    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [June 26, 2008]
    [Pages 888-889]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

     Remarks on Congressional Action on the Legislative Agenda
     June 26, 2008

        Fourth 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

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    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 it's strong--to support our friend and ally in the
    neighborhood, Colombia.
        I'm--I asked the Democratic leaders to make the last 2 days before
    their recess productive. I will, of course, wish the Members--to have a
    great Fourth of July week. And I'm looking forward to working with them
    to address critical issues facing our Nation when they return.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. in the Diplomatic Reception Room
    at the White House.