Congress has rejected the $700 Billion bail-out of the U.S. banking system. In a majority vote, it was decided that the package would be of little benefit to the American public and would simply line the pockets of fat cat bankers. Proposals to offer banks a reduced lifeline over a period of time, rather than in one lump sum is still being considered. One of the key fears was that the purchase of toxic assets could mark the beginning of the U.S. becoming a socialist society.