WASHINGTON, Oct 25: Democrats on Saturday criticized President George W. Bush for opposing expanded health care insurance for US National Guard and Reserve troops as they are pressed into extended service in Iraq.

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, giving the Democrats’ weekly radio address, said the Bush administration wants $87 billion to rebuild Iraq and keep US troops there but opposes a Senate-passed measure to guarantee health care coverage to all members of the Guard and Reserve.

“They say it’s not related to the war effort. But they’re wrong,” Leahy said. “And it’s time for the country to come together to support our reservists, their families and their employers.”

The House of Representatives did not include the expanded insurance coverage for Guard and Reserve members in the version of the bill it passed earlier this month.

House and Senate negotiators will meet on Tuesday to reconcile differences before sending Bush a final measure.—Reuters