House approves $700 billion bailout package

Reversing its stance from four days ago, the House today approved the $700 billion financial rescue package.

The vote was 263-171, with 58 members dropping their earlier opposition. The Muckety map below shows representatives who voted no on Monday and yes today.

The Senate had approved the measure Wednesday, and President Bush signed it into law this afternoon, clearing the way for Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to implement the biggest U.S. government bailout ever.

The bill’s passage broke the high tension that has seized Congress this week.

Paulson called today’s results “a vote to protect the American people — and their jobs.”

“By coming together on this legislation we have acted boldly,” Bush said. “We have shown the world that the United States of America will stabilize our financial markets and maintain a leading role in the global economy.”

House members who switched from nay to aye:

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