In testimony before the U.S.Congress soon after being named CEO, Liddy was asked to explain the expense of a recent AIG-sponsored retreat for AIG salespeople.The retreat cost AIG over $400000 and was,in Liddy's words,a"standard practice within the industry." Six months latet, when news broke about the $165 million bonus payments, Liddy suggested that the executives consider doing "the right thing" and return the bonuses, describing them as "distasteful.