John Sarbanes: “According to a recent analysis from 1996 to 2000, Enron issued nearly $600 million in stock options, collecting tax…”

“According to a recent analysis from 1996 to 2000, Enron issued nearly $600 million in stock options, collecting tax deductions, which allowed the corporation to severely reduce their payment in taxes. According to reports that I think I have here, over $1 billion in stock options were issued to the senior executives of WorldCom. This is an important issue. I respect the views of my colleagues who disagree with my position and that of Mr. Greenspan, Mr. Stiglitz, and Mr. Buffett in various op-eds and editorials in newspapers throughout America. But why would we not vote on it? That is the question. Why would the distinguished Senator and friend from Nevada feel it incumbent upon himself to not allow a vote on stock options? I guess that question can be answered by observers. But here is the deal. I want to tell my friend from Nevada again, there will be a vote on how stock options are treated. I will repeat the amendment. I will repeat the amendment and will repeat it again several times before I finish discussing this issue. The issue, no matter how you feel, should be addressed.”