President George Bush says a government rescue plan for the U.S. financial system has been "improved" and he is confident it will pass the Senate tonight (Wednesday night).
Mr. Bush urged lawmakers to take the measure "very seriously" and to pass it to stabilize the financial system and keep Americans from losing more money.
The Senate is considering a revised version of a 700 billion-dollar plan that the House of Representatives rejected on Monday. Mr. Bush said another House vote is set for Friday morning.
The new plan is said to include provisions to raise the limit on government insurance for bank deposits, and offer tax breaks for individuals and businesses.
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid told journalists he is confident the changed bill will attract votes from both parties.
Republican
Senate leader Mitch McConnell said Senate approval will make it easier
to get the measure through the House.