Obama challenges Congress to be productive after recess

US President Barack Obama on Saturday touted his administration’s economic achievements and challenged Congress to address a litany of issues when lawmakers return from recess next month.

“Seven years after the worst economic crisis in generations, our economy continues to grow and create jobs. In fact, our businesses have created 13 million new jobs over the past five and a half years,” Obama said in his weekly address.

“Now, we need Congress to do its part to boost the economy, as well,” he added. “Unfortunately, Congress left town for five full weeks — and they left behind a stack of unfinished business.”

He called for lawmakers to renew the Export-Import Bank, which helps finance the export of American goods. The bank had passed through Congress with no issue in previous years — but conservative members equate the independent agency with “corporate welfare.”

“When it returns from recess, reauthorizing the bank ought to be a top agenda for members of Congress,” Obama said.

Obama also called upon lawmakers to craft a budget plan when they return. There are only a few legislative days left for them to do so – or the government could come to a screeching halt, as it did in 2014.

“Congress also hasn’t passed a budget,” Obama said. “They’ve had all year to do this.”