from Bloomberg:
Bush Blames Congress for Failing to Act on Energy (Update2)
By Roger Runningen and Catherine Dodge
April 29 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush blamed Congress for blocking his initiatives to mitigate rising energy costs by expanding domestic production and said lawmakers also are delaying action on other measures to address higher food costs and the mortgage crisis.
``It's a tough time for our economy,'' Bush said at a news conference today at the White House. While the public is demanding action, ``on many of these issues, all they are getting is delay.''
The president dismissed calls to stop federal purchases of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and he declined to endorse proposals to suspend collection of federal gasoline and diesel taxes as ways to cut costs to consumers.
Democratic leaders, who have majorities in the House and Senate, responded to Bush's remarks by faulting administration policies and accusing the president of failing to act.
Bush ``has closed his eyes and put his hands over his ears as these crises have grown,'' Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, said at a news conference after Bush spoke.
While Bush addressed foreign policy issues including the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa, the U.S. economy and energy were the main subjects, as they have been in the political campaign to succeed him next year.
Economic Outlook The president declined to say whether the U.S. economy is in a recession.
``Economists can argue over the terminology,'' Bush said. ``The average person doesn't really care what we call it.'' ......(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPQAOLlelQds&refer=home