Obama asks Black Caucus members for specifics in jobs meeting

President Barack Obama told black leaders in Congress on Thursday he needed specific recommendations on job creation.

In a meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Obama said he wanted lawmakers to submit specifics ideas to address unemployment.

"President Obama acknowledged the progress that has been made on the economy while also expressing his concern for long-term unemployment," the White House said in a readout of the meeting. "He requested that Members provide specific recommendations to the challenges concerning job creation."

Members of the CBC had expressed frustration toward some of the jobs proposals that have made their way through Congress, complaining about their lack of breadth and a lack of focus on providing additional assistance toward distressed communities, which a number of CBC members -- though not all -- represent.

CBC members "presented their concerns and solutions for broadening the impact of the recovery effort," the White House statement said, adding that those who participated in the meeting "agreed there are a number of things that can be done to impact unemployment immediately and in the long term."