Bush signs unemployment extension

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By Jon Ward

President Bush Friday morning signed an extension of unemployment insurance at the White House before departing on a three-day trip to Peru.

The Senate passed the bill Thursday evening and the president, who earlier this year opposed an extension but has now approved two in the last four months, signed it soon after receiving it from Congress.

Before leaving, Mr. Bush also called Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, who collapsed Thursday evening while giving a speech in Washington and remained hospitalized Friday morning at George Washington University Hospital.

Mr. Mukasey "sounded well and is getting excellent care," said White House press secretary Dana Perino.

And in an interview released Friday morning, Mr. Bush sounded more aware than ever that he is in his final days as commander-in-chief.

"I have given it my all," Mr. Bush told Raul Tola of America TV, a Latin American network.

The interview took place Thursday, but the White House did not release the transcript until Friday.

"And now I am very hopeful that the man who succeeds me as President of the United States succeeds in his job," Mr. Bush said.