His toughest comments in public addresses turning public attention away from Kosovo to domestic issues on Friday, were reserved for Republicans on gun control.

"We can't expect young people to stand up to violence when Congress won't stand up to the gun lobby."

He promised to veto any weak gun legislation.

He also called for action on health care, education, child care and campaign finance.

Mr Clinton was speaking in his first news conference since March 19, and in a speech at Georgetown University.

Seize or squander

"We will be judged on what we do with this opportunity, whether we seize it or squander it," Mr Clinton said.

He pressed his case for extending prescription drug coverage to elderly Americans, even though expanding Medicare would be "a lot more expensive than rosy scenarios suggest".

He said prescription drug coverage was "the most significant health care need that senior citizens have today."

Republicans annouce agenda

Republicans in the House of Representatives revealed their own agenda in an appearance on the steps of the Capitol building, calling for measures to bolster the national security, improve education, safeguard the Social Security surplus for improving that programme, and cut taxes.

Of all of his proposals that have languished on Capitol Hill because of what he called "small-time wrangling," the president singled out guaranteed Medicaid coverage for disabled people who find jobs.

"Let's start with that one, an easy one," Mr Clinton said. "Congress should pass it and I will sign it."

He twice praised first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for her efforts on domestic policy, a nod to her all-but-official campaign for the Senate.