US President George W. Bush has once again shown apparent tacit support for embattled top White House aide Karl Rove while avoiding making a specific statement of confidence.

Rove has been alleged to be involved in a news leak that exposed the identity of a CIA officer.

A day after President Bush passed up a chance to publicly voice confidence in his deputy chief of staff, Bush and Rove walked out together on the South Lawn of the White House as they boarded the Marine One helicopter.

It is seen as an apparent show of support for the president's friend and long-time aide.

However, Senate Democrats have moved forcefully into the controversy, calling for legislation that would deny security clearances to officials who disclose the identity of an undercover agent.

Democratic Leader Harry Reid led the effort to push the issue onto the Senate floor, while New York Senator Charles Schumer held a news conference to announce the bill.

"National security, contrary to what Mr. Rove may think, is not a partisan issue. Our national secrets are simply too important to just trust to anyone, particularly to someone who is under suspicion of violating the trust already granted to them," said Schumer

Source: CRI news