WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Financial Services Forum's President and COO Rob Nichols released the following statement in response to President Bush’s speech:

"The Forum praises President Bush for his leadership this evening in addressing the American people regarding the challenges and urgency surrounding the current economic crisis and the need to act swiftly to avoid further damage to the broader economy.

"The Forum also applauds the leadership of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox, Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd, House and Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, and other Congressional leaders for their tireless effort and commitment toward forging a bipartisan consensus on how to address this crisis.

"We support the President’s decision to invite Congressional leaders to the White House tomorrow to work out the details of a rescue plan that will revitalize the financial system, while protecting the American taxpayer and putting the American economy back on solid ground.

"Acknowledging the difficulty and complexity of the situation, we urge members of Congress to come together and do what is necessary to restore confidence and stability to the nation’s financial system, and to protect the jobs, savings, and homes of the American people."