Pressing Congress on economic plan

CHICAGO - President-elect Barack Obama yesterday urged Congress to get moving next week on an economic rescue plan that would extend jobless benefits among other actions.

"If Congress does not pass an immediate plan that gives the economy the boost it needs, I will make it my first order of business as president," Obama said in his Democratic Party's weekly radio address.

The radio address was also videotaped and posted online through a YouTube link to Obama's transition website, www.change.gov. Before Obama appears in the video, "Your weekly address from the president-elect" flashes across the screen. Part of an American flag is shown in the frame as Obama speaks directly into the camera.

The president-elect plans to continue to record online videos of the addresses after he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.

Obama said he was pleased President Bush brought world leaders to Washington to discuss turmoil in the financial markets, "because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response."

Obama stressed the importance of creating jobs in the United States and helping to relieve the nation's economic distress. Digging the country out of tough times will require people to pitch in and look after one another, in addition to long-term investments such as making healthcare affordable and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure, he said.

"Make no mistake: This is the greatest economic challenge of our times," Obama said. "And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because here in America we always rise to the moment, no matter how hard. And I am more hopeful than ever."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Obama names aide top liaison to Congress
CHICAGO - President-elect Barack Obama has chosen a veteran Capitol Hill aide as his top White House representative to Congress, the Democrat's transition team announced yesterday as he works to fill out the senior ranks of his team.

Philip Schiliro has worked in Congress for more than 25 years, many of which were spent as a top aide to longtime Representative Henry Waxman, a California Democrat, and the House Oversight Committee. His official title will be assistant to the president for legislative affairs. The move signals a continuing effort by Obama to ensure he has a smooth relationship with the Democratic-controlled House and Senate. Others on his team also have long ties to Capitol Hill, including Illinois Representative Rahm Emanuel, the next White House chief of staff.

Obama's team also formally announced that Ron Klain, a former chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore, would serve in the same role for Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and that longtime Obama friend and supporter Valerie Jarrett will be a senior adviser and assistant to Obama for intergovernmental relations.

In the coming days, Obama's transition team plans to announce more staff positions.

ASSOCIATED PRESS