U.S. President Barack Obama is urging Congress to pass his $447 billion jobs proposal, saying it will boost economic growth and put people back to work.

He told reporters at the White House Thursday that the American people need help and the economy needs a “jolt” right now. He says the economy is too fragile to let politics get in the way of action.

He says teachers, firefighters, police officers and construction workers would be put back to work with the American Jobs Act. He says the Senate will vote on the bill next week.

The president warned that the current economic problems in Europe could have a real impact on the United States if no action is taken.