国际英语新闻:Obama Urges Congress to Put Americans First

President Barack Obama says it is time for members of Congress to put aside political brinksmanship in order to boost the United States' sluggish economic recovery and create more jobs.

During his weekly address Saturday, Obama said too many Americans are struggling to get by.  He said Congress should extend payroll tax cuts that save the average American family $1,000 a year.

President Obama says there is no excuse for "inaction," and he believes Congress will find common ground to move the country forward.

In the Republican Party's weekly address, Senator Pat Toomey blamed the Obama administration's policies for the economic stalemate and slow job growth in the United States.

Toomey said too many government regulations have discouraged businesses from hiring.