Obama to Congress in weekly address: Get back in town and pass some bills

Some Members of Congress are more worried about their jobs and their paychecks this campaign season than they are about yours.

President Obama in this morning's weekly address this week blasted Congress'and in most instances, Republican members'for skipping  town (yes, he used that expression) with bills languishing, problems proliferating and citizens strapped.

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.

If that frustrates you, it should ' because their work isn't finished.

See, when they skipped town, Members of Congress left a whole bunch of proposals sitting on the table ' actions that would create jobs, boost our economy, and strengthen middle-class security.The items left undone that could use a little action:

• Veterans job corps, in which returning troops would be employed as cops and firefighters. (Obama: "Republicans in Congress voted it down. And then they left.")
• The Farm Bill, which would help farmers and ranchers deal with natural disasters (Obama: "But so far, Republicans in Congress have dragged their feet. And now they're gone.")
• A bill that would allow homeowners to refinance, saving as much as $3,000 a year. (Obama: "Republicans in Congress decided that working families could wait. And now they'll have to wait a little longer.")
• And oh, yeah, middle class tax cuts. (Obama: "But Republicans in Congress have refused to budge. They're holding tax cuts for 98% of Americans hostage until we pass tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. ")

President Obama's suggested solution: Go home, campaign for a few weeks, then get your ass back to DC and get some work done. And constituents, you need to do your part:

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. Because there's been enough talk. It's time for action. That's what you deserve, and that's what it's going to take to move this country forward.

To read the transcript in full, check below the fold or visit the White House website.