U.S. Sen. John McCain says he has expressed strong disapproval to Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi about his past comments about Jews but that he and other congressmen will press for more aid to Egypt's ailing economy.

McCain, leading a congressional delegation to Egypt, met Wednesday with Morsi, opposition and business leaders.

The Arizona Republican says the delegation voiced its disapproval and had a "constructive discussion" with Morsi about his 2010 remarks calling Zionists "bloodsuckers" and the "descendants of apes and pigs." Morsi, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood at the time, also called President Barack Obama a liar.

Despite the tiff, McCain told reporters the congressional delegation will push for an additional $480 million in assistance to help Egypt's ailing economy.