The Obama administration saw its first monthly budget surplus in April, with the federal government recording $58 billion, according to figures released by the Congressional Budget Office.
The surplus - the first of Barack Obama's presidency - was the result of both increased tax collection and lower government spending.
Prior to April, the federal government's last surplus dates back to September 2008. Pressuring Congress, President Obama is laying out an election year to-do list that urges lawmakers to take another look at economic proposals to promote job creation and help families refinance their mortgages.
Barbara Korn
Lahaina
