On Thursday, I had the privilege of representing our Union by invitation of President Barack Obama at the White House for a reception with other business, community and labor leaders from around the country. President Obama understands the important role that organized labor plays in rebuilding the middle class and protecting the rights of working people.

On the heels of a Jobs Summit hosted by President Obama, he reasserted his commitment to our economic recovery, focusing his energy on job creation and expanding health care coverage to millions of Americans. While there is still a lot of work to do - Americans have a leader that is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to change the course from the previous administration.

We have a chance now to build a 21st century economy that rewards work and makes sure that our kids will do as well as their parents did. It is time for our leaders in Congress to work with President Obama to put Americans back to work.