(AP) -- President Barack Obama will deliver a prime-time address to the nation Wednesday to discuss his plans for expanding U.S. efforts to confront militants in Iraq and Syria.

The White House says Obama will speak from the State Floor at 9 p.m. EDT. The White House says he will discuss the threat posed by the Islamic State militants and a strategy for "degrading and ultimately destroying" the group.

Ahead of his address, Obama is meeting with congressional leaders at the White House Tuesday. Officials have said the president is seeking "buy-in" from lawmakers but they have not specified whether Obama will seek an authorization for use of force.

The U.S. is already launching airstrikes against militants in Iraq, actions taken at the invitation of the Iraqi government and without congressional authorization.