Pass jobs bill now, Obama tells Congress

WASHINGTON—US President Barack Obama on Thursday called on Congress to pass his jobs plan “right away,” saying it would create new employment for the long term unemployed, construction workers and teachers.

“It will provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled, and give companies confidence that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services. You should pass this jobs plan right away,” he said in excerpts released ahead of his speech to Congress.

Obama, seeking to restore public trust in his economic management and take aim at 9.1 percent unemployment, which has derailed the recovery, was due to unveil the plan in the pageantry of a joint address to Congress at 2300 GMT.

“The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities, the question tonight is whether we’ll meet ours,” Obama said in excerpts of his speech released by the White House.

“The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy.”