WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today insisted that the U.S. House of Representatives remain in session in order to continue working on a responsible plan to ease the financial credit crisis sweeping the nation’s markets.

“This problem is bigger than one Congressional district, it’s bigger than our state, and it sure is bigger than the November elections,” Emerson said as she urged Congress to put public policy and the financial stability of the country ahead of politics for the next month.

The Congress was planned to adjourn on Friday so incumbent members of Congress could return home for five full weeks of political campaigning.

“That’s an unprecedented amount of time for campaigning.  We have a serious responsibility in Washington to work – to find a solution to the financial worry sweeping the markets and the country.  Leaving that obligation on the table and walking away would be downright irresponsible,” Emerson said.  “Furthermore, even if we pass one bill to ease the crisis this week or this weekend, it should just be a first step while we investigate the mess Wall Street has left in our laps and hold the people responsible for it accountable for their misdeeds.”

Emerson started her day today with a briefing from a panel of economists to about 40 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, where options and alternatives were discussed in advance of a legislative proposal’s arrival on Capitol Hill today.