Nov. 11 (Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejects the idea of linking the Colombia free-trade agreement with aid to the auto industry and new spending to boost the economy, an aide to the speaker said.

``The speaker has said that our first responsibility is to provide immediate assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering in today's economy, and with the worsening economic conditions, the need for a Main Street recovery and job creation package is now,'' said Nadeam Elshami, a Pelosi spokesman. ``That is our top economic priority and the Colombia free-trade agreement should be considered on its own merits.''

The New York Times reported that President George W. Bush in a meeting with President-elect Barack Obama suggested he might support auto-industry help and a broader economic-stimulus package if Obama and congressional Democrats drop their opposition to the Colombia accord.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino today denied that Bush ever made that suggestion in the meeting.

Bush ``did talk about the merits of free trade,'' Perino told reporters traveling with Bush in New York. ``In no way did President Bush suggest there is a quid pro quo'' between that and the Colombia accord, Perino said. ``There was no linkage.''

The two men met privately yesterday during Obama's first visit to the White House as president-elect.

To contact the reporters on this story: Laura Litvan in Washington at llitvan@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 11, 2008 13:01 EST