Obama says that 3-person panel will decide appeals of rejected spill claims

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Obama: panel will decide rejected spill claims

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says that a three-person panel will decide appeals of rejected claims, as part of the $20 billion fund to compensate for damage arising from the Gulf oil spill.

Obama, speaking at the White House Wednesday, said every effort will be made to expedite claims. And he said he was confident that Kenneth Feinberg, who will run the independent fund, will ensure claims are handled “as quickly, fairly and transparently as possible.”

The president said that BP will be able to meet its obligations. He called BP “strong and viable” — and said it was in everyone’s interests that it remain so.