September 2008

This week’s question concerns the proposed $700 billion bail-out plan for U.S. financial firms. The House of Representatives has rejected a bill that would give the government power to buy soured securities from Wall Street firms and banks, institute debt insurance for bailed-out firms to protect troubled assets, and impose restrictions on executive compensation. The bill’s supporters say the measures are needed to stabilize a faltering economy; critics argue the bill would cost taxpayers more and won’t help homeowners faced with foreclosure or sinking home values. What do you think? Will the Federal bail-out plan help the U.S. economy? Yes or no?
Vote here.