On the recordMay 17, 2010
we all know how Wall Street brought our economy to the brink of collapse nearly 2 years ago. Our financial system let traders gamble away other people's money with little risk and large reward. The system said to big bankers: If you win, enjoy your jackpot. If you lose, don't worry; taxpayers will bail you out. It is quite a rewarding deal for Wall Street but a pretty raw deal for everyone else. We have seen firsthand the dangers of that arrangement. When the bottom collapsed, 8 million Americans lost their jobs. The typical family lost $100,000 in savings and home equity. The problem is that it is still the way the system works today, and every new day we don't act, we take the chance it will happen again. The bill empowers consumers and holds Wall Street accountable to make sure history never repeats itself. Ours is a strong bill. The American people not only overwhelmingly support this legislation, it is legislation they loudly demand. But it won't do anyone any good until we send it to the President for his signature.





