Mr Obama said an "American Jobs Act" would create new jobs for construction workers, teachers and the long-term unemployed
US President Barack Obama has unveiled a $450bn (£282bn) package of tax cuts and spending plans aimed at creating jobs and bolstering the economy.
He wants to fund huge construction projects, schools and services, while giving tax cuts to workers and small businesses to boost recruitment.
Mr Obama told a joint session of Congress that politicians needed to act quickly to pass the package.
Republican congressman John Boehner said the plans "merit consideration".
"We hope he gives serious consideration to our ideas as well," said Mr Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Republicans control the House, and have derailed many of Mr Obama's legislative proposals. Mr Boehner's support is likely to be crucial if the measures are to be approved.
Some of Mr Obama's opponents have already dismissed the jobs plan as a crude attempt to boost his flagging popularity in the run-up to next year's presidential election.
Some 9.1% of Americans are currently out of work, and the issue is expected to dominate the election campaign.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14841746
Note: Update Record, 9 September 2011 Last updated at 09:04 GMT