Republicans Hail McCain's Decision To Return To Hill

House Republicans praised Sen. John McCain Wednesday afternoon after the GOP presidential nominee announced he is suspending campaign activities in order to return to Washington and work on proposed bailout legislation.

House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam said McCain’s decision could help “detoxify” the highly charged political atmosphere surrounding the $700 billion legislation.

Putnam admitted that the administration’s proposal “has not gotten the traction required” in order to pass, but said if McCain and Sen. Barack Obama “acknowledged the need for congressional intervention” it could help break the deadlock.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling, the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, also praised McCain’s announcement.

“He is saying, I am an American first and a Republican second,” Hensarling said. “So God bless him for that…It clearly shows what kind of a leader he would be.”

Other Republican leaders also praised McCain. 

“Senator McCain’s announcement that he will return to Washington to confront the economic crisis facing our nation is a testament to the fact that John McCain is a guy who would rather be part of the solution than runaway from the fight,” said House Minority Whip Roy Blunt. 

Update: House Minority Leader John Boehner also praises McCain in a statement:

“Our economy is facing unprecedented challenges, and we must work together to find a solution. I strongly support Sen. McCain’s proposal for a bipartisan leadership meeting of both Houses of Congress, including Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama. Given that it is only a few months before a new President takes the oath of office, it is vital that the next President play an active role in crafting this critical plan.”