    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 22, 2008]
    [Page 1225]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the National Economy
    September 22, 2008

        Over the weekend, members of my administration and congressional
    leaders worked on legislation to address the crisis in our Nation's
    financial markets. They made good headway toward a bill that can pass
    the House and Senate in a timely manner, and the American people
    appreciate their efforts.
        Obviously, there will be differences over some details, and we will
    have to work through them. That is an understandable part of the
    policymaking process. But it would not be understandable if Members of
    Congress sought to use this emergency legislation to pass unrelated
    provisions or to insist on provisions that would undermine the
    effectiveness of the plan. I appreciate Members of Congress in both
    parties resisting the urge to do so and keeping the rescue bill focused
    on solving the crisis in our financial markets.
        Americans are watching to see if Democrats and Republicans, the
    Congress and the White House, can come together to solve this problem
    with the urgency it warrants. Indeed, the whole world is watching to see
    if we can act quickly to shore up our markets and prevent damage to our
    capital markets, businesses, our housing sector, and retirement
    accounts.
        Failure to act would have broad consequences far beyond Wall Street.
    It would threaten small-business owners and homeowners on Main Street.
        Everyone recognizes that it's not easy to write a bill of this
    magnitude in a timely manner, and all those who have worked so hard over
    the weekend and continue this morning deserve the thanks and
    appreciation of every American. Working together, I am confident we can
    enact the legislation necessary to prevent lasting damage to our economy
    and meet the unique challenge facing us today.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this statement.