Obama says Washington must 'regain' trust of Americans

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama sought Wednesday to heal the wounds of a debt ceiling and government shutdown showdown, and warned Washington that it must stop governing by crisis.

Obama said US leaders needed to "earn back" the trust of the American people, in a short statement after the Senate voted to back a compromise deal and before the House of Representatives was expected to do likewise.

"Once this agreement arrives on my desk, I will sign it immediately," Obama said.

"We'll begin reopening our government immediately. And we can begin to lift this cloud of uncertainty and unease from our businesses and from the American people."

Obama called on Democrats and Republicans to come together to advance the interests of the people of the United States, not just their own political careers.

"I'm eager to work with anybody, Democrat or Republican, House or Senate members on any idea that will grow the economy, create new jobs, strengthen the middle class and get the fiscal house in order for the long term."

Obama called on his political foes to work with him to pass comprehensive immigration reform, now stalled in the House, a farm bill and to agree on a budget that would save America's long-term fiscal future.

He struck a magnanimous tone, conscious that the House is yet to vote on the deal, and that voters have shown disdain over the latest showdown in Washington.

"We've got to get out of the habit of governing by crisis," Obama said in the statement in the White House press briefing room.

"My hope and expectation is everybody has learned that there is no reason why we can't work on the issues at hand, why we can't disagree between the parties while still being agreeable and make sure that we're not inflicting harm on the American people when we do have disagreements."