Dems, Bush tout stimulus bipartisanship

President Bush and congressional Democrats on Saturday used their weekly radio addresses to laud the wave of bipartisanship that is pushing forward a stimulus package, but both also challenged the other side to do more.

Bush touted the deal on the legislation, which was struck this week in the House.

{mosads}“I ask the House and Senate to enact this package into law as soon as possible,” Bush said. The president also issued a warning to the Senate to not tinker with the deal.

“And while I understand the desire to add provisions from both the left and the right, it would be a mistake to undermine this important bipartisan agreement,” Bush said. “By working together, we can provide our economy with a shot in the arm when we need it most.”

The president called on Congress to also pass legislation that would make permanent an update to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (N.D.), speaking on behalf of the Democrats, also praised the bipartisanship on the stimulus deal, adding that the president’s cooperation with Congress is “long, long overdue.”

“Let’s hope it is habit-forming,” the senator said, noting that more must be done to shore up an ailing economy. “And we need real cooperation. This isn’t going to be easy.”

Dorgan listed fighting the trade deficit, tackling the “subprime mortgage scandal” and reigning in hedge funds as issues that must be addressed.

“I have great hope for the future of this country, but we have to take decisive and courageous steps to fix these things,” Dorgan said. “I am convinced we can do that.  We have to say to President Bush, ‘It’s time to change course. It’s time for some leadership. We need to work together to put this country back on track. So let’s start now.’”