WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush scrambled on Friday to rally members of his own party to support a proposed $700 billion government bailout of the country's financial system.

Bush delivered a terse statement from outside the White House, acknowledging that lawmakers have a right to express their doubts and work through disagreements, but declaring they must "rise to the occasion" and approve a plan to avert an economic meltdown.

"There are disagreements over aspects of the rescue plan," he said. "But there is no disagreement that something substantial must be done. We are going to get a package passed."