Frank Signals Progress

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank told reporters moments ago that House Minority Whip Roy Blunt has agreed to send staffers to a meeting on bailout legislation expected to take place Friday afternoon.

“We think that is a good sign that the House Republicans are ending their boycott,” said Frank.

Staff members from both parties are expected to attend a bicameral meeting with Treasury Department officials on Capitol Hill.

Frank, however, did not expect to announce a final deal after the meeting.

"Unless [House Republicans] give in to their opposition to the central parts of the plan, I don't see a bill," he said.