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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama - 2009-2016 - -Author: Barack Obama - -Release Date: January 17, 2016 [EBook #50950] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE UNION ADDRESSES BARACK OBAMA *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines - - - - - -</pre> - - -<h1> -<br /><br /><br /> -State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama -</h1> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Dates of Addresses by Barack Obama in this eBook: -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - <a href="#feb2009">February 24, 2009</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2010">January 27, 2010</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2011">January 25, 2011</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2012">January 24, 2012</a><br /> - <a href="#feb2013">February 12, 2013</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2014">January 28, 2014</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2015">January 20, 2015</a><br /> - <a href="#jan2016">January 12, 2016</a><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="feb2009"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -February 24, 2009<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady -of the United States--she's around here somewhere: I have come here -tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this -great Chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women -who sent us here. -</p> - -<p> -I know that for many Americans watching right now, the state of our -economy is a concern that rises above all others, and rightly so. If -you haven't been personally affected by this recession, you probably -know someone who has: a friend, a neighbor, a member of your family. -You don't need to hear another list of statistics to know that our -economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It's the worry you -wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. It's the job you -thought you'd retire from but now have lost, the business you built -your dreams upon that's now hanging by a thread, the college acceptance -letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this -recession is real, and it is everywhere. -</p> - -<p> -But while our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken, though -we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want -every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover, and the -United States of America will emerge stronger than before. -</p> - -<p> -The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this Nation. -The answers to our problems don't lie beyond our reach. They exist in -our laboratories and our universities, in our fields and our factories, -in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest -working people on Earth. Those qualities that have made America the -greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history, we still -possess in ample measure. What is required now is for this country to -pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take -responsibility for our future once more. -</p> - -<p> -Now, if we're honest with ourselves, we'll admit that for too long, we -have not always met these responsibilities as a Government or as a -people. I say this not to lay blame or to look backwards, but because -it is only by understanding how we arrived at this moment that we'll be -able to lift ourselves out of this predicament. -</p> - -<p> -The fact is, our economy did not fall into decline overnight, nor did -all of our problems begin when the housing market collapsed or the -stock market sank. We have known for decades that our survival depends -on finding new sources of energy, yet we import more oil today than -ever before. The cost of health care eats up more and more of our -savings each year, yet we keep delaying reform. Our children will -compete for jobs in a global economy that too many of our schools do -not prepare them for. And though all these challenges went unsolved, we -still managed to spend more money and pile up more debt, both as -individuals and through our Government, than ever before. -</p> - -<p> -In other words, we have lived through an era where too often short-term -gains were prized over long-term prosperity, where we failed to look -beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election. A -surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of -an opportunity to invest in our future. Regulations were gutted for the -sake of a quick profit at the expense of a healthy market. People -bought homes they knew they couldn't afford from banks and lenders who -pushed those bad loans anyway. And all the while, critical debates and -difficult decisions were put off for some other time, on some other day. -Well, that day of reckoning has arrived, and the time to take charge of -our future is here. -</p> - -<p> -Now is the time to act boldly and wisely to not only revive this -economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity. Now is -the time to jump-start job creation, restart lending, and invest in -areas like energy, health care, and education that will grow our -economy, even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down. That -is what my economic agenda is designed to do, and that is what I'd like -to talk to you about tonight. It's an agenda that begins with jobs. -</p> - -<p> -As soon as I took office, I asked this Congress to send me a recovery -plan by President's Day that would put people back to work and put -money in their pockets, not because I believe in bigger Government--I -don't--not because I'm not mindful of the massive debt we've inherited- --I am. I called for action because the failure to do so would have cost -more jobs and caused more hardship. In fact, a failure to act would -have worsened our long-term deficit by assuring weak economic growth -for years. And that's why I pushed for quick action. And tonight I am -grateful that this Congress delivered and pleased to say that the -American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is now law. -</p> - -<p> -Over the next 2 years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs. -More than 90 percent of these jobs will be in the private sector: jobs -rebuilding our roads and bridges, constructing wind turbines and solar -panels, laying broadband and expanding mass transit. -</p> - -<p> -Because of this plan, there are teachers who can now keep their jobs -and educate our kids, health care professionals can continue caring for -our sick. There are 57 police officers who are still on the streets of -Minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs their -department was about to make. Because of this plan, 95 percent of -working households in America will receive a tax cut; a tax cut that -you will see in your paychecks beginning on April 1st. Because of this -plan, families who are struggling to pay tuition costs will receive a -$2,500 tax credit for all 4 years of college, and Americans who have -lost their jobs in this recession will be able to receive extended -unemployment benefits and continued health care coverage to help them -weather this storm. