Three Pennsylvania Republicans who originally opposed a $700 billion rescue bill for the financial markets voted in favor of the package, citing the Senate's addition of extended tax breaks and increased insurance protection for bank depositors.

Switching their votes today were:

-- Bill Shuster, of Bedford, who represents the 9th District in the state's center.

-- Charlie Dent, from the 15th District which encompasses Allentown and Bethlehem.

-- Jim Gerlach, whose 6th District takes in portions of Chester, Berks and Montgomery counties outside Philadelphia.

One Pennsylvania Democrat remained in the "no" column, U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, who represents the 4th District in suburban Pittsburgh.

Mr. Altmire said the bill offers insufficient protections for taxpayers.

"I just think this bill is almost identical to the bill I voted against on Monday," Mr. Altmire said.

The trio of Republicans came to a conclusion to change their votes after a series of conferences with House Republican leaders.

"My biggest concern is that we move forward and pass something," Mr. Shuster said in a conference call with reporters today. "If not, there are going to be job losses - significant job losses."

Rep. Phil English, R-Erie, who is in a tight re-election race voted against the bill. Mr. English also voted against the bill on Monday along with his three House Republican colleagues.

Remaining in the yes column today are congressmen Mike Doyle, D-Swissvale, and John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown.

"I can't get my head around doing nothing," Mr. Doyle said today. He spoke of encountering an official from PNC, the Pittsburgh based financial institution, earlier this week.

"He said, 'Mike, we're not lending money,' " Mr. Doyle said.

First Published: October 3, 2008, 5:00 p.m.