April 30, 2010

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Friday tough questions need to be asked about the future of offshore drilling in the wake of the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Durbin said he understands other countries require a remote sensor that caps undersea wells in the event of an accident.

“We have to have that as a basic requirement so we never, ever have a repeat of what we have just seen off the coast of Louisiana,” Durbin said.

He also called Friday for a comprehensive national immigration law.

Durbin said he opposes a state law enacted in Arizona that requires police to question people about their immigration status if there’s reason to suspect they are in the country illegally.

“I’m one of those who thinks this is a very bad idea, enacting that state law. I think it’s going to cause a lot of unfair results,” Durbin said.

Durbin added that police officials in Arizona agree.

“The chiefs of police came out and said, ‘Don’t put us in this position, pass a national, comprehensive immigration law,’” Durbin said. “They are right, and if we are serious about this issue, and we should be, we need a national law.”

Durbin was asked about offshore drilling and immigration following a news conference about the opening of the MacArthur extension in Springfield.