Public outrage over the AIG bonuses fueled the congressional response. On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside AIG’s offices in Washington, D.C. to decry the bonus payouts.

Amy Swanson: “It’s not fair to all the working people here who struggle daily for our healthcare, income, pay their rent, pay their bills.”

Joan Nemeth: “Being paid $15,000 an hour compared to your workers’ hours at $8 or $10 or even $15, where’s the justice in that? There is no justice in being paid that much more.”

Francisco Cuison: “This bailout moneys from the government is taxpayers’ money, and it should be spread out to the people who needs it.”