Just one week after taxpayers bailed out the insurance giant AIG with $85 billion, the company blew nearly half a million dollars at the swanky St. Regis resort. They spent $23,000 at the spa, $150,000 on meals and wine, and even treated their dogs to the $545/night “Pamper Your Pooch” package.

Congress and the Bush administration are handing out billions in taxpayer money to banks and corporations like AIG without adequate safeguards against abuse. Now, more than ever, we need vigilance and oversight, and we need our leaders to make responsible decisions that protect taxpayers.

That’s why we need U.S. PIRG (our national federation) on Capitol Hill.

Having our advocates on Capitol Hill doesn’t cost you $545/night, but it does take some funding. And unlike the corporate lobbyists, we get our money a little at a time, from a whole lot of regular people.

Help us watch-“dog” the execution of this so-called rescue plan by donating $54.50 or some other amount today.