Obama adresses congress

President Obama outlined his stimulus package and recovery plan before a joint session of Congress in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Promising reforms in energy, healthcare and education, the president also called for Congress to act quickly to put legislation on his desk to move the economy forward. Obama also stated that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is now law, will save or create 3.5 million jobs over the next two years. But these promises come with a price.

“This plan will require significant resources from the federal government. And yes, probably more than we’ve already set aside,” Obama said. “But while the cost of action will be great, I can assure you that the cost of inaction would be far greater.”

The president added that the plan includes a tax break for 95 percent of working Americans, promising that the check is in the mail.