Bush pushes Congress to move on economy
WASHINGTON (AP) - April 29, 2008 But, he said, he favored longer-term fixes, such as encouraging
new oil production in the United States and the building of new
refineries.
"It's a tough time for our economy," Bush said at a Rose
Garden news conference. "Across our country, many Americans are
understandably anxious about issues affecting their pocketbook,
from gas and food prices to mortgage and tuition bills. They're
looking to their elected leaders in Congress for action.
"Unfortunately, on many of these issues, all they're getting is
delay," he said.
Bush was asked about a proposal by Republican presidential
contender John McCain, later endorsed by Democrat Hillary Rodham
Clinton, to suspend taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for the
summer travel season. The tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline
and 24.4 cents on diesel fuel.
"I'm open to any ideas and we'll analyze anything that comes
up," he said.
But Bush also said he didn't want to inject himself into the
ongoing presidential race. Of the three candidates, only Democrat
Barack Obama has not backed the gas tax proposal.
The average price of a gallon of gas has reached $3.60
nationwide.
Bush renewed his objection to calls that the government
discontinue keeping up the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve
supply while oil prices are so high. "If I thought it would affect
the price of oil significantly, I would seriously consider it," he
said of an idea embraced by many Democrats and some Republicans.
Bush also said that it was important to keep filling the
reserve, in underground salt domes in Texas and Louisiana, in case
there is a terror attack on the nation's oil supplies. He also once
again called for Congress to permit drilling in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge, a proposal he has made repeatedly since he first
took office in 2001, and to pave the way for the building of new
refineries.
"Another reason for high gas prices is the lack of refining
capacity. It's been more than 30 years since America built its last
new refinery. Yet in this area, too, Congress has repeatedly
blocked efforts to expand capacity and build more refineries,"
Bush said.
The president revived an earlier proposal that shuttered
military bases be used as sites for new refineries. In the past,
oil and energy experts have expressed little interest in that,
saying military bases often aren't situated where the oil pipelines
are anyhow.
He sidestepped a question on whether there should be a second
stimulus package. Rebates started to go out this week as part of a
$168 billion stimulus package enacted in February. The checks will
range to up $600 for an individual, $1,200 for a couple and an
additional $300 for each eligible dependent child.
"Now, you know, after a period of time, the money is beginning
to arrive. We'll see what the effects are," he said.
Bush also called on Congress to act more quickly on legislation
to make more student loans available and to help homeowners facing
foreclosure.
As he has in the past, Bush declined to call the current
economic slowdown a recession, even though many economists say the
nation is already in one.
"You know, the words on how to define the economy don't reflect
the anxiety the American people feel," Bush said. "The average
person doesn't really care what we call it. The average person
wants to know whether or not we know that they're paying higher
gasoline prices and they're worried about staying in their homes."
Asked if he thought government figures due out Wednesday on the
nation's gross domestic product for the period from January through
March would show the country was indeed in a recession, Bush said,
"I think they'll show we're in a very slow economy."
On other subjects, Bush:
- Said he believes the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan is making
strides in tamping down "a very resilient enemy." Bush is
scheduled to meet later with the special representative of the U.N.
Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said that he believes the
NATO-led mission in the country is succeeding. "We're making
progress, but it's also a tough battle," Bush said. "We're facing
people who are willing to strap bombs on themselves and walk into
places where the innocent dwell."
- Declined to openly criticize former President Carter for his
meetings last week with representatives of Hamas, the Palestinian
group the State Department considers a terrorist organization.
"Anybody can talk to whomever they want, but I want people to
understand the problem is Hamas," said Bush. "Foreign policy and
peace is undermined by Hamas. ... That's the reason I'm not talking
with them," he said.
- Spoke about intelligence that was released alleging that Syria
and North Korea were cooperating on a clandestine nuclear reactor.
He said the intelligence was made public to step up pressure on
North Korea to end its own nuclear program and to pressure Syria to
stop destabilizing the Middle East by aiding insurgents in Iraq and
Hamas in Lebanon. He said it was also meant to send a message to
Iran.
- Immediately violated his own pledge not to get involved in the
presidential contest by asserting that McCain would be the victor.
He was asked if he was concerned that his successor would not put
enough emphasis on continuing the war on terrorism. "I don't think
John McCain is going to neglect the war on terror. And I do think
he's going to be president."