Obama: U.S. can't afford delay on stimulus

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Job cuts at U.S. business giants such as Microsoft, Home Depot and Intel reinforce the need to act quickly on a stimulus package, President Barack Obama said.

"These are not just numbers on a page," Obama said Monday in outlining his energy and environment priorities. "As with the millions of jobs lost in 2008, these are working men and women whose families have been disrupted and whose dreams have been put on hold. ... We can't afford distractions and we cannot afford delays."

He said he was looking forward to signing his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that would put "millions of Americans to work and lay the foundation for stable growth in our economy needs ... ."

The $825 billion stimulus plan is being considered by Congress.

"These are extraordinary times," Obama said, "and it calls for swift and extraordinary action."