Speaker John Boehner today officially invited President Barack Obama to deliver the State of the Union address on Jan. 24.

In a letter to Obama, the Ohio Republican wrote that “as we work together to end this legislative year by advancing initiatives to help Americans struggling in a difficult economy, we must also look ahead for new opportunities to put solutions before politics.”

“In the coming year, Republicans will continue our efforts to create an environment for economic growth and job creation, and we welcome an opportunity to hear your new ideas for working with the Congress,” Boehner wrote before formally inviting Obama to address the joint session of Congress.

The House convenes Jan. 17, and the Senate does so Jan. 23.