Gulf Coast lawmakers optimistic about garnering 80% of BP oil spill fines

WASHINGTON -- Despite support from President Barack Obama and influential congressional Republicans, a bill that would channel 80 percent of BP oil spill fines to the Gulf Coast is far from enactment. Louisiana lawmakers remain upbeat, pointing to the bipartisan support for the legislation, approval by a key Senate committee and a scheduled Dec. 7 hearing on the bill in a House panel.