U.S. President Barack Obama is once again urging Congress to pass his $447 billion jobs bill, which he says will help provide jobs for people like teachers and construction workers.

President Obama spoke Tuesday during a visit to a high school in Denver, Colorado. He said it has been two weeks since he sent the bill to Congress, and that he wants the measure passed and sent back to him so he can sign it.

In recent weeks, the president has been urging Americans to pressure members of Congress to pass the legislation. Mr. Obama also is seeking congressional approval for a deficit reduction plan he says will reduce unemployment.

The White House has released a video in which Denver Mayor Michael Hancock says elected officials should put aside their differences and put people back to work.

The Obama trip was part of a tour to promote the jobs bill and raise money for his re-election campaign ahead of a Friday quarterly fundraising deadline. He was scheduled to return to Washington late Tuesday.

With his approval ratings falling, Mr. Obama is employing a new aggressive tone on the campaign trail and has taken a firm stand against the strong opposition he continues to face from Republicans.