WASHINGTON – On Wednesday the US House of Representatives passed HR 5241, which grants subpoena power to the commission investigating the British Petroleum oil spill.

North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson is an original co-author of this bill.

The commission, which was established by executive order and based on legislation introduced in the House in early May, will investigate the causes of the devastating oil spill and report back to the president with recommendations for how to prevent and mitigate the impact of any future spills that result from offshore drilling.

“It is essential that the commission be given subpoena power to ensure that BP and other oil companies are held accountable and that the commission has the tools it needs to make sure this type of spill does not happen again, “ said Thompson. “I have always opposed drilling off the coast of northern California and will continue to support legislation to help the gulf and the oil spill clean up efforts.”

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 3462).