President Barack Obama rallied House Democrats behind his budget Monday in a rare visit to the Capitol Visitor Center.

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Obama made the link between his budget and its investments in health, energy and education and the larger economic recovery.

“I am confident that our colleagues will respond,— Hoyer said. “This is part and parcel of bringing our country back to economic health.—

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also endorsed a cash for clunkers program backed by Obama that would pay people to junk their old gas guzzlers and buy new fuel efficient vehicles.

She also presented Obama with the flag that flew over the Capitol when he gave his address to Congress earlier this year.

“It’s a proud night for us tonight and it’s going to be a great week,— she said.

Rank-and-file Members also said they were energized by the visit.“Given the times that we’re in, I think he’s doing the best he can,— Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) said.