WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- Congressional leaders made it clear Wednesday that unresolved differences between Democrats, Republicans and the White House may continue to stall key legislative initiatives by the president.
Major stumbling blocks include appropriations for health care and other benefits for workers displaced by international trade, and the scope of prescription subsidies for the elderly.
A part of the Andean Trade Pact, the benefits fight could scuttle a main priority of President Bush -- authority to negotiate trade treaties without congressional changes.
"It was a productive meeting, a lot of goodwill, but time is running out," said White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer. "The president thinks it's crucial that Congress holds the line on spending. There must be fiscal responsibility."
Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., laid the blame for dissension on the Republicans.
"... I reiterated to the president how critical it was that this health package, this opportunity for dislocated workers to get and retain health care, be included as part of the (Andean Trade) package," he said. "I would hate to see all of this trade collapse, this trade legislation collapse, because the far right wouldn't allow health care to be part of TAA (Trade Adjustment Authority). But that is what will happen.
"The far right will be responsible for the fact that the trade legislation collapses in the Senate if this doesn't happen."
The Democrats want the federal government to pay 75 percent of health insurance premiums for displaced workers. The administration has proposed a 50 percent tax credit for the premiums.
House Republicans, meanwhile, are supporting a $350 billion plan to help the elderly obtain prescription drugs -- $190 billion more than the administration proposed.
Officials said the president also discussed the war on terrorism and the Middle East situation with the congressional leaders.
Also Wednesday, the president met with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. Officials said discussions concentrated on the war against terrorism and "other important issues."
Additional details were not disclosed.
