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Bush urges Congress to act before recess

December 04, 2007
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U.S. President George Bush used a news conference Tuesday to try to pressure Congress to act on major legislation before the Christmas recess.

"Three groups are waiting for Congress to act," Bush said prior to taking questions during the 45-minute news conference -- U.S. troops, intelligence professionals and taxpayers.

U.S. troops "are waiting for Congress to fund them and their operations overseas," Bush said. He urged Congress to pass a defense spending bill "and it needs to be without telling the military how to conduct this war" by including a timetable for troop withdrawal.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act must be renewed before its Feb. 1 expiration date.

"To allow it to laps would endanger our country," he said.

In addition, Bush said Congress must address the alternative minimum tax, which was not indexed when enacted to ensure the wealthiest paid taxes. It now is affecting middle-class taxpayers.

If Congress fails to alter the AMT, "American taxpayers will be hit with an unexpected tax bill," Bush said.

Bush expressed concern about Congress lumping all appropriations into one "monster bill" loaded with earmarks.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International

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