The 700-billion-dollar package is aimed to

Lawmakers say they’re close to a deal on the 700-billion-dollar package to rescue the troubled financial system. A bipartisan group has been meeting today to hash out differences. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, chairman of the joint economic committee, says he hopes to reach a deal by this afternoon. Among the details being hammered out is how much the plan will cost. The most common amount being talked about is 700-billion dollars; another key point in the negotiations is whether the government will actually become a shareholder in troubled companies. One part of the plan that seems certain to become a law will be a provision to limit executive pay and bonuses at companies that sell assets to the Treasury.