ND congressional delegation reacts to Obama speech

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Members of North Dakota's congressional delegation have mixed reactions to President Barack Obama's jobs initiatives.

Obama unveiled his plan Thursday night in a nationally televised speech. It would cost nearly $450 billion and will need the backing of congressional Republicans.

North Dakota Republican Rep. Rick Berg calls Obama's plan “another round of government stimulus” and says the nation can't spend its way to recovery. Republican Sen. John Hoeven says tax cuts in the plan are a step in the right direction, but he wants to see more details. He's also worried about the plan's cost.

Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad says Obama “set the right tone” with an “ambitious plan,” and now it's time for Congress to put politics aside and work toward a bipartisan plan.

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