(AP) ? President Barack Obama says the nation'seconomy would be dealt a "massive blow" if Congress fails toextend a payroll tax cut.

At a Scranton appearance Wednesday, Obama said continuing thetax cut should not be a controversial proposal because manyRepublican lawmakers have supported the idea in the past. The president included the extension and expansion of thepayroll tax cut in the jobs bill he introduced in September.Republicans blocked action on that full measure.

Obama says he wants to give Republicans a chance to vote infavor of the payroll tax cut again before it expires at the end ofthe year. He says he hopes GOP lawmakers will focus more on helpingthe economy than on scoring political points when they cast theirvotes.

To see the extended video of President Obama's comments, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select the 'iO Extra' tab.