WASHINGTON - September 29 - Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today voted against a $700 billion financial system bailout. MAPLight.org has found that, over the past five years, banks and securities firms gave an average of $231,877 in campaign contributions to each Representative voting in favor of the bailout, compared with an average of $150,982 to each Representative voting against the bailout--54 percent more money given to those who voted Yes. 205 Representatives voted Yes and 228 voted No, with 1 Not Voting.

WASHINGTON - September 29 - The draft bailout bill released yesterday contains several historic provisions that represent positive steps toward ending taxpayer subsidies for executive pay. But the bailout bill ultimately falls short on CEO pay - by failing to set a specific limit on the compensation of top executives at bailed-out companies.

The bill applies two different sets of executive compensation criteria, depending on whether the government negotiates directly with the institution to purchase troubled assets or whether it purchases them through auction. 

WASHINGTON - September 29 - WHEN: 12 p.m., Monday, September 29

WHERE: Outside Cannon Building, Independence and New Jersey Ave., House of Representatives, Washington DC

Representatives of different sectors of society-health care workers, teachers, construction workers, professionals-will hold a press conference to denounce the bailout bill. With the message, "Bailout? Over my dead body!" they will stage a die-in on the steps of the Cannon Building and along the route Congresspeople use to enter the Capitol to cast their votes.

WASHINGTON - September 29 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today sent the following letter to all members of the House of Representatives:

Bailout Plan Will Fail to Keep Families in Their Homes:

Treasury will own troubled assets without any control

Terms of bad mortgages cannot be changed absent controlling share of underlying securities

Dear Colleague: