Bush blames Congress for oil prices

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush Saturday blamed Democratic congressional leaders for "high gas prices."

In his weekly radio address, Bush said that as many Americans head for summer vacations during August, "the high price of gas is taking a toll on summer travelers."

"Congress is now taking a monthlong recess of its own," he said. "Unfortunately, Democratic leaders are leaving town without taking any action to ease the burden of high gas prices on families across America."

Bush once again called on Congress to remove the legislative ban on oil exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf, and to pass legislation "that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity."

About 20 House Republicans remained in chambers Friday instead of leaving Washington for the August recess, talking about energy issues. A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the Republicans' actions were politics.

Democratic Senate leaders said this week any action on an energy bill must wait until after the August recess since the two parties have been unable to agree. Republicans want legislation to expand oil drilling offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, while Democrats are pushing for tax credits for alternative energy development and curbing oil speculation.