House Republicans call for hearing on GSE rescue

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican leaders in the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for hearings on the Bush administration's proposal to shore up mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a move that could slow down congressional action on a housing rescue package.

"It would be irresponsible for Congress to provide the proposed new authority without doing due diligence on the mechanics of the Treasury proposal and its potential implications for taxpayers," House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio and Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri said in a statement.

(Editing by Andrea Ricci)