Chief of Gulf oil spill claims office urges people to come forward and file claims for damages

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Damage claims chief urges people to seek payments

WASHINGTON — The head of the new office set up to handle damage claims for the Gulf oil spill is pledging that all eligible and legitimate claims will be paid — and paid promptly.

Ken Feinberg, who’s the chief of the Independent Claims Facility, wants victims to come forward, file a claim for an emergency payment and then work with the office to come up with a claims program.

Last week BP agreed to President Barack Obama’s request for a $20 billion compensation fund.

Feinberg dismisses one Republican’s description of the fund as a “shakedown.” He says he’s been getting bipartisan advice and that it doesn’t help to “politicize” the program.

Feinberg spoke Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the new office set up to handle damage claims for the Gulf oil spill is pledging that all eligible and legitimate claims will be paid — and paid promptly.

Ken Feinberg, who’s the chief of the Independent Claims Facility, wants victims to come forward, file a claim for an emergency payment and then work with the office to come up with a claims program.

Last week BP agreed to President Barack Obama’s request for a $20 billion compensation fund.

Feinberg dismisses one Republican’s description of the fund as a “shakedown.” He says he’s been getting bipartisan advice and that it doesn’t help to “politicize” the program.

Feinberg spoke Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”