Obama urges bipartisan stimulus support

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is urging Congress to swiftly pass a massive economic stimulus bill, which could cost as much as $800 billion.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, Obama said lawmakers from both parties must join together to jumpstart the ailing economy by passing the measure, which will taken up as soon as Obama is sworn into office Jan. 20, the Washington publication The Hill reported.

"Nearly two million Americans have lost their jobs this past year -- and millions more are working harder in jobs that pay less and come with fewer benefits," Obama said. "For too many families, this new year brings new unease and uncertainty as bills pile up, debts continue to mount and parents worry that their children won't have the same opportunities they had."

Urging bipartisanship instead of placing blame for the economic crisis, Obama added, "However we got here, the problems we face today are not Democratic problems or Republican problems. The dreams of putting a child through college, or staying in your home, or retiring with dignity and security know no boundaries of party or ideology."