WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today applauded the passage of a Senate resolution that encourages BP to consider local businesses for products or services related to the ongoing efforts associated with the Gulf oil spill.

Introduced by Wicker and cosponsored by Cochran, the resolution expresses the importance for BP to work with Gulf Coast communities and use local resources, goods, and services to help alleviate the economic impact caused by the oil spill.

“I am glad my colleagues in the Senate unanimously recognized the importance of this resolution,” said Wicker. “Mississippians and residents along the Gulf are facing incredible economic hardships as a result of BP’s oil spill. One way BP can help ease the economic blow is by working with the local communities and tapping into the resources and expertise that Mississippi businesses have to offer.”

While we anticipate the permanent stoppage of oil and gas from BP’s sunken rig, we must also acknowledge that the cleanup from this disaster will take many years and many resources.  I’m glad the Senate has gone on record stating its preference for BP to first employ and utilize the people, goods and services available from Gulf Coast states like Mississippi in order to rectify this terrible situation,” Cochran said.

The total economic and environmental footprint caused by the Gulf oil spill is far from being determined. Over $175 million in claims have been paid to date, and that number is expected to rise. Resources such as fishing, tourism, shipping, and energy exploration in the Gulf generally account for over $200 billion in economic activity each year.

The resolution was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of senators representing Gulf Coast states including, Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), George LeMieux (R-Fla.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), and David Vitter (R-La.).

Click here for a copy of the resolution.

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