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President Bush Discusses Legislative Agenda
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 26, 2008

President Bush Discusses Legislative Agenda Diplomatic Reception Room

˙ /news/releases/2008/06/20080626-18.wm.v.html ˙˙Presidential Remarks
˙˙Audio


1:45 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: The 4th of July is fast approaching, and Democratic leaders
in Congress have scheduled another recess. Americans are concerned that
Congress may leave town with a lot of important business that hasn't been
completed.

Before they leave, the Congress needs to pass an emergency war funding
bill, so that our troops on the frontlines have the tools they need to
protect themselves and us. The House passed a good bill, and now the Senate
needs to act.

Before they leave, Congress needs to give our intelligence professionals
the tools they need to act quickly and effectively to monitor foreign
terrorist communications so we can stop any new attack. The House passed a
good, very good bipartisan bill, and the Senate needs to act.

Before they leave, the Senate needs to make progress on the enormous
backlog of nominations that they've held up. Many of these nominations are
for vital positions affecting our courts, our economy, our public safety,
and our national security. Every day that these nominees are delayed makes
it harder for the government to meet its responsibilities, and the Senate
needs to act right away.

Now, when they come back, when they get off their recess, the Democratic
Congress needs to act on critical issues that they've failed to address.
One such issue is housing legislation. The Congress needs to come together
and pass responsible housing legislation to help more Americans keep their
homes.

Another area of concern for the American citizens is the price of gasoline.
And one way to relieve the price of gasoline is to expand domestic
production of crude oil here at home. The Congress failed to act on this
measure, and they got to when they come back.

And finally, the Congress needs to act when it comes to the Colombia free
trade agreement. This is a good deal for our economy. It will help our
economy grow and to strong -- support our friend and ally in the
neighborhood, Colombia.

I'm -- I asked the Democratic leaders to make the last two days before
their recess productive. I, of course, wish the members to have a great 4th
of July week, and I'm looking forward to working with them to address
critical issues facing our nation when they return.

Thank you.

END 1:47 P.M. EDT
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