In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama said Saturday that lawmakers must return to Washington next week prepared to make serious decisions about how to grow the economy in the short run and stay competitive in the future.

"I'm willing to work with anyone of either party who's got a good idea and the commitment to see it through," Obama said. "And we should all expect you to hold us accountable for our progress or our failure to deliver."

Obama said his New Year's resolution is to do everything he can to grow the economy, create jobs and strengthen the middle class, though he warned that the economic recovery is still fragile as the calendar turns to 2011.

The president taped his weekly address from Hawaii, where he is spending the holidays with his family.

Senator-elect Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire delivered the Republican weekly address, and said the next Congress marks a new chapter for the country and the GOP.

"We're keenly aware that the American people are relying on us to change business-as-usual in Washington, and we're well-positioned to do just that," Ayotte said.

The newly elected senator said Republicans will focus in the new year on reducing the size of government, cutting wasteful spending and creating conditions to allow businesses to grow and hire. Ayotte also said the U.S. must remain vigilant in the face of continuing threats from terrorists.