The recession is putting a strain on the earnings produced by the employee benefits business of independent agents and brokers.

The House passed the wide-ranging Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009, drawing an immediate and generally favorable reaction from one insurance trade group and a lukewarm response from another.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America said it has named a director for its federal government affairs staff as well as a vice president.

Under a new Treasury ruling, American International Group's highest paid executives have a cash salary limit of $500,000.