All we can do, those of us here in Washington is to help create a favorable climate in which workers can prosper, businesses can thrive and our economy can grow. And that is exactly what the recovery plan I've proposed is intended to do…

We're at a moment of history where I think the most important thing we need to do is to bring the country together. And one of the skills that I bring to bear is being able to pull together the different strands of American life and focus…

We're going to be having conversations as this process moves forward directly with these folks on Wall Street to underscore that they have to start acting in a more responsible fashion if we are to, together, get this economy rolling…

All we can do, those of us here in Washington is to help create a favorable climate in which workers can prosper, businesses can thrive and our economy can grow. And that is exactly what the recovery plan I've proposed is intended to do…

That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful.

Number three, I said that I would not allow this plan to become a welfare program for Wall Street executives, whose greed and irresponsibility got us into this mess.

In the last few days, the alleged scandal at Madoff investor securities has reminded us yet again of how badly reform is needed when it comes to the rules and regulations that govern our markets.

This is a continuing disaster for America's working families. As worrying as these numbers are, it's what they mean for the American people that really matters and that's so alarming.

I'm confident that we can fix this.

I think we're in a moment of history where probably the most important thing we need to do is to bring the country together.

For homeowners who are victims of fraud, I have also proposed a $10 billion Foreclosure Prevention Fund that would help them sell a home that is beyond their means or modify their loan to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.