Obama, Biden To Lunch With Republican Leaders

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is having lunch Wednesday with Republican leaders as part of his effort to improve relations with the GOP.

Vice President Joe Biden will also be there. It's the first such meeting since Republicans took control of the House in January.

The White House says the focus will be on the economy and spending, plus Obama's proposals from the State of the Union speech. He's expected to release his 2012 budget proposal next week.

Obama's plans to boost spending on infrastructure and education appear on a collision course with the GOP's pledge to slash spending more broadly.

Later in the day, Obama and Biden will meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office.