NEW ORLEANS (voa) – President Bush will likely ask for greater trade negotiating power from Congress when he visits the major U.S. port city of New Orleans on Tuesday.
Mr. Bush is expected to say that pending legislation aimed at enhancing his negotiating powers would encourage foreign countries to open their markets to American products.
Visiting the U.S. midwest Monday, Mr. Bush said the terrorist attacks of September 11th have shaken the nation. However, he added that consumer confidence will return as U.S. officials work to prevent other attacks.
He also dismissed calls in the Democratic-controlled Senate to delay the tax cuts he signed into law last year in the face of renewed budget deficits. Defending his fiscal policies, the president said that allowing people to keep more of the money they earn is basic economics.
In addition, Mr. Bush lauded the $26 billion education reform package he signed into law recently, and called for a safety net for farmers and a national energy policy.
The president’s speeches highlight issues Congress is expected to tackle when legislators return from holiday recess on January 23. Critics of the president say White House policies are geared towards helping the rich, and fail to take budget realities into account.
