Video: BP awaits test results to claim success

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2. Transcript of: BP awaits test results to claim success

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   MATT LAUER, co-host: But let's begin this morning with new hope riding on that new and tighter cap that's now in place on that busted oil pipe in the gulf. NBC 's chief environmental affairs correspondent Anne Thompson is joining us this morning from Venice , Louisiana . She's got the latest. Anne , good morning to you.

   ANNE THOMPSON reporting: Good morning, Matt. This could be a pivotal day in the history of this oil spill . For the first time in 85 days, oil could temporarily stop flowing into the gulf as BP conducts a test to determine the condition of the well and how must -- how much more work has to be done in order to shut it down for good. Robotic arms attach the second part of the sealing cap and readied it for testing that should begin today. Slowly the valves on the new cap will be closed. As that happens, engineers will monitor the pressure at which the oil flows to determine the condition of the well.

   Mr. DOUG SUTTLES (COO, BP): If we see high pressures, it's a good sign. It actually means that the flow in the oil is fully contained in the existing well. If we see low pressures, then that would indicate that potentially oil is escaping out of the casing at some point.

   THOMPSON: And that means more problems. BP says the tests should take six to 48 hours.

   Unidentified Man: Sir, we're going to ask you to sit down, please.

   THOMPSON: In New Orleans , the emotions of 84 days of disaster erupted at the first public hearing of the oil spill presidential commission.

   Unidentified Man: BP and the government have been looking out for their own interests, not for the people, not for the planet.

   THOMPSON: The man in charge of the $20 billion claim fund promises to make the process simpler. But in Florida , Ken Feinberg said filers will still have to provide documentation for what they say they've lost.

   Mr. KEN FEINBERG (Federal BP Claims Administrator): I simply cannot cut checks without backup that demonstrates that they're entitled to get paid that amount.

   THOMPSON: Along the Gulf Coast , nerves are raw where the oil is and where it isn't. Even communities hundreds of miles from tar balls and patties, with beaches untouched by oil, are feeling the economic pain as tourists shun the region. In Panama City , first lady Michelle Obama urged Americans looking for a way to help to vacation in those areas.

   Ms. MICHELLE OBAMA: Truly, one of the best ways that fellow Americans can help is to come on down here and spend some money.

   THOMPSON: It's an area that needs economic support, but most of all it needs

   that oil to stop flowing. Matt: All right, Anne Thompson in Louisiana for us this morning. Anne , thank you very much . It's now four minutes after the hour. Here's Meredith.

   LAUER:

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