Oklahoma Congressman John Sullivan: BP's Safety Record Is Deplorable

NewsOn6.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oklahoma Congressman John Sullivan was one of the lawmakers who questioned BP's CEO Tony Hayward on Thursday. The Tulsa Republican is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

News On 6 Anchor Terry Hood interviewed Representative Sullivan following the Congressional hearing.

Oklahoma oilman Boone Pickens said it was important to hold BP accountable, but that they should first be left alone to solve the problem. Hood began by asking Sullivan why it was important to have the hearing now.

"They could use their time in different ways right now, but I think it is important that Mr. Hayward come to Congress and explain some things," Sullivan said. "One of the things I was most interested in him explaining was their deplorable safety record that BP has."

The company has had over 760 safety and willful violations in the last five years.

"Mr. Hayward, as CEO of that company, could not explain that culture they have," Sullivan said. "I think that BP has cut corners. They did it to save money, and as a result there's been loss of life. Not only in this disaster, but one in Texas City refinery, and it's unconscionable."

Terry Hood: "Texas Congressman Joe Barton actually apologized to BP today. What did you think about that?"

"I don't think Joe should have done that. I don't know what he was talking about," Sullivan said.

"We shouldn't apologize to BP for anything, and I don't know why he even said that. That's not what the Republicans in Congress are thinking right now," said U.S. Congressman John Sullivan.

"We're wanting to get this thing plugged, and we want to help the people who are suffering right now and make sure they are made whole and that BP pays for all of this - and that taxpayers aren't on the hook for one single dime," he said.

"I would not apologize to BP for anything. I think they have a lot of apologizing to do, but they need to follow it up with action."

Click on the Featured Videos to hear the rest of Terry Hood's interview with John Sullivan.