This is what happens when BP (British Petroleum) is in agreement with China National Petroleum Corp to develop southern Iraq’s giant Rumaila oil field. The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is of “national significance” and the federal government is prepared to assist with cleanup efforts, Obama administration officials said today. DHS chief discusses the federal government’s response to the BP oil spill. The administration defended the government’s response to the spill, amid mounting pressure to act as the oil moves closer to the Louisiana shore. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency today because of the spill, which is expected to hit the coastline late Friday.