President Obama tells Congress: I have authority to act against the Islamic State

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- On the eve of a primetime speech to the nation, to lay out his plans to stop the Islamic State, President Barack Obama met with Congressional leaders at the White House. According to the White House, he told them that he has the authority to act against IS.

Obama met with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Nev., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky.

The White House released a statement after the meeting which said President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden had a "productive" meeting with Congressional leaders. It also said:

The President told the Leaders that he has the authority he needs to take action against ISIL in accordance with the mission he will lay out in his address tomorrow night. He reiterated his belief that the nation is stronger and our efforts more effective when the President and Congress work together to combat a national security threat like ISIL.

As the leaders left the White House, they did not speak with reporters and offered few details on what the president told them.

Wednesday night, the President will speak to the nation from the State Floor of the White House at 9:00 PM EDT.