WASHINGTON (September 29, 2012)--President Barack Obama Saturday blamed congressional Republicans for not passing legislation he proposed in February that would lower lending rates for millions of borrowers who have not been able to get out from under burdensome mortgages.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Mr. Obama cited historically low mortgages and pressed Republicans to back housing policies the White House says would help struggling homeowners refinance their debts and prevent foreclosures.

For the Republicans, Arizona congressional candidate Vernon Parker faulted U.S. corporate tax rates for pushing jobs overseas.

He said the country needs "a pro-growth tax code that brings jobs home and keeps jobs here."

He also called for the repeal of Mr. Obama's health care law.