Bush: "Tough times" ahead

INTRO: President Bush said the US economy is going through a tough time and he faulted Congress for inaction.

MOREINFO: Bush pushed for lawmakers to approve new refineries to increase gasoline supplies, and allow oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and said Congress just does not get it.

SCRIPT:

U.S. President George W. Bush said the U.S. economy is facing a "tough time" as rising food and energy prices and a weak housing market curb growth, and faulted Congress for inaction.

SOUNDBITE: US President George W. Bush saying, (English):

"This is a tough time for our economy, across our country many Americans are understandable anxious."

At a Rose Garden news conference Bush was asked whether the US economy is in a recession.

SOUNDBITE: US President George W. Bush saying, (English):

"The words on how to define economy don't reflect the anxiety the American people feel. The average person does not care what we call it they want to know that we know that they are paying higher places."

Bush pushed for lawmakers to approve new refineries to increase gasoline supplies, and allow oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and said Congress just does not get it.

SOUNDBITE: US President George W. Bush saying, (English):

"I can only say it is is either a lack of leadership or a lack of understanding and either way it is a bad signal for the country."

Bush said he was concerned about high food prices, and open to all ideas on helping the economy, including a proposed summer moratorium on gasoline (prices)(taxes).


tough adj. tough·er, tough·est

1. Able to withstand great strain without tearing or breaking; strong and resilient: a tough all-weather fabric.

2. Hard to cut or chew: tough meat.

3. Physically hardy; rugged: tough mountaineers; a tough cop.

4. Severe; harsh: a tough winter.

5.a. Aggressive; pugnacious.

b. Inclined to violent or disruptive behavior; rowdy or rough: a tough street group.

6. Demanding or troubling; difficult: skipping the toughest questions.

7. Strong-minded; resolute: a tough negotiator.

8. Slang Unfortunate; too bad: a tough break.

9. Slang Fine; great.

fault v. fault·ed, fault·ing, faults v.tr. To find error or defect in; criticize or blame.