President George Bush Friday said the the rescue package for the U.S. financial markets passed by Congress is key to helping the economy weather the crisis.

By acting in a bipartisan manner, "we have acted boldly to help prevent the crisis on Wall Street from becoming a crisis in communities across our country," Bush said after the House passed the $700 billion bailout package 263-171. "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."

Bush said he would sign the measure as soon as it reached his desk.

The Senate passed its version of the bill 75-24 Wednesday. The House rejected its version of the measure 228-205 Monday.