Bush aims to take agenda before Democratic control

Raw Story

United States President George W. Bush this morning attempted to set the agenda for what will soon be a Democratic-controlled congress.

At a Rose Garden appearance, Bush congratulated Democrats “on the victory they achieved for their party.” In what may be seen as an acknowledgement that Republicans are about to concede the Senate, he indicated that he will be meeting with Democratic leaders from both chambers in the next two days.

“As the new members of Congress and their leaders return to Washington, I’ve instructed my Cabinet to provide whatever briefings and information they need to be able to do their jobs,” he later added.

“It is our responsibility,” Bush told reporters, “to put the elections behind us and work together on the great issues facing America.”

“Some of these issues,” he continued, “need to be addressed before the current Congress finishes its legislative session, and that means the next few weeks are going to be busy ones.”

In a somewhat surprising gesture, Bush added that he was “open to any idea or suggestion that will help us achieve our goals of defeating the terrorists and ensuring that Iraq’s democratic government succeeds.”

With newly elected Democrats not yet in office, the current legislative session will be continue to be controlled by Republicans.

“The first order of business,” Bush insisted, “is for Congress to complete the work on the federal spending bills for this year with strong fiscal discipline and without diminishing our capacity to fight the war on terror.” Bush also insisted that the current congress also pass the Terrorist Surveillance Act, current versions of energy legislation, a nuclear deal involving India, and recognition of Vietnam as a World Trade Organization member.

Though most of the cabinet was present at the event, outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was conspicuously absent. The President indicated that this was due to a speaking engagement at Kansas State University.

Bush also indicated that Rumsfeld had agreed to remain with the administration until nominee Robert Gates is confirmed.