President Bush called on Democrats Saturday to “immediately” lift the ban on offshore drilling, using his first radio address after the Republican National Convention to push the energy debate.

“The fundamental reason for high gasoline prices is that the supply of oil is not keeping pace with demand,” the President said. “By increasing supply through the use of our domestic resources, we can begin reducing the pressure on prices.”

House and Senate members return next week for the final three weeks of the legislative session before this year’s election.

“The American people overwhelmingly support this proposal,” Bush said. “But throughout the summer, the leaders of the Democratic Congress refused to allow it to come to a vote… Congress should remove this restriction immediately.”

Democratic leaders, however, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have said in recent weeks that they could support responsible drilling if it were part of a comprehensive energy package, likely containing measures important to Democrats but problematic for Republicans.

Democratic leadership aides in the House have also hinted that a provision allowing offshore drilling could be part of a broader energy bill that Pelosi introduces as early as next week.

Bush also urged Congress to expand access to oil shale and extend renewable power tax credits to energy companies.

“Throughout this year, Democratic leaders have ignored the public's demand for relief from high energy prices,” Bush said. “If members of Congress do not support the American people at the gas pump, then they should not expect the American people to support them at the ballot box.”

As his address was being broadcast, Tropical Storm Hanna was trudging up the Eastern Seaboard and Hurricane Ike was gathering strength east of the Bahamas. Bush used the opportunity to trumpet the readiness level of the federal government and praise the response to Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall in the New Orleans region on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

“The people of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were well prepared for Hurricane Gustav -- and the coordination between these States and the Federal government was strong,” Bush said. “My Administration will continue to provide assistance to those affected by violent weather throughout this hurricane season.  And we will continue to work diligently to coordinate our emergency response efforts with State and local governments