US first lady Michelle Obama speaks during her visit to the US Treasury Department to thank the staff for their service, in Washington, July 7, 2010. [Agencies]

WASHINGTON - First lady Michelle Obama plans to visit the Gulf oil spill region in the coming weeks.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday that the first lady will travel to the Gulf soon. He did not release the exact date, but the trip was expected to take place around mid-July.

Mrs. Obama's visit would follow President Barack Obama's four visits to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Vice President Joe Biden also got a firsthand look at the cleanup efforts late last month.