US President George W. Bush said Tuesday he was reassuring world leaders at the UN General Assembly that he was "confident" the US Congress would act quickly to rescue battered financial institutions.
With lawmakers questioning aspects of his 700-billion-dollar bailout package, Bush said he had heard from "world leaders wondering whether or not the United States has the right plan to deal with this economic crisis."
"They're wondering about our Congress and I've assured them as well that having spoken to the leaders of the Congress from both political parties there is the desire to get something done quickly," said the US president.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto said he was confident that lawmakers would act "this week" on the mammoth package despite growing questions about whether it includes enough congressional oversight and direct help for the US public.
"There's a natural give-and-take when it comes to the legislative process. There are good ideas that need to be listened to," Bush said as he opened his first ever meeting with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari.
"But I'm confident, Mr. President, and as I've told you and other leaders, that there will be a bipartisan bill, that the Republicans and Democrats will come together to get this piece of legislation passed, which is necessary to address the financial situation and provide a rescue plan to make sure that there's some stability in the markets," said Bush.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dick Cheney, White House chief of staff Josh Bolten, and other top officials were wooing skeptical lawmakers, according to Fratto.
