Obama lauds new jobs report, says it means economy 'making real progress'

President Barack Obama says the November jobs numbers show the American economy is "making real progress."

The government reported Friday that employers added 321,000 jobs in November. Obama spoke before nominating Ashton Carter as his new Defense secretary.

Obama says the pace can continue if Congress keeps government open, avoids self-inflicted wounds and invests in programs that support faster job growth and high-paying jobs.

The president says Congress can help with trade, infrastructure, streamlining the tax code and raising the minimum wage.

Obama says companies that are seeing the highest profits in 60 years should make sure "that their workers are sharing in that growth."

He says, "then we can get a virtuous cycle that is really going to make a difference."