US President George W Bush [Images] is "hopeful" of being able to push the Indo-US nuclear deal through Congress before his term ends in January 2009, the White House said on Monday.

"We will work with Congress to get this agreement approved. We're hopeful," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

To a query, the official declined to specifically say that a future nuclear test by India will nullify the agreement, but added that "India knows what the international reaction to a test will be."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice [Images] has said she will start talks on an expeditious passage for the bill with Congressional leaders on Monday or Tuesday.