WASHINGTON – The White House yesterday asked Congress to reject an attempt by Republican leaders in the House to place in an intelligence reorganization bill some anti-illegal immigration measures that Democrats say they won’t support.

The Bush administration wants “an effective bill that both Houses can pass and the president can sign into law as soon as possible to meet the nation’s security needs,” national security adviser Condoleezza Rice and budget director Joshua Bolten said in a letter to congressional leaders.

President Bush himself earlier called for lawmakers to hurry and finish their negotiations. “These reforms are necessary to stay ahead of the threats,” the president said in a Monday campaign speech. “I urge Congress to act quickly so I can sign them into law.”

The letter came as congressional negotiators prepared for their first public meeting today to negotiate a compromise on legislation based on the recommendations of the September 11 commission. While behind-the-scenes staff meetings have occurred, no resolutions have been reached on illegal immigration measures that the House wants and the Senate refused to consider.

The House bill would expand the number of aliens subject to quick deportation by increasing the amount of time they would have to be in America to be exempted from speedy deportation.

It also would force asylum seekers accused by their home countries of being involved in terrorist or guerrilla activities to prove that their race, religion, nationality or political opinion will be a “central reason” for their persecution if deported.

“The administration strongly opposes the overbroad expansion of expedited removal authorities, and has concerns about the provision addressing asylum; these sections should be modified or dropped altogether,” the letter said.

The White House provided a copy of the letter to the Associated Press yesterday to ensure its side was publicly represented as the legislation becomes entangled in election-season politics.

“This is a blueprint and a path to a bill the president could sign to make our country safer and stronger,” a White House spokesman, Trent Duffy, said.

For example, the White House said a national intelligence director should have “strong budget authority” and “a role in the appointment of key individuals in the intelligence community.” The Senate bill includes both proposals, which match recommendations from the September 11 commission.

However, White House officials said they also support the House’s refusal to make the total amount of money spent on intelligence public, saying it would harm national security. They also support the House’s anti-terrorism measures, including adding the death penalty as punishment for terrorist murders, mandatory detention for accused terrorists, and increased penalties for helping or financing terrorists.

“These and other anti-terrorism tools would help keep America safer and help to address the 9/11 commission’s recommendations,” the letter said.

The September 11 commission recommended the creation of a national intelligence director position to control almost all of the nation’s 15 intelligence agencies.