President Obama is urging lawmakers to put politics aside and pass legislation to fund transportation projects and extend low-rate student loans, saying there is "no excuse for inaction."

"We are seven days away from thousands of American workers having to walk off the job because Congress hasn't passed a transportation bill. We are eight days away from nearly seven and a half million students seeing their loan rates double because Congress hasn't acted to stop it," the president said in his weekly address. "This makes no sense."

"This is a time when we should be doing everything in our power - Democrats and Republicans - to keep this recovery moving forward," he added.

The administration, Democrats and Republican lawmakers want to prevent interest rates on a popular student loan from doubling on July 1, but remain deadlocked over how to pay for it. As for the transportation authorization bill, the president said his administration and the Senate have done their part to get construction projects moving again.

"Now, it's up to the House to follow suit, to put aside partisan posturing, end the gridlock and do what's right for the American people," he said.

"It's not lost on any of us that this is an election year," Obama said. "But we've got responsibilities that are bigger than an election. We answer to the American people and they are demanding action. Let's make it easier for students to stay in college. Let's keep construction workers rebuilding our roads and bridges. And let's tell Congress to do their job."