Ryan, Wilson support bailout plan

YOUNGSTOWN — The thought of helping bail out Wall Street made U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan “stomach sick,” but he supported the $700 billion emergency economic recovery package today because he thought not passing it would “damage the local economy and people [would] lose jobs.”

Even with Ryan’s support, the bill failed in the U.S. House 228-205 in what political and economic observers described as a stunning vote, and one that led to the Dow Jones dropping 800 points, the most ever for one day.

Ryan, D-17th, of Niles and U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-6th, of St. Clairsville, were the only members of Congress who represent the Mahoning and Shenango valley areas to vote in favor of the bill.

“I believe I stood up for America and voted for the country with this vote,” Wilson said. “I supported this emergency legislation because it was crafted and supported by a group of Democrats and Republicans, it was not a gift to Wall Street and because it would have protected Main Street. Our plan required that every dollar be paid back.”

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com