U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 29, 2011. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg |
License Photo
WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- President Obama called on Congress to pass legislation he said would help businesses create jobs, cushion the middle class and push the U.S. economy forward.
His administration is reviewing government regulations to fix rules in place that unnecessarily burden business as well as working with the private sector to get small businesses and start-ups the financing they need to grow and expand, among other things, Obama said during a news conference Wednesday.
"In addition to the steps that my administration can take on our own, there are also things that Congress could do right now that will help create good jobs," Obama said.
"Right now, Congress can send me a bill that would make it easier for entrepreneurs to patent a new product or idea," he said. "That's something Congress could do right now."
Congress also could pass a series of trade agreements so U.S. businesses can sell more goods and services to countries in Asia and South America.
"That's pending before Congress right now," Obama said.
Finally, "we could give middle-class families the security of knowing that the tax cut I signed in December will be there for one more year," Obama said.
The items traditionally have enjoyed bipartisan support, Obama said, and "would help put more Americans back to work."
"Many of these ideas have been tied up in Congress for some time," the president said. "But, as I said, all of them enjoy bipartisan support, and all of them could help grow the economy. So I urge Congress to act on these ideas now."
