WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama said on Monday he had requested access to the remaining $350 billion of the financial industry bailout so he would have "ammunition" if the U.S. financial system weakened further.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama said his White House would focus the rescue funds on housing foreclosures and small businesses, representing a fundamental change from President George W. Bush's use of the first half of the money.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason)