Obama to GOP: Restore jobless benefits

[July 19, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama will call on Republican lawmakers to stop blocking an extension of unemployment benefits as the Senate prepares to take up the issue again this week.

A White House official says Obama will have "strong words" for Republicans when he delivers remarks Monday in the Rose Garden. Obama will argue that the GOP shouldn't be calling for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans while denying benefits to the unemployed.

Benefits for 2.5 million people ran out at the end of May. Republicans say they will only support an extension if the bill is paid for and doesn't add to the national debt.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the president's remarks.

[Associated Press; By JULIE PACE]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.