The White House says President Barack Obama hopes that when Congress returns this coming week from its summer break, lawmakers will share his sense of urgency in taking steps to create jobs and help the economy, according to AP. Obama plans a prime-time speech to Congress on Thursday night and is expected to propose a mix of tax credits and public works spending. Spokesman Jay Carney says Obama will offer plans that historically have attracted bipartisan support and will, if passed, "positively affect growth and job creation." Carney tells reporters traveling with Obama on a tour of flood damage in New Jersey that "we are at a time in our economy when we need to do something." Carney says Obama will press lawmakers to act quickly on his ideas. -- SPA
