[Cerek]

Senator Barton initially addresses BP's responsibility for the accident, and subsequent damages, around the 1:06 mark. The reference is indirect, since he doesn't mention BP by name, but he does say "a company responsible for a bad accident" should be held responsible and the "liable party" should be made to pay for the damages.

It does sound like he is sugar-coating the issue and any perceived sympathy extended to BP is going to be questioned harsh.

However, his apology centers on the fact that the $20 million damages were imposed against BP without the benefit of due process. He does not say BP should not be held responsible for cleaning up the spill and paying damages. In fact, at the 3:23 mark, he states "there is no question BP is liable for the damages". He then goes on to restate we had a due process that should be used to determine what those damages are and when they should be paid.

His main argument, which he emphasizes is HIS opinion only, is that the $20 million damages were levied against BP unfairly without following the due process required by law.