Hoyer Says Drilling Advocates May Be 'Chagrined' After BP Spill

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) called last week’s massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a “very cataclysmic event” and applauded the Obama Administration for its response to the catastrophe.

“The ‘drill baby drill’ crowd I think has got to be chagrined,” said Hoyer. “Maybe that’s a bad word choice.”

Hoyer said he agreed with President Obama’s decision to suspend any new offshore drilling until the causes of this spill were understood and steps were in place to prevent future episodes.

Hoyer also echoed the thinking of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) that the oil disaster could boost chances for Congress to approve a large energy and climate bill this year.

“The spill makes this more relevant,” Hoyer said.

The House approved its version of the climate and energy legislation last June. But prospects in the Senate remain cloudy.