Obama Thanks Congress for 'Incredible Devotion'

President Barack Obama is thanking Congress for what he says is lawmakers' "incredible devotion" to the U.S.

The president showed his appreciation Tuesday by inviting lawmakers to the White House for the annual congressional picnic on the South Lawn.

Obama said that the last year and a half has been tough for America and that it's meant that Congress has had to work harder on a host of issues, causing lawmakers to miss family events and to be away from loved ones longer than they'd like.

Obama said it's important for him and the members of Congress — many of whom disagree with his policies — to get together and for him to say "thank you" for their incredible devotion to the country, regardless of their party.