Obama To Meet Republican Senators Over Budget Deficit

President Barack Obama plans to meet with several Republican senators for dinner on Wednesday as part of his effort to revive talks to tackle the nation’s long-term deficit, a congressional aide confirmed.

The dinner is part of Obama’s outreach effort as he attempts to cobble together what he calls a “common sense caucus” among lawmakers to help resolve budget woes and push his legislative agenda.

The New York Times, which first reported the dinner, also said the president plans to make a rare visit to Congress next week for separate meetings with Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

It was not clear when Wednesday’s meeting, which has not been confirmed by the White House, would take place as Washington braced for heavy snowfall that has already forced a federal government shutdown.

The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, had no further details.

In recent days, Obama has searched for common ground with senators who in the past have indicated willingness to compromise on budget issues.

The White House on Sunday suggested talks could center around a broad budget deal that includes new tax revenues as well as reforms to entitlement programs.

These include the Medicare health care program for the elderly and disabled and Social Security retirement benefits – programs that are rapidly growing in cost as the population ages.