Obama urges public pressure on jobs bill

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Saturday urged Americans to pressure Congress to pass the American Jobs Act.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, the president noted it has been almost "three weeks since I sent (Congress) a bill that would put people back to work and put money in people's pockets."

"This jobs bill is fully paid for," he said. "This jobs bill contains the kinds of proposals that Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past. 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."

Obama noted that some Republicans have said they agree with certain aspects of the bill but if there are any provisions they oppose, "I'd like to know what exactly they're against."

"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?"

Obama said economists "from across the political spectrum" have said the bill would improve the economy and promote hiring.

"This isn't just about what I think is right," he said. "It's not just about what a group of economists think is right. This is about what the American people want."

"If anyone watching feels the same way, don't be shy about letting your congressman know," he said. "It is time for the politics to end. Let's pass this jobs bill."