Hello and welcome to a UPI weekly White House wrap-up. This week, President Bush was warmly welcomed in Israel by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Bush and the First Lady paid a visit there to celebrate the country's 60th anniversary and try to advance the Mideast peace process. The President says he hopes to reach a framework for a peace agreement by the end of the year. The U.S. is offering China half a million dollars to help with earthquake relief efforts. Bush spoke to China's president earlier this week to offer his condolences and assistance. The White House says the money is an initial contribution, and the U.S. will consider additional funding when needs become evident. Congress is defying President Bush on his strategic petroleum oil reserve. This week, lawmakers voted to stop filling the reserve in an effort to alleviate increasing gas prices., but Bush is expected to veto the final bill. The President opposes the measure because he says limiting supplies could threaten national security. If deliveries to the reserve are suspended, analysts say people would save about 4 to 5 cents a gallon. That's all for now. Thanks for watching, and see you next week for another White House wrap-up.
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