WHITE HOUSE (AP) - The White House is welcoming Alan Greenspan's call for quick action to revamp Social Security and Medicare.

Press Secretary Scott McClellan says the Fed chief's testimony before the House Budget Committee shows that delay won't do -- it'll just make already tough choices more painful.

President Bush wants to overhaul Social Security by creating private retirement accounts. However, lawmakers who've been in their home districts gauging reaction have returned to Washington in recent days with fresh doubts. Even Senate GOP leader Bill Frist says action may not be possible this year.

McClellan says Bush is "optimistic and confident" that Congress will soon act. But in the meantime, the White House is stepping up its lobbying campaign. President Bush and top aides plan 60 stops over 60 days to make the case that Social Security's headed for bankruptcy and urgently needs reform.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 3/2/2005

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