WASHINGTON - President George Bush says the U.S. economy is facing tough times because of rising energy and food prices and a sagging housing market.At a Washington news conference Tuesday Mr. Bush, a Republican, complained that the Democrats who run Congress are blocking his proposals to deal with energy problems, home foreclosures, and student loans.

He also criticized Congress for failing to approve his plan to drill for oil in an arctic wildlife preserve in the state of Alaska. Mr. Bush says his proposal would significantly add to domestic oil supplies and ease gasoline prices.

Democrats have raised environmental concerns about the drilling in Alaska, and have been pressing for more action to stimulate the economy.

Mr. Bush also blamed high electricity prices on congressional obstruction of administration efforts to build more nuclear power plants.

And Mr. Bush urged action on a plan to make more student loans available by giving the government more authority to buy student loans from banks. Rising lending costs have forced a number of major companies out of the student loan business, raising concerns that some college students will be unable to borrow the money they need to attend school.

Source:  VOA News