Congress to Work With Bush to Improve Education and Environment, Wright Says

House Speaker Jim Wright (D-Tex.), in a conciliatory mood, said Saturday that the Democratic Congress looks forward to working with the Bush Administration on expanding educational opportunities, improving the environment, raising the minimum wage and increasing the availability of day care for children.

On all these issues, Wright said, the Democrats share common ground with Republican President-elect George Bush. “In these areas on which we already agree, let’s come together quickly and get the job done,” Wright said in the Democrats’ radio response to President Reagan’s weekly radio address.

In his talk, Reagan construed the election as a strong signal of support by the American people for the activities of his presidency.

‘Mandate’ From People

“George Bush has gotten his mandate from the American people, a mandate to continue the policies that have brought peace and prosperity to the American people, to bring hope and opportunity to all Americans and to expand the frontiers of freedom around the world,” Reagan said.

Wright maintained that action on the legislative areas of agreement would “make a fine start” toward the “kinder, gentler nation” that Bush put among his campaign goals.

Wright avoided any hint of the anger and rancor that have been expressed by some Democratic members of Congress irritated by the hard-hitting Republican presidential campaign. Instead, Wright offered his “sincere congratulations” to Bush, saying the President-elect “deserves to have the prayers and the help of us all.”

Reagan, in turn, had some kind words for the defeated Democratic candidate, Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis. “He ran a tough race, full of energy and purpose and I salute him for his dedication and courage,” Reagan said.

The President put special emphasis on the election as a reaffirmation of support for the shift in direction by the federal government that took place during his Administration.

Eight Years of Change

“By your choice this week you proved we were right when we said we--George Bush, Dan Quayle and the Republican Party--are the change,” Reagan said. “It began eight years ago and it’s going to continue.”

Wright, on the other hand, saw a mixed message from Tuesday’s election, because the Bush victory was accompanied by Democratic advances in both the Senate and House.

For the first time since 1908, Wright said, the voters have picked a President of one party, while giving the other party increased majorities in both houses of Congress and additional governorships. William Howard Taft was the successful Republican candidate for President in 1908.

“And so, if there is any clear mandate, perhaps the American people are telling both parties, both President and Congress, to work together to achieve those things that so desperately need to be done for our whole country,” Wright said. The Speaker pledged his best efforts to build a harmonious relationship with President-elect Bush, and then proceeded to list subjects for swift consideration.

Bush’s promise to become an “education President” was “refreshing,” Wright said. “And to the extent that he wishes to follow through on that pledge, I assure him that Congress will enthusiastically help. . . . And higher education may be placed within the financial reach of all of our children.”

Support on Environment

Wright also promised strong bipartisan support for cleaning the environment. “We know that this pledge includes not just Boston Harbor, but all the other polluted harbors and rivers and lakes that threaten the public health,” the Speaker said, with a needling reference to the Republicans’ use of Gov. Dukakis’ hometown harbor in campaign commercials.

Noting that Bush had said he favors raising the minimum wage, Wright promised, “Congress will help him do that.” Democrats on Capitol Hill also anticipate working with the new President “to improve the quality and availability of safe and wholesome day care facilities for working mothers,” an issue on which Bush has “expressed personal commitment,” according to Wright.