Congress Debates a Bailout

When Wall Street giant Bear Stearns was on the ropes last month, it took the federal government less than two days to leap in and guarantee a bailout for a bank with a reputation for playing fast and loose in the markets.

With millions of homeowners around the country up against foreclosure and millions of homes already lost, it's taking Uncle Sam a little longer.

But should Washington be bailing out mortgage holders who bought too much house on terms that are now biting hard?

This hour, On Point: The great debate. How much help is the right help for homeowners on the brink?Guests:

Rep. Barney Frank, Democrat from Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Sarah Lueck, reporter for The Wall Street Journal covering Congress's efforts to address the housing crisis.

Joseph Mason, professor of finance at Drexel University and senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

Josh Nassar, vice president for federal affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending.