Bush Bewails ‘Jungles’ of Capital Hill : Legislation: President says his agenda on taxes, education, clean air, crime remains ‘bogged down.’

CINCINNATI —  President Bush complained to a business group today that key parts of his legislative agenda remain “bogged down in the jungles of Capitol Hill.”

“The clock is running. America’s patience is running out,” the President said in a speech to the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Bush complained that the Democratic-controlled Congress is dragging its feet on his plans to lower capital gains taxes, beef up education programs, strengthen clean air regulations and fight crime.

The President did not mention a dispute with Democrats over a proposal by Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) to lower Social Security taxes--a plan gaining support among conservative and business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“On Capitol Hill some important business remains unfinished, promises have gone unfilled,” he said, claiming his agenda is “bogged down in the jungles of Capital Hill.”

Earlier, Bush told students at a Cincinnati high school he is optimistic about the future. But he said federal resources to give more to education are limited.

In a question-and-answer session in the library of Taft High School, the President said budget restraints will prevent him from proposing large increases in federal aid.

However, he said he will call for some increases in overall school spending when he presents his fiscal 1991 budget to Congress on Jan. 23, including expanding the Head Start program for disadvantaged preschool children.

But, the President added, “I don’t think you can design a curriculum to lift the self-esteem of a kid. It’s got to come from peers, from family, from dedicated volunteers--who are saying, ‘You are somebody.’ ”