In noontime speech in the Rose Garden, POTUS tells GOP Sens. “it’s time for them to put country before party,” vote for bill to include tax cuts for businesses that hire veterans.

Obama: “When these ideas come up for a vote this week, I expect both sides of the aisle to stand up for our veterans and vote for this bill.”

Adds: “We ask these men and women to leave their jobs…the last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home.”

Read the transcript of the President’s speech.

Announces online tools for veterans to map out career plans, connect employers to troops.

Obama: “It’s important for all of us to remember we’re all in this together. It’s time for us to start acting like it.”