Readout of the President’s Meeting with Congressional Leaders

President Obama met today with Senate Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Boehner, Democratic Leader Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader McConnell to discuss the situation in Iraq. The President provided an update on the Administration’s efforts to respond to the threat from ISIL by urging Iraq’s leaders to set aside sectarian agendas and to come together with a sense of national unity. He also reviewed our efforts to strengthen the capacity of Iraq’s security forces to confront the threat from ISIL, including options for increased security assistance. He asked each of the leaders for their view of the current situation and pledged to continue consulting closely with Congress going forward.