'Big 3' auto CEOs flew private jets to ask for taxpayer money

By Josh Levs
CNN
(CNN) - Some lawmakers lashed out at the CEOs of the "Big 3" auto
companies Wednesday for flying private jets to Washington to request taxpayer bailout money.

"There is a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand saying that they're going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses," Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, said to the CEOs of Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee. "It's almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious."

He added, "Couldn't you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled
or something to get here? It would have at least sent a message that you do get it."