Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) will travel to the Gulf Coast Sunday to tour affected areas and participate in a Congressional field hearing on the BP oil spill. The hearing, entitled "Local Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill" will examine the effects of the disaster on communities and the environment in the Gulf Coast region.
"The oil spill in the Gulf Coast has had a tragic and disastrous impact on people's lives, the environment and the economy," Braley said. "As we work to learn more about what caused this, the worst environmental disaster in American history, and to develop preventive measures, it's important we see the damage firsthand to learn the full extent of this crisis."
The hearing will take place in Chalmette, Louisiana on Monday morning. Members will hear testimonies from witnesses including the President of the Institute of Marine Mammal Services, Vice President of the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce, and the President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association.
Prior to the hearing, Braley will tour local beaches that have been impacted by the oil spill and view the clean-up efforts. After the hearing, Braley will fly over the well site with the United States Coast Guard and view the impacted area from above.
Braley discussed his trip with WQAD on Thursday. View the interview here.
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