Bush faults Democrats on housing crisis, energy and taxes

President Bush on Wednesday criticized Democrats in Congress for their approach to dealing with the nation's housing crisis and soaring energy prices and called anew for an extension of expiring tax cuts and government wiretapping authority.

Bush met at the White House with Republican leaders of Congress and then critiqued the Democrats' strategy for dealing with major problems.

He pledged to veto a broad housing rescue package moving through the House. The White House contends it is a burdensome bailout that would open taxpayers to too much risk, even though the bill includes some elements the administration supports. Instead, he pushed for an alternative bill backed by Republicans.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded with her own critique of Bush's position.

"American families confronting foreclosure deserve better from the president than a veto threat," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "They deserve the House's bipartisan housing plan that will protect the American dream of home ownership."

The Democrats' measure, aimed at preventing foreclosures, would have the government step in to insure up to $300 billion in new mortgages for distressed homeowners. A House vote is expected by Thursday.