WASHINGTON » President Barack Obama says he’s reaching out to lawmakers from both parties in hopes of untangling the gridlock that has stymied progress on budget issues in Washington.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says he’s talking with Republicans about ways to replace the automatic spending cuts that took effect March 1. He says immigration reform and gun control are other areas where he’s hopeful Democrats and Republicans can find common ground.

He says even though unemployment fell to 7.7 percent last month, expanding the economy is still his top priority.

In the Republican address, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama says he’s worried that Senate Democrats will unveil a budget next week that won’t curb the nation’s debt. He’s insisting that lawmakers balance the federal budget.

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Online:

Obama address: www.whitehouse.gov

GOP address: www.youtube.com/gopweeklyaddress