Politics | US Congress Bush Blasts Lawmakers for Neglecting Bills Prez demands funding for Iraq; Reid slams ultimatum By Nick McMaster Posted Dec 3, 2007 5:49 PM CST Copied President Bush makes a statement on legislative priorities, Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) (Associated Press) Lawmakers returned from Thanksgiving break today to face a scolding from President Bush over a number of unfinished bills, the Washington Post reports. Chiefly, Bush blasted them for stalling on Iraq funding—he wants $50 billion—as he cited “surge” success and warned of defense department layoffs if Congress keeps withholding money. "It is time for Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform,” Bush said. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid fired back at Bush’s censure, saying, “The surge hasn't accomplished its goals; 2007 is the deadliest year of the war.” Bush also warned Congress to fix the alternative minimum tax, which was designed to tithe the wealthy but is starting to milk millions more. Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Report an error