In his weekly radio and Internet address to the American people, President Obama urged Congress to pass a transportation bill that would put money in for roads and construction, thus creating jobs for unemployed Americans. 

“This isn't a Democratic or a Republican issue — it's an American issue,” the President said. “There's no reason to put more jobs at risk in an industry that has been one of the hardest-hit in this recession.” 

The Associated Press reports Republicans are in favor of supporting the bill. President Obama, however, is concerned that time might be running out. 

President Obama is preparing for his major jobs speech to a joint session in Congress set to air live on the major networks Thursday evening. 

Congress is returning to Washington this week after their August summer recess.  Republicans and Democrats remain more divided than ever as national unemployment remains around nine percent.

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here