Gas prices soar

In an Associated Press piece today "President Bush said that Congress is blocking his proposals to deal with high gas prices and dragging its feet on other issues to address the nation's sagging economy. He said he was open to any idea in terms of energy, including a proposal backed by John McCain and Hillary Clinton to suspend gas and diesel taxes this summer. But, he said, he favored longer-term fixes, such as encouraging new oil production in the United States and the building of new refineries. '"It's a tough time for our economy."' '"Across our country, many Americans are understandably anxious about issues affecting their pocketbook, from gas and food prices to mortgage and tuition bills. They're looking to their elected leaders in Congress for action."' '"Unfortunately, on many of these issues, all they're getting is delay," he said.

Bush was asked about a proposal by Republican presidential contender John McCain, later endorsed by Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton, to suspend taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for the summer travel season. The tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel fuel. '"I'm open to any ideas and we'll analyze anything that comes up,"' he said. But Bush also said he didn't want to inject himself into the ongoing presidential race. Of the three candidates, only Democrat Barack Obama has not backed the gas tax proposal. The average price of a gallon of gas has reached $3.60 nationwide."