Bush: Congress has 'a lot of work left'

WASHINGTON, May 31 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush Saturday called on Congress to complete action on a lengthy list of issues he regards as important.

In his weekly radio address, Bush said he hoped Congress returns to Washington rested following its Memorial Day recess "because they have a lot of work left on important issues and limited time to get it done."

Bush listed an Iraq war funding bill, expansion of the GI Bill and legislation on monitoring suspected terrorist communication as some of the items he hoped Congress would act on during what remains of the election year.

He called on Congress to approve his proposed trade agreement with Colombia -- an agreement that Democratic leaders in Congress have said is a dead issue for the remainder of this session.

Bush said Congress "needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration" and take other steps to address the mortgage crisis, and he said Congress needs to "expand domestic energy production."

"Congress needs to show the American people that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time," Bush said. "You sent your representatives to Washington to do the people's business, and you have a right to expect them to do it -- even in an election year."