Bush: Will consider gas tax moratorium

WASHINGTON, April 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush said Tuesday he is open to the idea of a gas tax moratorium.

Under questioning by reporters at a Rose Garden news conference, Bush stopped short of endorsing such action and refused to explain his thinking on the issue.

"I'm open to any ideas. We'll analyze anything that will come our way," Bush said, adding the White House is concerned "about high gasoline prices, high food prices, people staying in their homes and student loans" and he called on Congress to show leadership on the issues.

"If it's a good idea, we'll embrace it," Bush said.

Bush said he still doesn't think it would be a good idea to stop buying oil for the strategic reserve since the purchases account for only 0.1 percent of global demand.

"I don't think that's going to affect price," he said.