President Barack Obama seemed pleased with the better than expected employment numbers released Friday but warned Congress about actions that could slow down the recovery.
Speaking at a fire station in Arlington, Virginia, Obama said, "This morning, we received more good news about our economy. In January, American businesses added another 257,000 jobs. The unemployment rate came down because more people found work."
"Now, these numbers will go up and down in the coming months, and there's still far too many Americans who need a job, or need a job that pays better than the one they have now," he added. "But the economy is growing stronger. The recovery is speeding up. And we've got to do everything in our power to keep it going."
A report from the Labor Department showed that the U.S. economy added 243,000 jobs in January, with an increase of 257,000 private sector jobs partly offset by the loss of 14,000 government jobs.
With the continued job growth, the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 8.3 percent from 8.5 percent in the previous month. The drop pulled the unemployment rate down to its lowest level since a matching number in February of 2009.
Obama warned against returning to the policies that led to the recession, adding that Washington should be helping with the recovery, not making it tougher.
The president specifically called on Congress to pass an extension of the payroll tax cuts, which are due to expire at the end of the month following the temporary extension passed over the holidays.
"They need to pass an extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance -- and do it without drama, without delay, without linking it to some ideological side issues," Obama said.
"They just need to get it done," he added. "It shouldn't be that complicated. Now is not the time for self-inflicted wounds to our economy. Now is the time for action."
Obama also called for other measures to "create an economy that's built to last," including providing tax breaks for companies that hire workers in the U.S., investing in clean energy and education, and increasing employment opportunities for veterans.
"I want to send a clear message to Congress: Do not slow down the recovery that we're on. Don't muck it up. Keep it moving in the right direction," Obama said.
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