Barack Obama

“ While I'm pleased that Congress passed a long-overdue extension of unemployment benefits this week, we must do more to put people back to work and get our economy moving again. We have now lost 1.2-million jobs this year, and if we don't act swiftly and boldly, most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year. ”

“ There are Americans showing up to work in the morning only to have cleared out their desks by the afternoon. Retirees are watching their life-savings disappear, and students are seeing their college dreams deferred. These Americans need help, and they need it now. The survival of the American Dream, for over two centuries, is not only a testament to its enduring power, but to the great effort, sacrifice, and courage of the American people. ”

“ But January 20th is our chance to begin anew with a new direction, new ideas, and new reforms that will create jobs and fuel long-term economic growth. I have already directed by economic team to come up with an economic recovery plan that will mean 2.5-million more jobs by January of 2011. A plan big enough to meet the challenges we face that I intend to sign soon after taking office. We'll be working out the details in the weeks ahead, but it will be a two-year nationwide effort to jumpstart job creation in America, and lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy. ”