Vitter: Feinberg’s Compensation Arrangement With BP Still Looks Bad

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter sent a letter to Obama’s oil spill claims czar Ken Feinberg today asking why his firm paid another lawyer to produce a report showing that Feinberg’s compensation from BP was appropriate. Vitter has called Feinberg’s compensation arrangement with BP a conflict of interest.

“My objections to Ken Feinberg’s compensation from BP were certainly not erased by the fact that he hired another lawyer and paid him a lot of money, and that he then said that his compensation arrangement is fine. His lawyer’s report is a great PR document, but it doesn’t even attempt to address my central point about bias and conflict of interest,” Vitter said.

Vitter has been a constant critique of Feinberg’s compensation and has been demanding answers regarding his compensation from BP. He also called on Feinberg to remit his payment unless he followed through on promises he made to Louisiana claimants.

Below is the text of Vitter’s letter to Feinberg today. Attached is Feinberg’s response to Vitter’s February 24 letter.

March 9, 2011

Kenneth R. Feinberg

Feinberg Rozen, LLP

1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 390

Washington, DC 20004

Dear Mr. Feinberg:

Thank you for your February 25 letter in response to my objections to your compensation arrangement with BP.

As you might guess, my objections are not erased by the fact that you hired another lawyer and paid him a lot of money, and that he then said that your compensation arrangement is fine. Your lawyer’s report is a great PR document for you (“Feinberg was in many ways the obvious choice…given his national reputation.... His leanly staffed firm…has been working grueling hours....”). But it doesn’t even attempt to address my central point about bias and conflict of interest.

First, how much did you pay your lawyer for this report? Have you or your firm referred any other work to his firm since you hired him?

Second, when can I expect the January 2011 hourly billing documents I requested in my previous letter? Your lawyer’s own report specifically states that these records exist. I know that given your commitment to transparency at the GCCF and in your previous positions including “Pay Czar,” these will be forthcoming.

Sincerely,

David Vitter

United States Senator

Filed Under: BP, David Vitter, Kenneth Feinberg

Categories: Political, State News