We still may have an opportunity to measure the full flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. We still have to monitor this cap in order to make sure it's working.

We are not content. Tens of thousands of people here have their lives on hold, their futures perched on a precipice.

We have a right to know what is happening under the water and on the surface.

We still may have an opportunity to measure the full flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. We still have to monitor this cap in order to make sure it's working.

If it was 60,000 barrels per day, that would be $18 billion. So, this is no small matter. And if it is possible to measure the containment, to measure the oil flow with precision, then absolutely, it should be done.

This has just been a continuing pattern of prevarication that has been engaged in by BP since the very beginning. It's completely unacceptable.

Well, my greatest concern is that -- this is very early in the process. We're hopeful. But we're acting with an abundance of caution because this pipe has been under an enormous amount of stress over the 87-day period.

BP really has wanted to shut down this well as quickly as possible, although their incompetence has made it impossible for them to achieve that goal.

They have not responded. And, again, I wrote back there on June 23rd so that we could publicly disclose what the integrity of the well bore is.

They have not responded.

We hope that the pipe can hold. It's thousands of feet long. We hope that no leaks spring as a result of all of this new pressure inside of that pipe.

Well, my greatest concern is that, you know, this is very early in the process. We're hopeful. But we're acting with an abundance of caution, because this pipe has been under an enormous amount of stress over the 87-day period.