Bush Passes the Buck

Why is it that the U.S. economy is on a serious downswing? Could it be that we’re in the midst of a super-expensive war with little sign of scaling down in the near future that has jacked up oil prices to new heights and strained the federal budget? According to Bush, he’d have worked out our economic woes if it weren’t for those meddling congressional Democrats.

The Washington Post:

The main theme of the news conference, however, was the economy, and Bush wasted no time ripping the Democratic-controlled Congress on a range of issues.

Democrats disputed his assertions, calling Bush disingenuous and charging that he and Republican loyalists have stood in the way of greater energy independence. According to the Democrats, the White House and “Bush Republicans” have repeatedly refused to roll back tax breaks for oil companies to pay for tax incentives designed to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“It’s a tough time for our economy,” Bush said in an opening statement. “Across our country, many Americans are understandably anxious about issues affecting their pocketbook, from gas and food prices to mortgage and tuition bills. They’re looking to their elected leaders in Congress for action. Unfortunately, on many of these issues, all they’re getting is delay.”

Bush said he has “repeatedly submitted proposals to help address these problems. Yet time after time Congress chose to block them.”

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