U.S. President Barack Obama says the tax-cut deal he negotiated with Republicans is a "good deal for the American people," and he's calling on Congress to pass it before the end of the year to keep tax rates from rising for just about everyone in 2011. The deal would extend for all earners cuts in income tax rates that are set to expire next month. It also would renew jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed and trim Social Security taxes for one year. In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama acknowledged that passage of the deal means both parties will have to accept some things they don't like. But he said the agreement will help the middle-class families that he and others have argued should be spared further economic hardship. "The opportunity for families to send their kids to college hinges on this debate," Obama said Saturday. "The ability of parents to put food on the table while looking for a job depends on this debate. And our recovery will be strengthened or weakened based on the choice that now rests with Congress. "So I strongly urge members of both parties to pass this plan. And I'm confident that they will do the right thing," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. Lawmakers were expected to begin voting on the measure next week.
