President Obama gives his wish list to Congress



(CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 8th called on Congress to back a five-point plan in his latest attempt to paint the legislature as ineffective ahead of his re-election bid.

Obama unveiled the list of five proposals, all previously addressed by the current White House, while encouraging members of Congress to take "bold action."

"At this make or break moment for America's middle class, there is no excuse for inaction. There's no excuse for dragging our feet, none," Obama said in a speech at a high-tech facility at the State University of New York at Albany. "The truth is, the only way to accelerate the job creation that takes place on a scale that is needed is bold action from Congress."

The "to-do list" included steps to eliminate tax incentives to companies that ship jobs overseas, eliminating red tape so responsible homeowners can refinance, a new hire tax credit for small businesses, investments in affordable clean energy and legislation to help military veterans find employment.

Obama has consistently painted Congress as the roadblock between his agenda and the assistance he says is needed for the American people and lumped the policies of Congressional Republicans and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney together.

Republicans have countered, pointing to Obama administration policies they have supported, including the payroll tax cut and their own budget proposals that they argue would help eliminate the burden on middle class families and take steps toward economic reform.

The president referenced some of the recent bipartisan action between the two branches of government on Tuesday, but said more is needed because "the size of the challenges we face requires us to do more."

Team Romney sized on the president's visit to New York through a conference call, during which former New York Gov. George Pataki took aim at the president's economic policies.

Pataki, the former three-term governor, said the Albany NanoTech Complex that Obama visited Tuesday was visiting is an example of what the American economy "can and should be."

"I also think it contrasts why President Obama's economic policies, particularly when it relates to jobs, has been a complete and utter failure," Pataki said.




CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jessica Yellin contributed to this report.