Senate Barber Shop Bailout Causing a Stir

WASHINGTON, DC -- Many Americans may feel like pulling their hair out because of a barber shop that was bailed out by the U.S. Senate.

The barber shop is visited by senators, and received a taxpayer bailout after slipping almost $300,000 into the red.

Employees at the government-operated shop are paid well for their services, with yearly incomes ranging from $54,000 to $81,000. They also have access to 401-K plans, health care, and paid vacations.

Central Ohio businessman Al Novoa is one of many Americans who thinks taxpayer dollars should be spent elsewhere.

"With a bailout like that, we as taxpayers are getting stuck with the bill. It might mean pennies in some respects," Novoa said. "But it's still pennies we can utilize elsewhere, as opposed to a bailout of a business that's there to make a profit."

ABC 6/FOX 28 asked Ohio Senator Rob Portman about the barber shop bailout.

"I think it should be self sustaining. It shouldn't be something that's subsidized," Portman said.

There are talks of privatizing the shop, which would most likely lead to salary and benefit reductions.