Bush backs extending unemployment benefits: White House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday that President George W. Bush supported legislation that would extend unemployment benefits to ease the impact of the current economic crisis.

"The financial and credit crisis has slowed our economy dramatically. It is having an impact on job creation," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"Because of the tight job market the president believes it would be appropriate to further extend unemployment benefits, and he would sign legislation that is now in front of Congress," she said. "We hope that they will be able to pass that before they leave for their recess."

Perino said the White House continued to favor using $25 billion already authorized and appropriated through the Energy Department to provide loans for ailing automakers.

She criticized Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for failing to allow a vote on an amendment that would let the funds be used for that purpose.

(Editing by Leslie Adler)