Obama exhorts members of Congress to back tax deal

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says economists predict higher job growth in 2011 and 2012 if Congress passes tax deal he negotiated with Republicans.
Hes urging lawmakers to examine the details of the deal and "get this done."
The agreement would extend expiring Bush-era tax rates to all taxpayers for two years, and extend jobless benefits and cut payroll taxes.
Democrats have objected to the deal. Republicans have praised it.
Obama says: "The American people are watching." He says its inaccurate to depict Democrats as "betrayed" by the deal, contending that the more they look at it, the more theyll support it.
His remarks came after he met with visiting Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski in the Oval Office.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. APs earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says economists predict higher job growth in 2011 and 2012 if Congress passes tax deal he negotiated with Republicans.
Hes urging lawmakers to examine the details of the deal and "get this done."
The agreement would extend expiring Bush-era tax rates to all taxpayers for two years. The deal avoids a tax increase next year. It also includes a 13-month extension of jobless benefits and a one-year cut in payroll taxes.
Democrats have objected to the deal. Republicans have praised it.
Obama says: "The American people are watching"
His remarks came after he met with visiting Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski in the Oval Office.