Boehner delivered a letter to Obama inviting him to a joint session of the Congress to deliver the address, as required by the Constitution. The address will be the first major policy speech Obama give to a Republican-controlled House and a much diminished Democratic majority in the Senate.

"A new Congress provides us a renewed opportunity to find common ground and address the priorities," wrote Boehner, noting "many great challenges lie ahead."

Obama will have to work with GOP since they now control the House. He is faced with the task of reviving the economy while cutting government spending and deficit.