Washington ? President Bush signed a long-sought economic stimulus package on Saturday, saying he hopes it will spur business investment and create jobs six months after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“We’re seeing some encouraging signs in the economy, but we can’t stand by and simply hope for continued recovery,” the president said during a Rose Garden ceremony that included a live broadcast of his weekly radio address. “Today we are acting to help workers, we’re acting to create jobs, and we’re acting to strengthen our economy.”

The compromise bill was passed Friday by Congress after months of partisan gridlock. Three previous House-passed versions were blocked by Senate Democrats who contended the tax breaks Bush originally sought for corporations and wealthy individuals were excessive.

Bush said the final bill will help ensure that the economy gains momentum and continues to grow.

In attendance at the event were Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., Senate Republican leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, as well as small-business owners and unemployed workers who will benefit from the extension of jobless benefits.

“We want a recovery that broad enough and strong enough to provide jobs for all our citizens,” Bush said.”

The package extends regular 26-week unemployment benefits by 13 weeks and allows additional automatic extensions in states with high unemployment rates.