MILWAUKEE — A combative President Barack Obama has rolled out a long-term jobs program before a cheering Labor Day crowd and coupled it with a campaign-season assault on Republicans for causing Americans’ hard economic times. The program will exceed $50 billion to rebuild roads, railways and runways. But it’s fate in Congress is in doubt.
GOP leaders instantly assailed Obama’s proposal. And Democrats will likely be reluctant to approve additional spending and higher federal deficits just weeks before elections that will determine control of Congress.
Obama said Republican policies have led to record federal deficits and caused "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
MILWAUKEE (AP) – A combative President Barack Obama rolled out a long-term jobs program Monday that will exceed $50 billion to rebuild roads, railways and runways, and coupled it with a blunt campaign-season assault on Republicans for causing Americans’ hard economic times.
GOP leaders instantly assailed Obama’s proposal, and many Democrats will likely be reluctant to approve additional spending and higher federal deficits just weeks before elections that will determine control of Congress.
That left the plan with low odds of becoming law this year. Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, cautioned, "If we are going to get anything done, Republican cooperation, which has been all but non-existent recently, will be necessary."
Administration officials said that even if the program somehow won quick congressional approval, it would not produce jobs until sometime next year. That means the proposal’s only pre-election impact may whether voters interpret it as a serious effort by the White House to boost the economy and create jobs.
Obama Blasts GOP, Calls For $50 Billion Infrastructure Plan For Roads, Rail, Air Travel