President Barack Obama said Wednesday afternoon that he will veto potential Republican legislation that undermines the structure of the Affordable Care Act — though he insisted he is open to hearing proposals that make it work better.

“On healthcare there are certainly some lines I’m gonna draw,” Obama said while addressing the nation. “Repeal of the law I won’t sign. Efforts that would take away healthcare from the 10 million people who now have it, we’re not going to support. The individual mandate is a line I can’t cross.”

That said, Obama added that if Republicans have recommendations that don’t undermine the structure of the law but, instead, bring responsible changes to make the Affordable Care Act work better, “I’ll be open to hearing those.”

Obama skirted the question about whether the Medical Device Tax is a line he cannot cross by joking that he’d rather learn about any proposals from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner than hear about what they might do from a reporter.

The President named three priorities during the rest of this current term: requesting that Congress arm doctors, scientists and troops with the resources they need to fight Ebola in Africa and here at home, begin engaging Congress for authorization to use military force against ISIL, and to work with Congress on passing a budget for the rest of the fiscal year.

Obama also rattled off a list of issues he envisions his administration can successfully pursue along with the Republican-controlled Congress: improving infrastructure, growing exports, creating jobs, aspirations for young people such as affordable education, and raising the minimum wage.

And Obama pointed to what he considers are successes of his administration to date, such as lower unemployment, more Americans with health insurance, reduced dependence on foreign oil and lower gas prices, as well as an economy outpacing the rest of the world and a robust energy economy.

“Congress will pass some bills I cannot sign,” Obama said. “I’m pretty sure I’ll take some actions some members of Congress won’t like.”

Reporters’ questions following Obama’s remarks focused, not surprisingly, on immigration, ISIL, Iran, among other topics, as well as his relationship with Mitch McConnell and why the two only met face-to-face once in the last 6 years. Obama answered with a smile:

“I would enjoy having some Kentucky bourbon with Mitch McConnell,” Obama said.