Bush vows veto of housing, war funding

WASHINGTON, May 7 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Wednesday vowed to veto a war funding bill and housing bills he said would benefit speculators and lenders.

"I told the members (of Congress) I support $108 billion supplemental without any strings, and that we're going to work toward that goal," Bush told reporters after meeting with House GOP leaders.

The House is scheduled to take up a bill that would provide $195 billion in spending for the remainder of fiscal year 2008 and into fiscal year 2009.

Another veto was promised for housing-related measures being considered in the House.

"(We) are committed to a good housing bill that will help folks stay in their house, as opposed to a housing bill that will reward speculators and lenders," Bush said.

Bush also discussed high gasoline prices, the Columbia free trade agreement and government surveillance.

Concerning fuel prices, he urged Congress to consider refinery construction and environmentally friendly domestic exploration.

Bush called on House Democratic leaders to allow "an up or down" vote on the trade agreement.

He also chided the leadership for refusing to allow a vote on a bill that would reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, saying U.S. security "is at greater risk" because it hasn't been passed.