Lawmakers Concerned About Ex-IMF Director's 'Golden Parachute' (Courtesy of US Taxpayers)

Fox News ^ | 05/25/2011 | Judson Berger

[SeekAndFind]

The former head of the International Monetary Fund accused of sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid will receive a $250,000 severance payment -- paid in part courtesy of the American taxpayer -- unless U.S. lawmakers can stop the "golden parachute" from landing in the French politician's bank account.

The IMF claims it has no discretion in the matter of Dominique Strauss-Khan, who was already pulling down nearly $500,000 as managing director when he resigned after being arrested in New York. The one-time severance, along with a much smaller annual pension, was part of his contract.

But considering the heavy financial stake the United States has in the global lender, some lawmakers are trying to exert pressure on an organization that has come under increased scrutiny over how its vast international resources are being used.

"The scandal at the IMF is putting that organization in the public eye again and American taxpayers -- who pay the largest share of the IMF's bills -- are raising a lot of important questions," Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., House Republican Conference vice chairwoman, told FoxNews.com in a written statement.

"What does it say about the IMF that its managing director has a higher annual salary than the president of the United States, that he stays at $3,000-per-night hotel rooms, and that he gets a quarter of a million dollars in severance pay while awaiting charges for [attempted] rape?" McMorris Rodgers asked.

Jim Specht, spokesman for House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., said his boss will request hearings in the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the IMF directorship, and review what leverage the U.S. might have over operations. Lewis is a member of that subcommittee.

[Flavius]

perfectly fine reward for hard work

[SeekAndFind]

RE: perfectly fine reward for hard work

Many Women know how hard :)

[RowdyFFC]

Garsh, when did one deserve a severance payout when you’ve been AWOL from your job for three days because law enforcement picked your behind up and threw you in jail for criminal charges. I understand they are still ‘alleged’ charges. But the outcome of this should determine whether he gets severance pay, he shouldn’t get it until/if he is relieved of the charges.