Obama Urges House To Support Jobs Bill

President Barack Obama urged House members Tuesday to support a $26 billion piece of legislation aimed at preventing thousands of teachers and government employees from losing their jobs.

“We can’t stand by while pink slips are given to the men and women that educate our children and keep our communities safe,” Obama said from the White House Rose Garden. 

Flanked by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and two teachers, the President stressed that the bill is deficit neutral, and that the costs would be offset by closing tax loopholes for industries that outsource jobs.

Obama also addressed Republican criticism, primarily the complaint that the bill panders to unions and liberal interests groups.

“I heard the Republican leader in the House say the other day that this is a special interests bill,” Obama said. “I suppose if America’s children and the safety of our communities are your special interests, then it is a special interest bill.”

The House is expected to vote on the bill by 2:30 pm Tuesday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suspended the lower-chamber’s August recess to take up the legislation.