US president Barack Obama has presented a long-term jobs programme that will exceed $50 billion to rebuild infrastructure.
Republican leaders instantly assailed Mr Obama's proposal, and many Democrats will likely be reluctant to approve additional spending and higher federal deficits just weeks before elections that will determine control of Congress.
In remarks prepared for delivery to a Labor Day speech in Milwaukee, the president said Republicans are betting that between now and the election on November 2nd, Americans will forget the Republican economic policies that led to the current recession.
"These are the folks whose policies helped devastate our middle class and drive our economy into a ditch. And now they're asking you for the keys back," Mr Obama said.
The president said Republicans have opposed everything he has done to strengthen the economy.
"They think it's better to score political points before an election than actually solve problems," he said.
"Even as we speak, these guys are saying no to cutting more taxes for small business owners. I mean, come on!," he said. "Remember when our campaign slogan was 'Yes We Can?' These guys are running on 'No, We Can't' and proud of it. Really inspiring, huh?"
Republicans made it clear that Mr Obama can expect no help from them.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said the plan "should be met with justifiable scepticism" because it would raise taxes, while Americans are "still looking for the 'shovel-ready' jobs they were promised more than a year ago" in the $814 billion economic stimulus measure.
The House Republican leader, John Boehner of Ohio, added: "We don't need more government 'stimulus' spending. We need to end Washington Democrats' out-of-control spending spree, stop their tax hikes, and create jobs by eliminating the job-killing uncertainty that is hampering our small businesses."
Administration officials said the initial $50 billion would be the beginning of a six-year program of transportation improvements, but they did not give an overall figure. The proposal has a longer-range focus than last year's economic stimulus bill, which was more targeted on immediate job creation.
AP