Scientists watching where oil spill headed next

By BEN EVANS Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Scientists are anxiously awaiting signals about where a massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico may be heading next. And federal officials acknowledge the government could have been more aggressive in overseeing the drilling, while efforts to contain the spill are proving increasingly difficult.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is set to address the spill at a hearing Wednesday.

Fears are growing that the gushing well could spread damage from Louisiana to Florida. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told a Senate panel Tuesday that his agency had been lax in overseeing offshore activities and that may have contributed to the disastrous spill.