The Hill News

President Obama urged Congress on Friday to put aside the "election-time games" and pass measures he said will help the economy.

During remarks at a sign shop in Washington, D.C., Obama called on Republicans to stop preventing a Senate vote on small-business legislation.

He also touted a Senate-passed package of fiscal aid to the states and said he expects to the House to pass a similar measure soon.

"As soon as they do I'm ready to sign it into law," Obama said.

The president also urged patience on the economy, noting the private sector is still adding jobs, though more slowly than hoped for.

"Climbing out of any recession, much less the hole as deep as this one, takes some time," he said.