With the nation perched at the edge of a huge financial crisis, Congress stood tall during the first week of October in voting to pass a financial rescue package that is absolutely essential to prevent a collapse in our financial system.

At a time when angry constituents were flooding the Capitol Hill switchboards demanding a “no” vote for an unpopular rescue of Wall Street, many lawmakers chose to put the national interest above their political self-interests. They understood that the sheer magnitude of the crisis had already spilled over to Main Street, threatening to seriously constrict the flow of credit for consumers trying to get home equity loans, student loans or car loans and putting at risk countless small businesses that serve as the backbone for our local communities.

Allowing banks to sell off some of their bad assets so that they can start lending again will allow households and businesses to get the loans they need to maintain consumer spending, keep businesses afloat and save jobs. Stabilizing financial markets will help to shore up falling home prices and rein in rising foreclosures, which are at the heart of today’s financial crisis.

I am proud that my congressman exhibited true leadership in voting for this legislation. Failure to act would have inflicted devastating damage to our economy.

Dwight Edwards, president, Home Builders Association of Anderson