Extending jobless benefits and Obamacare were on the minds of President Barack Obama and House Democrats respectively in their weekly radio and internet addresses.The president is calling on Congress to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed before they expire at the end of the year.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says more than one million Americans will lose benefits if lawmakers don't act. He says unemployment insurance is one of the most effective ways to boost the economy and that providing benefits does not stop people from trying to find work.

"When people have money to spend on basic necessities, that means more customers for our businesses and, ultimately, more jobs. And the evidence shows that unemployment insurance doesn’t stop people from trying hard to find work," said Obama.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has said he is willing to consider extending the jobless benefits.

In the Republican weekly address, North Carolina Rep. Renee Ellmers calls on Obama to delay his health care law's requirement that all Americans purchase insurance.

"So by canceling your insurance – despite a promise to let you keep your plan – the Obama administration is essentially saying it knows what’s best for you and your family. Not only that, they are making you pay more – usually much more – and in many cases, taking away the doctors you've been seeing for years." said Ellmers.

She says the law is particularly impacting women, who often make health care choices for their families.

"That’s why the House has passed legislation to delay the individual mandate for all Americans and let you keep the plan you like," explains Ellmers. "These proposals are among the dozens of House-passed jobs bills awaiting action in the emocratic-run Senate. Leaders there, however, continue to stand in the way of the American people."

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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