House Republican Leaders Urge Members To Back Bailout

WASHINGTON — House GOP leaders say they support the $700 billion bailout for the financial industry and will try to get fellow Republicans to back it.

"Nobody wants to have to support this bill," Rep. John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, the minority leader, said. But, he added, "I'm encouraging every member whose conscience will allow them to support this."

Senior House Republicans emerged from a lengthy closed-door meeting with rank-and-file lawmakers saying the bill was needed to avert an economic crisis. It's slated for a vote tomorrow.

It was opposition from within their ranks that nearly derailed the package late last week. Many GOP lawmakers believe the government shouldn't interfere in financial markets.