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Bush won't make bailout request unless Obama asks

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-12 23:52

WASHINGTON– President George W. Bush says he's told President-elect Barack Obama that he'd be willing to ask for the additional $350 billion in financial industry bailout money, if Obama thinks that should happen while Bush is still in office.

US President George W. Bush enters the Brady press briefing room at the White House for the final news conference of his presidency in Washington January 12, 2009. [Agencies]

But the president said Monday that Obama hasn't asked him to make the request, and that Bush doesn't intend to do so unless his successor specifically asks for it.

The Bush administration and Obama have both been appealing to uneasy lawmakers for the money.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd says he's been told the Obama team will be providing "specifics" on how the money will be disbursed.