Obama to Congress: Act now on bills to aid economy

President Barack Obama waves to a small crowd after arriving at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Friday, June, 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

President Barack Obama waves to a small crowd after arriving at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Friday, June, 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at Chicago Cultural Center, Friday, June 1, 2012, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this Thursday, May 31, 2012, job seekers gather for employment opportunities at the 11th annual Skid Row Career Fair at the Los Angeles Mission in Los Angeles. U.S. employers created 69,000 jobs in May, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate ticked up. The dismal jobs figures could fan fears that the economy is sputtering. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

This AP graphic shows U.S. Job creation in May from 2008-2012. Only 69,000 jobs were added in May, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate rose from 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent. (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama wants Congress to act on bills he says will accelerate the economy. He says the country has responsibilities that are "bigger than an election."

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says Congress could pass legislation to help states prevent more layoffs, put construction workers on the job and help small-business owners hire workers.

His remarks follow the latest jobs report showing only 69,000 jobs were added in May. Unemployment increased to 8.2 percent.

Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says Democrats are promoting "gimmicks" and unless Congress and Obama act, Americans will deal with a tax increase of nearly $500 billion. He says the tax increase could push the U.S. back into recession.

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Online:

Obama address: www.whitehouse.gov

GOP address: www.youtube.com/gopweeklyaddress

Associated Press

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