Pelosi Statement on Meeting This Afternoon With Fed Chairman Bernanke

'Our meeting was respectful of our mutual interests in stabilizing the economy.  We know that people are hurting, so I hope that we can work together -- recognizing the independence of the Fed -- and coordinate monetary and fiscal policy that will soften the blow for hard-working families affected by an economic slowdown.

'I look forward to Chairman Bernanke's testimony before the House Budget Committee later this week.

'As Leader Reid and I said in our letter to President Bush last week, we want to work with the President in a bipartisan way to develop a fiscal stimulus package to address the severe strains being felt by millions of Americans.  We look forward to meeting with the President and Republican Congressional leaders to find a solution that is timely, targeted, and temporary.'