31.   The government also paid billions to rescue a series of ill-planned private toll roads.

32.   The law is being challenged in court, and hardly anyone expects auto companies to end up paying billions of dollars in penalties for failing to meet the mandate.

33.   The taxpayer pays billions to develop a new weapons system.

34.   U.S. cigarette makers agreed to pay billions of dollars and curb advertising and distribution to end hundreds of suits.

35.   U.S. cigarette makers are discussing paying billions of dollars and curbing advertising and distribution in hopes of ending hundreds of lawsuits.

36.   Wall Street analysts estimate that tobacco companies could pay billions of dollars in damages should the plaintiffs prevail in the lawsuit, Engle vs. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

37.   And it pays foreigners billions of dollars a year to perform jobs that could be done by Saudi women, and to drive women around in cars.

38.   But the government, which has paid billions in compensation for health damage and imprisonment, argues the companies are responsible for back wage claims.

39.   Drug dealers pay billions to keep their operations running smoothly.

40.   Edgar Bronfman, president of the World Jewish Congress, demanded at a conference in London earlier this month that Switzerland pay billions of dollars to Jews in compensation.