Pass highway bill, Obama tells Congress

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama wants Congress to end a showdown that threatens to cut off federal highway and transit aid to states just as the spring construction season starts.

In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama encouraged voters to pressure Democrats and Republicans to pass a long-term transportation bill. He said that otherwise, the economy will take a hit as construction projects sit idle.

Obama reiterated the White House call for Congress to adopt the two-year $109 billion bill the Senate passed overwhelmingly last week. House Republicans are divided over a five-year $260 billion package.

In the Republican address, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said the time is now to repeal the president's health care bill. -- AP