The presidential candidates - Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain - took part in a broad-based effort to lobby lawmakers.
"I never talked to so many bank presidents in my life," said Rep. Joe Knollenberg, a Michigan Republican who converted yesterday to the yes camp. He also received a call from General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner
The mood on the floor of the House chamber was markedly more relaxed yesterday than it had been Monday, reflecting expectations of passage.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who on Monday riled Republicans by criticizing Bush's economic policies in a floor speech before the vote, softened her rhetoric yesterday.
Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio, who denigrated the earlier version of the measure, urged Republicans to help pass it yesterday.
"Let's not kid ourselves: We're in the midst of a recession," Boehner said. "It's going to be a rough ride. But it will be a whole lot rougher ride if we don't pass this bill."
To demonstrate their concern for "Main Street," the House approved a separate measure to extend jobless benefits. That bill needs Senate approval.
Despite the political shift in favor of the bill, opponents remained steadfast. They included an odd-fellows coalition of liberals and conservatives.
"This is not a time for panic," said Rep. Devin Nunes, a California Republican. "Why do we need to give $700 billion to one man to play hedge-fund god from the gilded offices of the United States Treasury?"
With lawmakers now heading home for the fall campaign, Congress will wait until next year to consider tougher regulations on financial institutions. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said that next year lawmakers will "do some serious surgery on the financial structure."
