U.S. Jobs: Obama To Present Plan In Speech To Rare Joint Session Of Congress

Jim Kuhnhenn, The Associated Press CP

WASHINGTON - The White House says President Barack Obama will lay out his jobs plan in a prime television time address next week to a rare joint session of Congress.

Obama sent a letter Wednesday to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asking to speak to both chambers on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m (midnight GMT).

With the US economy on the rails and opposition Republicans on the attack, the much-anticipated speech is expected to include proposals for economic growth such as tax credits and infrastructure spending along with plans for shrinking the deficit.

In his letter to the lawmakers, Obama said Washington must answer the call to put aside politics and do what is best for the country to boost the economy and create jobs.