"The United States has an opportunity to help increase the supply of oil on the market," thereby easing gasoline prices for hard-working Americans," President Bush said on Monday.

He reminded Congress that he has proposed opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Continental Shelf to domestic oil drilling -- something that would "help us through this difficult period."

Citing concerns about the environment, the Democrat-led Congress has so far refused to go along with domestic oil drilling.

"We remind our friends and allies overseas that we're all too dependent on hydrocarbons, and we must work to advance tech that help us become less dependent on hydrocarbons," Bush said on Monday as he headed out to Europe.

He said oil prices and "our nation's commitment to a strong dollar" are among the global issues he plans to discuss on a week-long visit to Europe.

The president is beginning his European trip in Solvenia, at an annual summit between the U.S. and European Union. He'll also visit Germany, Italy, France and Britain.

Press reports said Bush is expected to press America's European allies to boost their support for the war in Afghanistan -- as well as put more pressure on Iran to discourage its nuclear ambitions. The talks also will touch on humanitarian aid, the world food crisis, climate change and economic integration of both sides of the Atlantic.

Bush will meet with European leaders again next month, at the G-8 summit in Japan.   Source