Every American taxpayer ought to be outraged by AIG’s decision to pay out bonuses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a member of the Republican Whip team, issued the following statement in response to the latest developments at AIG:

“In a year when Main Street suffered dearly, it is disappointing to see the culture of greed on Wall Street continues to prevail.  Every American taxpayer ought to be outraged by AIG’s decision to pay out bonuses.  While I understand that AIG has contractual obligations to fulfill, they also have an obligation to the American taxpayers who now hold nearly 80 percent of AIG’s stock.”

“To date, AIG has received nearly $175 billion in taxpayer assistance.  Like any publically traded company, AIG must be accountable to their shareholders.  This money was intended to serve as a life raft to keep the company afloat.  It was never intended to reward AIG employees for the trouble they caused for the country.” 

 “It is insulting to all taxpayers to see their hard earned money spent to save a company that doesn’t appear to be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to save itself.  Unfortunately, the same irresponsible behavior that got AIG into this mess appears likely to keep them there.”