WASHINGTON, March 15: US President George W. Bush on Saturday renewed his push for making tax cuts adopted earlier in his administration permanent, arguing they are important to help the ailing US economy.

“Members need to make the tax relief we passed permanent, reduce wasteful spending, and open new markets for American goods, services, and investment,”

Bush said in his weekly radio address.

Last month, Bush signed into law a $168 billion stimulus package designed to bolster the sagging economy. But economists argue its effects remain to be seen. —AFP