Obama vows to put jobs on top of agenda

Updated: 2011-09-06 07:56

(Xinhua)

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WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has put job creation on top of its agenda and the two parties of the Congress need to work together to stimulate job growth in the United States, White House press official said on Monday.

US President Barack Obama will deliver a job-focused speech on Thursday, said White House principal deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

He said the president is going to announce a set of policies to create jobs, strengthen the economy, support the private sector as they lead the way to a stronger economy.

Obama is expected to push programs such as investment in infrastructure, special assistance to dislocated workers and a continuation of payroll tax relief for middle-class workers.

Some Republicans oppose extending the payroll tax cut, calling it an unproven job creator that will only add to the country's massive debt. The tax cut extension is set to expire on January 1.

Addressing a Labor Day gathering in Detroit, Michigan, Obama argued that the tax-cut program has given every American family about 1,000 dollars a year.

He urged lawmakers to move quickly to create jobs, saying his proposal will be a test on whether congressional Republicans will put country ahead of party.

"We just need Congress to get on board. Let's put America back to work," Obama said. "Given the urgency of this moment, given the hardship that many people are facing, folks have got to get together."

"The time for Washington games is over. The time for action is now," he noted.