President Obama Weekly
Address: Congress Must Act to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy
September 24, 2012
In his weekly
address, President Obama told the American people that the House of
Representatives left town last week without finishing important work
that would create jobs and strengthen our economy. Congress left
proposals sitting on the table like the veterans’ jobs corps that helps
returning heroes find work as cops and firefighters, and the farm bill
that helps farmers and ranchers respond to natural disasters like the
drought we had this summer. Congress also could have given responsible
homeowners the opportunity to save an extra $3,000 a year on their
mortgages by refinancing at historically low rates, and 98% of Americans
and 97% of small business owners a guarantee that taxes will not go up
next year. These proposals have bipartisan support, and there is no
reason that they shouldn’t be passed. The President calls on Congress to
take these steps when they return to work in November to grow our
economy based on a strong and secure middle class and move our country
forward.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
September 22, 2012
Hi, everybody. Last week, without much fanfare, Members of the House of
Representatives banged a gavel, turned out the lights, and rushed home,
declaring their work finished for now.
If that frustrates you, it should – because their work isn’t finished.
See, when they skipped town, Members of Congress left a whole bunch of
proposals sitting on the table – actions that would create jobs, boost
our economy, and strengthen middle-class security. These ideas have been
around for months. The American people want to see them passed. But
apparently, some Members of Congress are more worried about their jobs
and their paychecks this campaign season than they are about yours.
Right now, if Congress had done the right thing, we could be on our way
to having a veterans’ jobs corps that helps returning heroes find work
as cops and firefighters in communities all across the country. These
men and women have made incredible sacrifices for our country. They
shouldn’t have to worry about finding a job when they get home. But last
week, Republicans in Congress voted it down. And then they left.
Right now, if Congress had gotten its act together, we would have a farm
bill to help farmers and ranchers respond to natural disasters like the
drought we had this summer. And we’d have made necessary reforms to give
our rural communities some long-term certainty. But so far, Republicans
in Congress have dragged their feet. And now they’re gone.
Right now, if Congress had acted, thousands of responsible homeowners
could be saving an extra $3,000 a year on their mortgages by refinancing
at historically low rates. But instead, Republicans in Congress decided
that working families could wait. And now they’ll have to wait a little
longer.
And finally, if Congress had listened to you, they could have given 98%
of Americans and 97% of small business owners a guarantee that your
taxes won’t go up next year by a single dime. This is something we all
agree on. It should have gotten done a long time ago. But Republicans in
Congress have refused to budge. They’re holding tax cuts for 98% of
Americans hostage until we pass tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of
Americans. And now middle-class families and small business owners are
left wondering what their tax bill will look like next year.
All
of these ideas would strengthen our economy and help the middle class
right now. All of them are supported by Democrats, Republicans and
Independents. There’s no reason to wait.
That’s why, after going home and listening to their constituents for a
few weeks, Members of Congress should come back in November and do this
work. They should do the right thing for veterans and farmers; for
responsible homeowners and small businesses; for Americans everywhere
who are just trying to get ahead.
And if you agree with me, I need your help. Tell your Members of
Congress you can’t afford to wait any longer. If you get an answering
machine, leave a message. If you see them campaigning back home, tell
them in person. Because there’s been enough talk. It’s time for action.
That’s what you deserve, and that’s what it’s going to take to move this
country forward.
