Housing Plan Deal Promising, Bush Says
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — President Bush expressed confidence yesterday he will reach a deal with Congress on a housing-rescue plan but prodded lawmakers to show “less politics.”
The president’s comments came as many homeowners are saddled with mortgage payments they can no longer afford and facing foreclosure. The Senate is considering a $300 billion plan to back cheaper loans for people who risk losing their home, but that measure has stalled for now.
“I think we can get us a bill,” Mr. Bush said. “But it’s going to require less politics and more focus.”
He spoke at a credit-counseling agency in Arkansas that helps people saddled with debt.
Senate leaders hope soon to get back to the bill after their weeklong break; it has been snagged over an unrelated dispute about tax breaks and renewable energy.
The legislation includes elements Mr. Bush supports, including an overhaul of the Federal Housing Administration. But the White House opposes parts of the rescue plan, too.
Mr. Bush also sounded an upbeat tone about the slumping economy.