President Barack Obama is using his weekly radio and Internet address to welcome home troops from Iraq while Republicans say those troops need good jobs, like the proposed Canada to Texas oil pipeline.

In his message, Obama says that despite differences and disagreements on issues, the troops serve as a reminder "that we are all a part of something bigger, that we are one nation and one people."

Obama said returning soldiers could help rebuild the nation's economy.

For the Republicans, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, cited the 1,700-mile Keystone XL oil pipeline as a job creator. The project is expected to create up to 20,000 jobs.

Obama wants to postpone a decision until after the 2012 election.

Barrasso says the pipeline would make the U.S. less dependent on Middle Eastern oil. He says that's "good for America."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

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