President Barack Obama is pressing for passage of his $447 billion jobs package in the face of certain congressional defeat. At the same time he is embracing more modest administrative remedies to the nation’s sluggish economy and high unemployment.
Obama is traveling to Pittsburgh Tuesday to renew his plea for his bill’s passage in a state crucial to his re-election. The Senate is scheduled to vote on whether to proceed to the legislation, but the required 60-vote supermajority is beyond reach.
In Pittsburgh, Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness was unveiling a report calling for changes ranging from liberalized immigration and fewer regulations to business-friendly taxes and greater infrastructure spending. The White House also is announcing steps to speed up permits for 14 public works projects across the country.
