spill while ensuring proper oversight of the federal agencies responsible for offshore energy production. It's also important to ask the questions about any ancillary affects it might have on Virginia fisheries.

"We must make every effort to ensure that federal agencies are effectively structured to regulate offshore drilling, while protecting the environment and meeting our nation's energy demands."

Congressman Wittman recently visited the Gulf Coast to survey the situation. You can watch his dialogue from today with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar here, and his reaction video here.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.