Bush Remarks on the Global Economy

Thirdly, we are concerned that some investors could take advantage of the crisis to illegally manipulate the stock market. So the Securities and Exchange Commission has launched rigorous enforcement actions to detect fraud and manipulation in the market.

BUSH: The SEC is focused on preventing abusive practices, such as putting out false information to drive down particular stocks for personal gain. Anyone caught engaging in illegal financial activities will be prosecuted.

Fourth, the decline in the housing market has left many Americans struggling to meet their mortgages and are concerned about losing their homes. My administration has launched two initiatives to help responsible borrowers keep their homes.

One is called Hope Now, and it brings together homeowners and lenders and mortgage servicers and others to find ways to prevent foreclosure.

The other initiative is aimed at making it easier for responsible homeowners to refinance into affordable mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

So far these programs have helped more than 2 million Americans stay in their home. And the point is this: If you're struggling to meet your mortgage, there are ways that you can get help.