Obama says he will focus on executive actions

JIM KUHNHENN
President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama predicts Congress will be busy this year debating a renewal of jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed and an immigration overhaul. But he says he wants his Cabinet also to focus on executive actions that don't require legislation.

He says he is "very pleased" that Congress has agreed on a $1 trillion budget measure and urges lawmakers to pass it promptly.

Obama made his remarks at the top of a meeting with his Cabinet secretaries, two weeks before he delivers an economy-focused State of the Union address. The meeting was part of a week devoted to the economy, including a trip to North Carolina Wednesday to promote a manufacturing innovation hub and a meeting Thursday with college presidents to discuss worker training.