President Obama reiterated his calls for Congress to pass his jobs proposal, saying it will guard against another recession.
In a hastily called news conference Thursday, the president said his American Jobs Act will prevent further economic downturn, boost growth and put people back to work.
"As we look towards next week, any senator out there thinking about voting against this jobs bill when it comes up for a vote needs to explain exactly why they would oppose something that we know would improve our economic situation at such an urgent time for our families and businesses," he said.
Most voters cite the economy as their greatest concern heading into the 2012 election.
Obama said Republicans "should love" his plan because it cuts taxes for workers and small businesses.
He said the jobs bill will be paid for by increasing taxes on millionaires in order to keep the federal deficit from growing even larger.
"Some see this as class warfare, I see it as a simple choice," he added.
He noted, "The reason I keep going around the country talking about this jobs bill is because people really need help right now, our economy really needs a jolt right now."
For more on Obama's Thursday jobs speech, click here.
