Bush returns from holiday to problems

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, AUG. 30. After a three-week holiday at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, the President, Mr. George W Bush returns to the White House today quite aware of the challenges he faces over the next several weeks. ``Our batteries are charged,'' the President told the members of the American Legion in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, implying that he was looking forward to returning to the White House and acknowledging that he had ``a lot of work to do''. Members of Congress too have had their summer break and will return to Capitol Hill by next Wednesday after spending Labour Day in their respective constituencies. The President is scheduled to travel to Michigan and Wisconsin on Labour Day next Monday.

When the lawmakers return, the White House will face the battle on domestic priorities and spending and the Democrats have made it known that they will indeed raise the issue of tax cuts and a slowing economy eating into the surplus. The Democrats point out that Mr. Bush's spending increases for the military, his priorities on education and his tax cuts were likely to encroach into the funds earmarked for social security. And the Democrats will not be content with the standard answers from the White House - that tax cuts are the right prescription for the American economy.

The President has already started his political line: that critics who question his tax cuts are actually eyeing an increase in taxes, something he will not allow. ``...there are some who are second guessing tax relief...I presume those who oppose tax relief are for raising your taxes. That would tie an anchor on our economy, and I can assure you, I won't allow it,'' Mr. Bush told the American Legion.

One of the priorities for the President and his team will be to ensure that the spending Bills get Congress approval so that the Federal Government can keep functioning. Presidential aides have said that Mr.Bush will try hard and seek bipartisanship.

Mr. Bush's domestic priorities and challenges in autumn aside, there are a number of foreign policy issues that are high on the agenda. The President will meet a number of world leaders when they come for the United Nations meeting next month. One of the most troubled regions in the recent past has been West Asia. The White House has repeatedly said it is up to the Israelis and the Palestinians to iron out differences and one of the best ways is following the recommendations of the Mitchell Commission. Mr. Bush also has the missile defence debate going on within the country and elsewhere.

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