Government to bill BP $69 million for oil spill cleanup costs thus far

WASHINGTON – WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says the federal government is sending BP a $69 million bill Thursday for costs so far in its response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs says the bill is the first to be sent to the oil company, which leased the oil rig that exploded on April 20 and later sank, sending millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf. Gibbs says he isn't sure how long the company has to pay the bill.

The White House has said BP will ultimately be responsible for all costs associated with the spill.