New figures show jobless claims are at their highest level in nine months. The Labor Department says initial claims rose for a third consecutive week to 500,000. It’s the first time jobless claims have reached the half-million mark since November. At the White House, President Obama urged Republicans to stop blocking a $30 billion Senate measure Democrats say will increase hiring.

President Obama: “When Congress reconvenes, this jobs bill will be the first business out of the gate, and the Senate Republican leadership needs to stop its efforts to block it. Let’s put aside the partisanship for awhile and work together.”

Obama spoke shortly before leaving for a ten-day vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. As he departed, the White House addressed the findings of a recent poll showing nearly one in five Americans believe Obama is a Muslim. A White House spokesperson said Obama is a Christian who prays every day.