Look for pointed disagreements over raising the $14.3 trillion federal debt limit when President Obama meets Wednesday with the 240-member House Republican Conference.
Led by Speaker John Boehner, most of the House Republicans will troop down to the White House for a tete-a-tete, to be followed Thursday by House Democrats -- the day their caucus grows to 193 following last week's special election in New York.
The sessions follow similar meetings with Republican and Democratic senators two weeks ago and illustrate Obama in full bipartisan mode. The main goal: a meeting of the minds on what it will take to let the government continue to borrow money hand over fist.
Americans "expect their elected leaders here in Washington to come together and work out solutions to these challenges that we face, rather than talk past each other," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. "It's useful to come together in the same room, talk and listen. So that's what he looks forward to doing."
House Republicans met with the president in January 2009, shortly after he was elected, and again in January 2010. At the first, Obama sought support -- unsuccessfully -- for his economic stimulus plan. At the second, he sought support -- unsuccessfully -- for his health care overhaul. Both measures passed with Democratic votes.
Those meetings came before Republicans flexed their muscles and won a House majority last November. Now, they have virtual veto power over Obama initiatives.
"Members always appreciate an opportunity to propose and debate solutions with the president," said Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck. "But this shouldn't be viewed as a budget negotiation. No deal will be struck tomorrow. It's an opportunity to discuss priorities."
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