House speaker says payroll tax bill won't add jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner says he supports a compromise bill extending payroll tax cuts and benefits for the long-term unemployed, but he says it's not going to help the nation's economy.

The Ohio Republican spoke to reporters Thursday, hours after bipartisan congressional bargainers announced agreement on the legislation.

Boehner says the accord extending the tax cuts and jobless benefits is a fair agreement.

But in a shot at President Barack Obama, who proposed both measures as part of his jobs program last fall, Boehner says the bill won't strengthen the economy or create jobs.

Congressional leaders hope to push the deal through Congress by Friday. But Boehner said lawmakers are still trying to resolve an issue over drafting legislative language and did not say whether votes could happen by Friday.