President Barack Obama says it is time for members of Congress to put their constituents ahead of political brinkmanship.

During his weekly address Saturday, Mr. Obama said too many Americans are struggling to get by. He said Congress should extend payroll tax cuts that save the average American family $1,000 a year.

President Obama says there is no excuse for “inaction”, and he believes Congress will find common ground at moving the country forward.

In the Republican weekly address, Senator Pat Toomey blamed the Obama administration's policies for the economic stalemate and lack of job growth in the United States.

Toomey said deregulation has discouraged businesses from hiring.