Pelosi Rejects 'blank Check To Wall Street'

By Ryan Grim

(The Politico)  Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) today said that Democrats would "not simply hand over a $700 billion blank check to Wall Street" and called for "independent oversight, protections for homeowners and constraints on excessive executive compensation" to accompany any Treasury Department bailout.

Her full statement:

"Congress will respond to the financial markets crisis by taking action this week in a bipartisan manner that will protect the taxpayers' interests. The Administration's $700 billion proposal does not include the necessary safeguards. Democrats believe a responsible solution should include independent oversight, protections for homeowners and constraints on excessive executive compensation.

"We will not simply hand over a $700 billion blank check to Wall Street and hope for a better outcome. Democrats will act responsibly to insulate Main Street from Wall Street.

"As we proceed to deal with this crisis, this is clear recognition that the party is over for the Bush Administration's anything goes, failed economic policies that have damaged our economy, undermined the middle class and further pointed out the need for a New Direction."