WASHINGTON (June 2, 2012)—Saying the country has responsibilities that are "bigger than an election,” President Barack Obama said Saturday Congress could pass legislation to help states prevent more layoffs, put construction workers on the job and help small-business owners hire workers.

His remarks in his weekly radio and Internet address come a day after the latest jobs report that showed only 69,000 jobs were added in May. Unemployment increased to 8.2 percent.

For the Republicans, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Democrats are promoting "gimmicks" and unless Congress and Mr. Obama act, Americans will deal with a tax increase of nearly $500 billion.

He says the tax increase could push the U.S. back into recession.

"Make no mistake: every single working American will see his or her taxes go up on Jan. 1 absent action,” he said.

“Family budgets will be squeezed even tighter. Disposable income will shrink. And many jobs will be destroyed.”

"Republicans have made clear our position: We're eager to prevent the largest tax increase in American history, and we don't see any reason for delay. We sincerely hope the President will work with us to save jobs, protect family incomes, and strengthen the economy,” he said.