by Calculated Risk on 9/28/2008 02:17:00 AM

From the NY Times: Breakthrough Reached in Negotiations on Bailout

Congressional leaders and the Bush administration reached a tentative agreement early Sunday...

The bill includes pay limits for some executives whose firms seek help, aides said. And it requires the government to use its new role as owner of distressed mortgage-backed securities to make more aggressive efforts to prevent home foreclosures. In some cases, the government would receive an equity stake in companies that seek aid, allowing taxpayers to profit should the rescue plan work and the private firms flourish in the months and years ahead.

The White House also agreed to strict oversight of the program by a Congressional panel and conflict-of-interest rules for firms hired by the Treasury to help run the program.

From the WSJ: Lawmakers Reach Tentative Bailout Deal

"I think we're there," an exhausted Mr. Paulson said, a sentiment echoed in the statements of negotiators such as House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D., Mass.) and Senate Banking Committee head Christopher Dodd (D., Conn.)

Those present said the bailout plan still needs to be drafted in its final form, but a formal announcement should come some time Sunday. ...

"We worked out everything," said Sen. Judd Gregg, the chief Senate Republican in the talks. He said the House should be able to vote on it Sunday, and the Senate could take it up Monday.

Hopefully the details will be released Sunday.