Under the White House and senators' plans, undocumented immigrants would be allowed to live and work in the US legally as long as they pass background checks and pay back-taxes.

BBC: President Obama makes immigration reform push

It lobbies federal and state lawmakers, and it aired a spate of television ads this year urging Congress to expand background checks and pass other gun-control measures after the school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

WSJ: Union: NY mayor threats postmarked Shreveport, La.

In order to avoid endangering the March 1 Social Security checks, Congress should pass a straightforward, long-term debt limit immediately.

CNN: 'The era of big government is over'

But even in those remarks, he talked about and challenged Congress to pass legislation on banning military-style assault weapons, banning high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in the background checks.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest