Bachus Statement Comes Through Leadership

It's another sign that House Republicans are putting as much distance as they can between themselves and the bailout. Kevin Smith, communications director for Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), just forwarded reporters a statement from Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), the House Republican represented at today's meeting.

He emerged with positive things to say about the progress of the negotiations. The statement that comes through leadership, though, makes it explicit that he was speaking only for himself. “As I made clear in the meeting this morning, I was not authorized by my colleagues to make any agreement on behalf of House Republicans," reads the statement. “There was progress on many issues, but no agreement other than to continue discussions.”

Bachus is ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee.