Obama summons Congressional leaders ahead of deficit speech

President Obama has called Congressional leaders to the White House Wednesday morning for a preview of his speech on deficit reduction that afternoon, the administration announced Tuesday.

At his daily briefing with reporters, press secretary Jay Carney studiously avoided offering much in the way of specifics on Obama’s message.

“He will provide his vision tomorrow, and looks forward to working with leaders in Congress,” he said.

But among the prescriptions he is likely to offer to cut the deficit are raising taxes on wealthier Americans, asking them to pay more into Social Security, and cutting spending, particularly at the Pentagon.

The list of expected participants, according to the White House:

• House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio)
• Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
• Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.)
• Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
• Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
• Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
• Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).

michael.memoli@latimes.com