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WASHINGTON — President Bush said today that Democratic leaders in the House are blocking key intelligence legislation so trial lawyers can sue phone companies that helped the government eavesdrop on suspected terrorists after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Terrorists are plotting new attacks against America "at this very moment," Bush said in renewing his call for the House to pass legislation needed to renew the intelligence law that expired last weekend.

The Senate version of the bill, which passed 68-29, provides retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that wiretapped American phone and computer lines at the government's request, but without the permission of a secret court created 30 years ago to oversee such activities. The House version does not provide immunity for the companies against lawsuits.

The current law expired after Congress left on a 10-day recess before reconciling the House and Senate versions of its replacement.

"When Congress reconvenes on Monday, members of the House have a choice to make: They can empower the trial bar, or they can empower the intelligence community," Bush said in his Saturday radio address. "They can help class-action trial lawyers sue for billions of dollars, or they can help our intelligence officials protect millions of lives."

Bush has promised to veto any surveillance bill that does not protect the companies from civil lawsuits that allege violations of privacy and wiretapping laws under the warrantless wiretapping program.

"House leaders are blocking this legislation, and the reason can be summed up in three words: class-action lawsuits," Bush said.