Before departing for Europe, where he will attend the NATO summit, President Bush called on the Congress to vote for the legislation that would modernize the Federal Housing Administration.

The Bush administration has been trying to come up with measures that would help the homeowners hit by the credit crisis which has struck the nation’s economy lately. To get pass the crisis, Congress has “a lot of work to do," as Bush put it.

"Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration. Struggling homeowners are waiting on Congress to act," the president added.

The President also reminded Congress about two other issues which he described as “vital priorities": approving the free trade agreement with Colombia and passing the legislation to protect telecommunications firms.

"Our intelligence professionals are waiting on Congress to give them the tools they need to monitor terrorist communications. I ask members of both parties to get these important pieces of legislation to my desk as soon as possible," Bush added.

Several telecommunications companies are facing lawsuits after it was proved that they helped the administration to spy after the September 11 attacks.

After the statement held from the driveway along the South Lawn, George Bush and first lady Laura Bush were flown by helicopter to Andrews Air Force Base. From there, Bush will fly to Europe where he will make visits in Ukraine, Romania, Croatia and Russia.

Probably the most important stop will be in Bucharest, Romania, where the president will take part at the NATO summit. Bush will attempt to shore up ties with allies and save the wavering mission in Afghanistan.