[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.