U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush Votes in Support of a 90 Percent Tax on TARP Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush proudly cast a 'yes' vote in support  of  H.R. 1586, a bill that imposes a 90 percent tax on bonus money paid to executives at any company that receives funds under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
"At a time when thousands of hardworking Americans are losing their jobs in an economic climate not seen since the Great Depression, I am outraged at the audacity of executives at the American International Group and other Wall Street firms who, despite their abject failure to effectively oversee their companies, believe that their failed leadership somehow deserves a taxpayer-funded bonus!

"There are many things I could say about the behavior that I and millions of Americans have read about in recent days but I am particularly concerned about the message this behavior sends to our children.  The message from AIG and others on Wall Street seems to totally disregard the value of working hard and playing by the rules in favor of the discredited mantra, 'greed is good.'  Today, with this vote, I've cast my voice loudly and clearly with those who say "enough is enough!"

"I stand in solidarity with those Americans, especially those I serve in my district, who believe the firms that accepted TARP funds should rededicate themselves to the principles of sound business management and effective fiscal stewardship.  Our nation deserves no less than their very best."

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