Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today following news reports that the American International Group (AIG) has moved to pay $165 million in bonuses to its employees, including $1 million or more to 73 people in its financial products division whose actions played a major role in the company’s failure.

“I have said in the past that if I could bottle all the righteous indignation in Washington, D.C. and sell it for 10 bucks a bottle, I could retire and live on it forever. But if there was ever a time for righteous indignation, this is it.

“The idea that taxpayers should foot the bill for huge bonuses for the same people whose greed and recklessness helped create the financial crisis is beyond the pale. 

“Americans are hurting.  They are feeling the pain of the recession and they are making sacrifices every day.   They demand fairness and they deserve to know that their money is being spent in the public interest and not for private gain.

“That is why righteous indignation isn't enough. We need action.”

“President Obama has called to block these bonuses and House leadership has moved to recoup any public dollars that have been misspent by companies -- such as AIG -- that are staying afloat with taxpayer help.

“I support action to block these outrageous bonuses and ensure that financial rescue dollars that have been misspent are returned to the U.S. Treasury.”

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