国际英语新闻:Obama, Republicans Clash on Jobs

U.S. President Barack Obama is calling on Congress to quickly pass his jobs bill.

During his weekly address Saturday, Obama said "It's time for Congress to get its act together and pass this jobs bill so I can sign it into law."

The president sent Congress the $447 billion bill three weeks ago.  Obama says the American Jobs Act will put thousands of teachers, police and construction workers back on the job.  He also says economists from varied political background say the jobs bill will boost the economy and increase hiring.

In the Republican address, Representative Morgan Griffith pushed for a reduction in regulatory requirement on businesses.  He said, for years, "excessive regulations have been a source of frustration for businesses trying to stay afloat."

Republicans like some parts of the president's jobs bill, such as payroll tax cuts, but they have rejected any tax increases to pay for any spending proposals.  President Obama says he would like to hear from Congress on what parts of the bill they like.