There is "no question" that the Delta variant is to blame for the disappointing August jobs report, President Biden said in remarks on Friday, a fact that he argued underscores the importance of continuing to vaccinate Americans and passing his economic agenda.

 last month, significantly lower than what economists expected in part because of the surge in new coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant.

 Biden contended that despite the impact of the Delta variant and the poor jobs report, the economic recovery is "durable and strong."

"While I know some wanted to see a larger number today, and so did I, what we've seen this year is the continued growth, month after month, in job creation," Biden said.

"It's not just that I've added more jobs than in the first year of any president; it's that we've added jobs in every single one of my first seven job reports. And wages are going up," he continued.

 to pass the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package this month in order to ensure the economy experiences "long-term prosperity," in addition to the initial recovery from COVID.

"Our country needs these investments," he said. "Now we need Congress to finish the job, to come through for the American people and ensure that the economy continues to get strength and stability as we move forward."

 (D-Calif.) also argued Friday that the jobs report is evidence that Biden's economic plan is desperately needed, calling it "transformational for families."

"The Build Back Better Act is what is needed to meet families’ needs, both during the pandemic and for years to come," 

. "As the delta variant continues, decisive action is needed to ensure that the economic gains forged under President Biden – including four million jobs created – are sustained and shared by all."

 The Senate's bipartisan infrastructure plan has 

 because of disagreements among Democrats.

Meanwhile, the Democrat-only budget resolution hit a major snag in the Senate this week after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) told his Democratic colleagues to "

Both developments threaten to derail the bulk of Biden's economic agenda, setting up a massively important month in his presidency.

 Biden said he will unveil new steps for combating the Delta variant surge next week.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) indicated Thursday he could support a law banning abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, saying it was "interesting" and that he was "going to look more significantly at it.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he may support Texas-like abortion lawkjkjnkn

An ISIS militant pleaded guilty Thursday to all charges related to his participation in a "brutal" scheme to capture, torture and ultimately behead hostages in Syria, including four Americans, the Justice Department said Thursday.

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ISIS militant pleads guilty to role in scheme that killed four Americans