Congress Haggles Over Bailout Plan

Updated from Sunday, Sept. 21

Lawmakers were reportedly grappling Sunday over what to add to the Bush administration's plan for a sweeping rescue of the financial system.

The plan didn't appear in danger of being delayed or stopped, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. But some members of Congress want provisions inserted that are aimed at protecting taxpayers -- who will be on the hook for the plan's cost -- and providing relief to homeowners, the report said.

The Treasury Department wants Congress' blessing to buy up to $700 billion in bad mortgage-related debt. The hope is that such purchases will stem the financial crisis that has shuttered investment banks, forced mergers and caused panic among investors. At the root of the crisis are soured mortgages, but Wall Street amplified their impact using derivatives and leverage. ...