Obama is proposing today that federal deposit insurance be raised from $100,000 to $250,000 in an effort to help get the financial markets bill, which the House voted down yesterday, passed. Here is a portion of the statement his campaign released this morning:

"One step we could take to potentially broaden support for the legislation and shore up our economy would be to expand federal deposit insurance for families and small businesses across America who have invested their money in our banks.

"The majority of American families should rest assured that the deposits they have in our banks are safe. Thanks to measures put in place during the Great Depression, deposits of up to $100,000 are guaranteed by the federal government.

"While that guarantee is more than adequate for most families, it is insufficient for many small businesses that maintain bank accounts to meet their payroll, buy their supplies, and invest in expanding and creating jobs. The current insurance limit of $100,000 was set 28 years ago and has not been adjusted for inflation.

"That is why today, I am proposing that we also raise the FDIC limit to $250,000 as part of the economic rescue package -- a step that would boost small businesses, make our banking system more secure, and help restore public confidence in our financial system.

"I will be talking to leaders and members of Congress later today to offer this idea and urge them to act without delay to pass a rescue plan," said Barack Obama.

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