Paulson Threatened Great Depression, Food Riots To Get Bailout Bill Passed

A few days before, Rep. Michael Burgess also told the House, “Mr. Speaker I understand we are under Martial Law as declared by the speaker last night,” referring to a temporary suspension of the rules and procedures of Congress by its leaders so that a bill can be passed quickly.

The origin of the threat was later revealed by Senator James Inhofe to have been Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson