Democratic leaders in Congress gave auto industry leaders 12 days to come back with a plan showing that federal aid would be well-spent.

Democratic leaders in Congress gave auto industry leaders 12 days to come back with a plan showing that federal aid would be well-spent.

Democratic Congressional leaders suggested using the financial system’s bailout to help distressed automakers.

The financial turmoil has left Washington in the midst of a convulsion that both parties are struggling to understand.

The financial turmoil has left Washington in the midst of a convulsion that both parties are struggling to understand and keep from turning against them.

The financial turmoil has left Washington in the midst of a political convulsion that both parties are struggling to understand and turn to their advantage — or at least keep from turning against them.

The financial turmoil has left Washington in the midst of a political convulsion that both parties are struggling to understand and turn to their advantage — or at least keep from turning against them.

The urgency of Treasury Secretary Paulson’s message got the attention of Democrats and Republicans alike in Congress.

Some lawmakers and experts are considering creating a new agency to dispose of mortgage-related assets that are at the core of Wall Street’s woes.

The political fight over high fuel prices produced little progress as Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to force a vote on legislation.