Obama: Economy showing signs of strength

Obama says economy showing signs of strength, calls on Congress to do more to support progress

President Barack Obama speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington, Friday, May 31, 2013, where he called on Congress to keep federally subsidized student loans rates from doubling on July 1. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the economy is showing new signs of strength. He's pointing to the auto industry, new jobs and a recovering housing market as signs of progress.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama calls on Congress to do more to ensure that progress continues. He's asking lawmakers to invest in roads and bridges, pass a comprehensive immigration overhaul and let homeowners save money by refinancing at low interest rates.

Obama says there's reason to be optimistic about the country's direction, but there are more jobs to create and more kids to educate.

In the Republican address, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says Republican governors are balancing their budgets and should be an example for Obama. He's calling on the president to ramp up domestic energy production.

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Online:

Obama address: www.whitehouse.gov

GOP address: http://www.youtube.com/gopweeklyaddress