President Obama continued his more aggressive tone on the stimulus plan during a speech at the Energy Department this afternoon, saying that "inaction is not an option."

As the Senate appears ready to vote, Obama said that such legislation "deserves the scrutiny it has received." But seeming to acknowledge how Republicans have set the terms of the debate, he again reminded them that it was the Democrats who were victorious.

"Those ideas have been tested, and they have failed. They've taken us from surpluses to an annual deficit of over a trillion dollars, and they've brought our economy to a halt. And that's precisely what the election we just had was all about," he said. "The American people have rendered their judgment. And now is the time to move forward, not back. Now is the time for action."

Obama specifically pushed for the clean energy aspects of the plan, and joked that despite advancements in technology -- even blackberries -- the American power grid has stayed the same. These efforts can create jobs, he stressed.

"These jobs and these investments will double our capacity to generate renewable energy over the next few years," he said.

Obama also announced a new presidential memorandum to set new efficiency standards for household appliances, which he said will save consumers money and conserve energy.

Also today, Vice President Biden held an event with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in Maryland to push for improving America's infrastructure, specifically rail.

"Over 400,000 jobs nationally will be created by the infrastructure investments that the Congress, God willing, is going to pass and the President is going to sign into law very shortly," the frequent Amtrak passenger said at a train station in Laurel. He also showed some stronger rhetoric.

"The economic policies of the past eight years are proven failures. The nation's economy is hurting. It needs action now. And we can't think small," Biden said.