Obama to Congress: 'Keep going' on economy front

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is urging Congress to "keep going" and work on more measures to help the nation's economy after lawmakers agreed to extend the payroll tax cut.

Obama says lawmakers should act on measures to help homeowners pay their mortgages and assist small businesses. He also wants Congress to pass the so-called Buffett rule, which seeks to ensure that people making more than $1 million a year pay at least 30 percent of their incomes in taxes.

The president also credited the public with helping push lawmakers to pass the payroll tax cut extension.

Congress overwhelmingly approved the $143 billion measure Friday, ending a partisan election-year clash over paying for it. The payroll holiday extension represents a political victory for Obama, who overcame initial GOP opposition.