President Barack Obama sent his $447 billion jobs bill to Congress nearly three weeks ago and, he said on Saturday that he wants it back.
?This jobs bill is fully paid for. This jobs bill contains the kinds of proposals that Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past,? Obama said in his weekly address to the nation. ?And now, I want it back. It is time for Congress to get its act together and pass this jobs bill so I can sign it into law.?
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Obama's Weekly Address
Obama's jobs address to Congress
Republicans have said that they agree with some of what?s in the American Jobs Act, and the president wants to know what those parts of the bill are. He also wants them to say what they?re opposed to.
?Are they against putting teachers and police officers and firefighters back on the job? Are they against hiring construction workers to rebuild our roads and bridges and schools? Are they against giving tax cuts to virtually every worker and small business in America??
Echoing arguments he?s made since introducing the plan, the president said Washington should rise above politics and do what?s right for the American people, which ? in his view ? is passing the bill.
?I know one Republican was quoted as saying that their party shouldn?t pass this jobs bill because it would give me a win,? Obama said, referring to a quote published by POLITICO on Sept. 11 about Republican opposition to the bill that he?s cited several times since.
?Well, this isn?t about giving me a win, and it?s not about [Republicans],? Obama said.
?This is about Destiny Wheeler and Alice Johnson. It?s about Cathleen Dixon?s children, and the Fabers?s family business,? he said, referring to ordinary Americans who have written to him to voice their support for the bill. ?These are the people who need a win, and I will be fighting for this jobs bill every day on their behalf. If anyone watching feels the same way, don?t be shy about letting your congressman know. It is time for the politics to end. Let?s pass this jobs bill.?
Saying that a wide range of economists endorse his proposal, Obama can?t understand opposition to his bill: ?Why would you be against that? Especially at a time when so many Americans are struggling and out of work.
?This isn?t just about what I think is right. It?s not just about what a group of economists think is right. This is about what the American people want,? he said. ?Everywhere I go, they tell me they want action on jobs. Every day, I get letters from Americans who expect Washington to do something about the problems we face.?
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