President Barack Obama says he expects Congress to vote on jobs legislation this month and plans to press legislative leaders from both parties to act quickly on the $447 billion proposal he delivered three weeks ago.
Speaking to reporters at the beginning of a Cabinet meeting Monday, Obama said he is ready to sign the legislation.
He called on congressional Republicans to spell out what aspects of his plan they agree with and which they reject.
Obama's plan would reduce payroll taxes on workers and employers, extend benefits to long-term unemployed people, spend money on public works projects and help states and local governments keep teachers, police officers and firefighters on the job. He would pay for the plan with tax increases on wealthier Americans and by closing corporate loopholes.