President Obama is calling for federal agencies to identify “high-impact, job-creating infrastructure projects” that can be undertaken without congressional approval. The Administration will streamline permits, waivers, and other paperwork to get projects underway as soon as possible.
I have no idea how many actual jobs could be created this way. Federal agencies can’t write themselves blank checks. The point here may be to point to create a contrast with the obstructionist Congress in the minds of voters.
See also E.J. Dionne, “Obama’s Paradox Problem.”