Sen. David Vitter, R-La., criticized President Obama’s handling of the Gulf oil spill crisis on Sunday and said the deep water drilling moratorium will destroy more jobs than the spill itself if it is allowed to continue for the next six months.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Vitter accused the Obama administration of avoiding trips to the area “to move it off of the front page rather than dealing with the situation forcefully.”

Obama has not visited Louisiana since June 4.

Vitter said the large oil rigs that have shut down due to the moratorium are moving to Brazil and West Africa and may not return, which he said could cost the area 140,000 jobs.

“So this could be a long-term economic hit to the Gulf and the country and a long-term hit to our energy and national security,” Vitter said.

Vitter Slams Obama on Oil Clean Up and Moratorium

By Susan Ferrechio

Chief Congressional Correspondent

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., criticized President Obama’s handling of the Gulf oil spill crisis on Sunday and said the deep water drilling moratorium will destroy more jobs than the spill itself if it is allowed to continue for the next six months.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Vitter accused the Obama administration of avoiding trips to the area “to move it off of the front page rather than dealing with the situation forcefully.”

Obama has not visited Louisiana since June 4.

Vitter said the large oil rigs that have shut down due to the moratorium are moving to Brazil and West Africa and may not return, which he said could cost the area 140,000 jobs.

“So this could be a long-term economic hit to the gulf and the country and a long-term hit to our energy and national security,” Vitter said.