Topic: Subpoena Power

Representative Ron Paul stood as the lone vote against HR 5481, arguing that subpoena power for the investigation into the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon oil spill should belong to a Congressional committee rather than a Presidential commission. Critics suggest the current structure allows for a lack of transparency similar to the 9/11 Commission.

The U.S. Senate blocked a bill that would have granted subpoena power to the commission investigating the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Despite passing the House with overwhelming support, the bill was halted by Republican procedural objections. The hosts discuss the partisan optics of the move and the dangers of opposing major oil interests.