Bush criticizes Democrats
WASHINGTON (AP) - May 7, 2008 Bush met at the White House with Republican leaders of Congress
and then gave a critique of the Democrats' strategy for dealing
with major problems.
Bush pledged to veto a broad housing rescue package moving
through the House. The White House contends it is a burdensome
bailout that would open taxpayers to too much risk, even though the
bill includes some elements the administration supports.
He pushed for an alternative bill backed by Republicans.
On gas prices, Bush again asserted that he understands the pinch
on typical families. He pushed for steps that critics say would
offer little help anytime in the short term, such as encouraging
construction of oil refineries and allowing more oil drilling in
areas where it is now precluded.
"No doubt about it, we're deeply concerned about the high price
of gasoline," Bush said along side House Republican leaders.
He said if Congress was worried about the impact that soaring
gas prices were having on citizens, it would urge the construction
of new domestic refineries and allow for environmentally friendly
energy exploration in the United States.
Bush has long called for opening the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge in Alaska to oil development, and has chastised Congress for
repeatedly blocking the proposal, which is strongly opposed by
environmentalists, most Democrats and a few moderate Republicans.
Energy experts believe ANWR's likely 11 billion barrels of oil -
pumped at just under 1 million barrels a day - would send a signal
of increased U.S. interest in domestic energy production. However,
in the long run, it likely would not significantly impact oil or
gasoline prices. And it likely would have little impact on today's
prices.
Oil futures blasted to a new record near $123 a barrel Tuesday,
gaining momentum as investors bought on a forecast of much higher
prices and on any news hinting at supply shortages. Retail gas
prices edged lower, but appear poised to rise to new records of
their own in coming weeks.
The president also pushed again for priority legislation that
has been stalled on Capitol Hill for weeks - a potential free-trade
deal with Colombia, and a government eavesdropping bill designed to
target communications of suspected terrorists.
Bush also called on Congress to approve a $108 billion
war-spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan "without any strings."
Democrats want to enlarge the bill with an extension of
unemployment insurance benefits. A measure proposed by House
Democrats would prohibit using U.S. aid to rebuild towns or equip
security forces in Iraq unless Baghdad matches every dollar spent.