Bush Urges Quick Passage of Bailout Plan to Avert Recession

In a rare prime-time address to the nation Wednesday night, Bush pushed lawmakers wrangling over the $700 billion bailout legislation to consider the consequences of inaction, stating that "our entire economy is in danger."

He warned of a looming "financial panic," and he said the legislative package must be enacted "as soon as possible."

"We are in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action," Bush said. ....