The U.S. Senate has rejected President Barack Obama’s plan to create millions of new jobs through government work programs and tax breaks for businesses.

Tuesday’s vote was a procedural vote – called by Democrats to see whether the bill could be brought to a full debate and final consideration.

With the economy barely moving and unemployment hovering around nine percent, Mr. Obama said the act would put thousands of teachers, police and construction workers back on the job. He said taxes for workers and small businesses would be cut.

He said opponents can try to explain to Americans demanding action why they rejected what he calls a common-sense bi-partisan plan. He said the Senate vote is not the end of the fight and he will now work with Senate leaders to enact provisions of the jobs bill one-by-one.

Opponents to the jobs bill say the president planned to pay for it by increasing taxes on the wealthy. They say that would hurt investment and economic growth. They also argue the president’s earlier $825-billion economic stimulus was a failure.