WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said on Wednesday that he supported a proposal to raise the liability cap on companies responsible for oil spills from $75 million to $10 billion.
"I would support that," Reid said at a press conference when asked about the proposal by Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida.
However, Reid said he did not know when he would bring the proposal up for a vote.
Reid's comments came as BP Plc and U.S. authorities struggle to contain a massive, uncontrolled oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico that could devastate fishing, tourism and other industries.
The spill is roiling President Barack Obama's plan to open up America's coasts to drilling again, while rattling Congress to a point where the oil industry's exploration plans could face a big shake-up.
(Reporting by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Eric Beech)
