On top of our already terrible economy, more devastation is sweeping across Alabama as oil begins to harm our beautiful beaches and coastal wildlife.

April 20th marks the day the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster began after the explosion on the BP rig, killing 11 workers.

Now after over two months, the oil is still spewing. It's soiled the coast from Louisiana to Florida.

Recently, I flew down to Louisiana to see some of this nightmare for myself. Along with some of my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee, we flew over the spill site and saw the oil floating on top and just below the water. We were told what we've all heard: BP should have the gushing oil well capped by mid-August. Let's hope that prediction comes true.

But what happens next?

Clean up crews are working hard. We've heard about a chemical dispersant used to both dissolve and bring the oil together and make it easier to remove. Its long term effects aren't known.

What is just as devastating is the financial hit folks in the Gulf region are taking while they are already down in this tough economic climate.

Families are cancelling their trips to the Gulf coast. The usually busy beach restaurants and ice cream shops are empty because vacationers have gone elsewhere. Across the Gulf coast, shrimpers sit idle. Fishing is banned in more and more areas.

And now, what makes this disaster worse is we have just entered into hurricane season. As of this writing, high winds and waves from Tropical Storm Alex, which roared through the Gulf at hurricane strength, continue to limit containment efforts.

Across East Alabama and the rest of the state, we are deeply proud of our beautiful beaches, our beautiful coastline and wildlife and the communities that depend upon them. We're all heartbroken and angry the spill happened and hasn't been stopped.

The blame for this disaster lies squarely with BP. Had they not cut corners, this tragedy wouldn't have happened. They must make this right.

In a few weeks, the Homeland Security Committee is planning to hold a hearing on the oil spill response. I look forward to hearing the testimony of BP and Federal officials responsible for cleaning up this disaster.

In the meantime, get more information on the spill response at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

Or if you can afford it, go visit our beaches. Go out to eat, spend a little money, and show your support for our Gulf coast and the folks living in the area.

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, friend me on Facebook/RepMikeRogersAL, watch me on YouTube/MikeRogersAL03 and follow me on Twitter/RepMikeRogersAL.