President Obama's weekly address chides Congress for punching out early (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

President Barack Obama told voters to remind Members of Congress that they left early on Friday with plenty of work still on the table.

During his weekly radio and internet address, the president chastised Congress (specifically Republicans) for not voting on job creation and tax bills, measures he said would stimulate the economy.

"Last week, without much fanfare, Members of the House of Representatives banged a gavel, turned out the lights, and rushed home, declaring their work finished for now," the president said.

"If that frustrates you, it should – because their work isn’t finished."

Specifically, Obama talked about jobs for veterans, farm aid, mortgages and taxes.

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He said Congress, which quit after just two weeks and won't return until after the November 6 election, needed to pass important bills to stimulate the economy.

"If Congress had done the right thing, we could be on our way to having a veterans’ jobs corps that helps returning heroes find work as cops and firefighters in communities all across the country," Obama said.

The president also referred to the much debated Bush-era tax cuts.

Democrats want the cuts for America's wealthiest 2 percent dropped, while Republicans say the cuts should remain for all households.

"And now middle-class families and small business owners are left wondering what their tax bill will look like next year."

Obama then asked Americans for a favor.

He said it's important for Congress to return to work, so the average American can, also.

"Tell your Members of Congress you can’t afford to wait any longer. If you get an answering machine, leave a message. If you see them campaigning back home, tell them in person," Obama said.

Republicans also addressed the nation today, touching on many of the same issues and refuting Democrat arguments.

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) reminded Americans that the Democratic-run Senate hasn't passed a budget in three years.

"We believe in a better way forward. A way that brings us closer to — not further from — our heritage as a nation,” Sessions said, Politico reported. “We believe in growing the economy, not the bureaucracy."

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