Bush: Raise fuel-efficiency standards

President Bush speaks about the price of gasoline during an impromptu stop at a filling station in Biloxi, Mississippi April 27, 2006. Bush called for legislation on Thursday to allow a boost in fuel-efficiency standards for passenger cars, as he sought to soothe rising anxiety among Americans about higher oil costs. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

This is crazy. From CNN.Com:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Thursday said he wants to raise fuel-efficiency standards on automobiles, as members of both parties jockeyed for political position on the issue of rising gas prices.

Bush called on Congress to give him the authority to set the standards for passenger cars sold in the United States as a means of reducing the nation's demand for gasoline.

"I encourage them to give me that authority," Bush told reporters during a visit to a service station in Biloxi, Mississippi. "It's an authority I used for light trucks, and I intend to use it wisely if Congress will give me that authority." (Watch political frenzy spurred by gas prices -- 2:01 )

The president's comments, delivered as he stood next to gas pumps during his 11th visit to the Gulf Coast area devastated by Hurricane Katrina, were soon followed by a letter from Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to the GOP House and Senate leaders.

"At the president's request, I hereby ask that the Congress take prompt action to authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to reform fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles," Mineta wrote.

"Along with other previously announced energy policies, the president believes these actions are critical to promoting our nation's energy security and independence."

So now the president demanded that Congress give him the authority to raise CAFE standards. President Bush demanded Congress to give him legislative powers! He didn't ask Congress to raise the CAFE standards--he didn't even send a bill to Congress, so that Congress could vote on raising the CAFE standards. He simply demanded Congress to cede authority. This is outrageous!

Hail to the Dictator!