Flanked by two laid-off teachers and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, President Obama called on the House of Representatives to pass a state aid bill that the White House says would save about 160,000 teachers' jobs.

The Senate passed the $26 billion package last week, and House members returned to Washington from summer recess to vote on the legislation, which is expected to pass the lower chamber on Tuesday.

"It's one thing for states to get their fiscal houses in order and tighten their belts like families across America-because families have been doing it, there's no reason why states can't do it too, that's a welcome thing," Obama said in the Rose Garden under a scorching late-morning sun. "But we can't stand by and do nothing while pink slips are given to the men and women who educate our children and who keep our communities safe."

Last week, House Minority Leader John Boehner condemned the bill as a "payoff to union bosses and liberal special interests."

In his four-minute statement on Tuesday, Obama said that the legislation was fully paid for and would not add to the deficit. He then fired back at Boehner.

"I heard the Republican leader in the House say the other day that this is a special interest bill," Obama said. "I suppose if America's children and the safety of our communities are your special interest, than it is a special interest bill. But I think those interests our widely shared across this country."

Later on Tuesday, the president is scheduled to receive credentials from eleven foreign ambassadors in an Oval Office ceremony.

Obama will then remain in the Oval Office for a meeting with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. On Wednesday, the president is slated to meet with his full national security team on Iraq.