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I know there are some in this Chamber and watching at home who are -skeptical of whether this plan will work, and I understand that -skepticism. Here in Washington, we've all seen how quickly good -intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending. And -with a plan of this scale comes enormous responsibility to get it right. -</p> - -<p> -And that's why I've asked Vice President Biden to lead a tough, -unprecedented oversight effort; because nobody messes with Joe. I--am I -right? They don't mess with him. I have told each of my Cabinet, as -well as mayors and Governors across the country, that they will be held -accountable by me and the American people for every dollar they spend. -I've appointed a proven and aggressive Inspector General to ferret out -any and all cases of waste and fraud. And we have created a new web -site called recovery.gov, so that every American can find out how and -where their money is being spent. -</p> - -<p> -So the recovery plan we passed is the first step in getting our economy -back on track. But it is just the first step. Because even if we manage -this plan flawlessly, there will be no real recovery unless we clean up -the credit crisis that has severely weakened our financial system. -</p> - -<p> -I want to speak plainly and candidly about this issue tonight, because -every American should know that it directly affects you and your -family's well-being. You should also know that the money you've -deposited in banks across the country is safe, your insurance is secure, -you can rely on the continued operation of our financial system. That's -not the source of concern. The concern is that if we do not restart -lending in this country, our recovery will be choked off before it even -begins. -</p> - -<p> -You see, the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy. The -ability to get a loan is how you finance the purchase of everything -from a home to a car to a college education, how stores stock their -shelves, farms buy equipment, and businesses make payroll. -</p> - -<p> -But credit has stopped flowing the way it should. Too many bad loans -from the housing crisis have made their way onto the books of too many -banks. And with so much debt and so little confidence, these banks are -now fearful of lending out any more money to households, to businesses, -or even to each other. And when there is no lending, families can't -afford to buy homes or cars, so businesses are forced to make layoffs. -Our economy suffers even more, and credit dries up even further. That -is why this administration is moving swiftly and aggressively to break -this destructive cycle, to restore confidence, and restart lending. And -we will do so in several ways. -</p> - -<p> -First, we are creating a new lending fund that represents the largest -effort ever to help provide auto loans, college loans, and small- -business loans to the consumers and entrepreneurs who keep this economy -running. -</p> - -<p> -Second, we have launched a housing plan that will help responsible -families facing the threat of foreclosure lower their monthly payments -and refinance their mortgages. It's a plan that won't help speculators -or that neighbor down the street who bought a house he could never hope -to afford, but it will help millions of Americans who are struggling -with declining home values; Americans who will now be able to take -advantage of the lower interest rates that this plan has already helped -to bring about. In fact, the average family who refinances today can -save nearly $2,000 per year on their mortgage. -</p> - -<p> -Third, we will act with the full force of the Federal Government to -ensure that the major banks that Americans depend on have enough -confidence and enough money to lend even in more difficult times. And -when we learn that a major bank has serious problems, we will hold -accountable those responsible, force the necessary adjustments, provide -the support to clean up their balance sheets, and assure the continuity -of a strong, viable institution that can serve our people and our -economy. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I understand that on any given day, Wall Street may be more -comforted by an approach that gives bank bailouts with no strings -attached and that holds nobody accountable for their reckless decisions. -But such an approach won't solve the problem, and our goal is to -quicken the day when we restart lending to the American people and -American business and end this crisis once and for all. -</p> - -<p> -And I intend to hold these banks fully accountable for the assistance -they receive, and this time, they will have to clearly demonstrate how -taxpayer dollars result in more lending for the American taxpayer. This -time, CEOs won't be able to use taxpayer money to pad their paychecks -or buy fancy drapes or disappear on a private jet. Those days are over. -</p> - -<p> -Still, this plan will require significant resources from the Federal -Government--and, yes, probably more than we've already set aside. But -while the cost of action will be great, I can assure you that the cost -of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that -sputters along for not months or years, but perhaps a decade. That -would be worse for our deficit, worse for business, worse for you, and -worse for the next generation. And I refuse to let that happen. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I understand that when the last administration asked this Congress -to provide assistance for struggling banks, Democrats and Republicans -alike were infuriated by the mismanagement and the results that -followed. So were the American taxpayers; so was I. So I know how -unpopular it is to be seen as helping banks right now, especially when -everyone is suffering in part from their bad decisions. I promise you, -I get it. -</p> - -<p> -But I also know that in a time of crisis, we cannot afford to govern -out of anger or yield to the politics of the moment. My job--our job is -to solve the problem. Our job is to govern with a sense of -responsibility. I will not send--I will not spend a single penny for -the purpose of rewarding a single Wall Street executive, but I will do -whatever it takes to help the small business that can't pay its workers -or the family that has saved and still can't get a mortgage. That's -what this is about. It's not about helping banks; it's about helping -people. [Applause] -</p> - -<p> -It's not about helping banks; it's about helping people. Because when -credit is available again, that young family can finally buy a new home. -And then some company will hire workers to build it. And then those -workers will have money to spend. And if they can get a loan too, maybe -they'll finally buy that car or open their own business. Investors will -return to the market, and American families will see their retirement -secured once more. Slowly but surely, confidence will return and our -economy will recover. -</p> - -<p> -So I ask this Congress to join me in doing whatever proves necessary, -because we cannot consign our Nation to an open-ended recession. And to -ensure that a crisis of this magnitude never happens again, I ask -Congress to move quickly on legislation that will finally reform our -outdated regulatory system. It is time to put in place tough, new, -commonsense rules of the road so that our financial market rewards -drive and innovation, and punishes shortcuts and abuse. -</p> - -<p> -The recovery plan and the financial stability plan are the immediate -steps we're taking to revive our economy in the short term. But the -only way to fully restore America's economic strength is to make the -long-term investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries, and a -renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way -this century will be another American century is if we confront at last -the price of our dependence on oil and the high cost of health care, -the schools that aren't preparing our children and the mountain of debt -they stand to inherit. That is our responsibility. -</p> - -<p> -In the next few days, I will submit a budget to Congress. So often, -we've come to view these documents as simply numbers on a page or a -laundry list of programs. I see this document differently. I see it as -a vision for America, as a blueprint for our future. -</p> - -<p> -My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every -issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we've inherited, a -trillion-dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession. -Given these realities, everyone in this Chamber, Democrats and -Republicans, will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which -there are no dollars. And that includes me. But that does not mean we -can afford to ignore our long-term challenges. I reject the view that -says our problems will simply take care of themselves, that says -Government has no role in laying the foundation for our common -prosperity. -</p> - -<p> -For history tells a different story. History reminds us that at every -moment of economic upheaval and transformation, this Nation has -responded with bold action and big ideas. In the midst of Civil War, we -laid railroad tracks from one coast to another that spurred commerce -and industry. From the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution came a -system of public high schools that prepared our citizens for a new age. -In the wake of war and depression, the GI bill sent a generation to -college and created the largest middle class in history. And a twilight -struggle for freedom led to a nation of highways, an American on the -Moon, and an explosion of technology that still shapes our world. In -each case, Government didn't supplant private enterprise; it catalyzed -private enterprise. It created the conditions for thousands of -entrepreneurs and new businesses to adapt and to thrive. -</p> - -<p> -We are a nation that has seen promise amid peril and claimed -opportunity from ordeal. Now we must be that nation again, and that is -why, even as it cuts back on programs we don't need, the budget I -submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to -our economic future: energy, health care, and education. -</p> - -<p> -It begins with energy. We know the country that harnesses the power of -clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is -China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their -economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we've -fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New -plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on -batteries made in Korea. Well, I do not accept a future where the jobs -and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders, and I know you -don't either. It is time for America to lead again. -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this Nation's supply of -renewable energy in the next 3 years. We've also made the largest -investment in basic research funding in American history, an investment -that will spur not only new discoveries in energy but breakthroughs in -medicine and science and technology. -</p> - -<p> -We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry -new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put -Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that -we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills. -</p> - -<p> -But to truly transform our economy, to protect our security, and save -our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately -make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask -this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on -carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in -America. That's what we need. And to support that innovation, we will -invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and -solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more efficient cars and -trucks built right here in America. -</p> - -<p> -Speaking of our auto industry, everyone recognizes that years of bad -decisionmaking and a global recession have pushed our automakers to the -brink. We should not, and will not, protect them from their own bad -practices. But we are committed to the goal of a retooled, reimagined -auto industry that can compete and win. Millions of jobs depend on it; -scores of communities depend on it. And I believe the Nation that -invented the automobile cannot walk away from it. -</p> - -<p> -Now, none of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy. But this -is America. We don't do what's easy. We do what's necessary to move -this country forward. -</p> - -<p> -And for that same reason, we must also address the crushing cost of -health care. This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America -every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million -Americans to lose their homes. In the last 8 years, premiums have grown -four times faster than wages. And in each of these years, 1 million -more Americans have lost their health insurance. It is one of the major -reasons why small businesses close their doors and corporations ship -jobs overseas. And it's one of the largest and fastest growing parts of -our budget. Given these facts, we can no longer afford to put health -care reform on hold. We can't afford to do it. It's time. -</p> - -<p> -Already, we've done more to advance the cause of health care reform in -the last 30 days than we've done in the last decade. When it was days -old, this Congress passed a law to provide and protect health insurance -for 11 million American children whose parents work full time. Our -recovery plan will invest in electronic health records, a new -technology that will reduce errors, bring down costs, ensure privacy, -and save lives. It will launch a new effort to conquer a disease that -has touched the life of nearly every American, including me, by seeking -a cure for cancer in our time. And it makes the largest investment ever -in preventive care, because that's one of the best ways to keep our -people healthy and our costs under control. -</p> - -<p> -This budget builds on these reforms. It includes a historic commitment -to comprehensive health care reform, a down payment on the principle -that we must have quality, affordable health care for every American. -It's a commitment that's paid for in part by efficiencies in our system -that are long overdue. And it's a step we must take if we hope to bring -down our deficit in the years to come. -</p> - -<p> -Now, there will be many different opinions and ideas about how to -achieve reform, and that's why I'm bringing together businesses and -workers, doctors and health care providers, Democrats and Republicans -to begin work on this issue next week. -</p> - -<p> -I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. Once again, it -will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy -Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has -weighed down our economy and our conscience long enough. So let there -be no doubt: Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it -will not wait another year. -</p> - -<p> -The third challenge we must address is the urgent need to expand the -promise of education in America. In a global economy where the most -valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no -longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a prerequisite. Right now, -three-quarters of the fastest growing occupations require more than a -high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that -level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout -rates of any industrialized nation, and half of the students who begin -college never finish. -</p> - -<p> -This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the -countries that out-teach us today will outcompete us tomorrow. That is -why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every -child has access to a complete and competitive education, from the day -they are born to the day they begin a career. That is a promise we have -to make to the children of America. -</p> - -<p> -Already, we've made historic investment in education through the -economic recovery plan. We've dramatically expanded early childhood -education and will continue to improve its quality, because we know -that the most formative learning comes in those first years of life. -We've made college affordable for nearly 7 million more students--7 -million. And we have provided the resources necessary to prevent -painful cuts and teacher layoffs that would set back our children's -progress. -</p> - -<p> -But we know that our schools don't just need more resources, they need -more reform. And that is why this budget creates new teachers--new -incentives for teacher performance, pathways for advancement, and -rewards for success. We'll invest in innovative programs that are -already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps, -and we will expand our commitment to charter schools. -</p> - -<p> -It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as educators to make this -system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to -participate in it. So tonight I ask every American to commit to at -least 1 year or more of higher education or career training. This can -be community college or a 4-year school, vocational training or an -apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will -need to get more than a high school diploma. -</p> - -<p> -And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just -quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country, and this country -needs and values the talents of every American. That's why we will -support--we will provide the support necessary for all young Americans -to complete college and meet a new goal. By 2020, America will once -again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. -That is a goal we can meet. That's a goal we can meet. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why -if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to -your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can -afford a higher education. And to encourage a renewed spirit of -national service for this and future generations, I ask Congress to -send me the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin -Hatch, as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can -do for his country, Senator Edward Kennedy. -</p> - -<p> -These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our -children, but it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the -end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent, -for a mother or father who will attend those parent-teacher conferences -or help with homework or turn off the TV, put away the video games, -read to their child. I speak to you not just as a President, but as a -father, when I say that responsibility for our children's education -must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican -issue; that's an American issue. -</p> - -<p> -There is, of course, another responsibility we have to our children. -And that's the responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to them -a debt they cannot pay. That is critical. [Applause] I agree, -absolutely. See, I know we can get some consensus in here. [Laughter] -With the deficit we inherited, the cost of the crisis we face, and the -long-term challenges we must meet, it has never been more important to -ensure that as our economy recovers, we do what it takes to bring this -deficit down. That is critical. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks, and I -want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend -reflects only our most important national priorities. -</p> - -<p> -And yesterday I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit -in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has -also begun to go line by line through the Federal budget in order to -eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. As you can imagine, this -is a process that will take some time. But we have already identified -$2 trillion in savings over the next decade. -</p> - -<p> -In this budget, we will end education programs that don't work and end -direct payments to large agribusiness that don't need them. We'll -eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq and -reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for cold war-era -weapons systems we don't use. We will root out the waste and fraud and -abuse in our Medicare program that doesn't make our seniors any -healthier. We will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our Tax -Code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our -jobs overseas. -</p> - -<p> -In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end -the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Now, let me -be clear--let me be absolutely clear, because I know you'll end up -hearing some of the same claims that rolling back these tax breaks -means a massive tax increase on the American people: If your family -earns less than $250,000 a year, a quarter million dollars a year, you -will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one -single dime. In fact--not a dime--in fact, the recovery plan provides a -tax cut--that's right, a tax cut--for 95 percent of working families. -And by the way, these checks are on the way. -</p> - -<p> -Now, to preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the -growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health -care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come. -And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social -Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all -Americans. -</p> - -<p> -Finally, because we're also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am -committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our -budget. That is why this budget looks ahead 10 years and accounts for -spending that was left out under the old rules. And for the first time, -that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. For 7 -years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price. -</p> - -<p> -Along with our outstanding national security team, I'm now carefully -reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way -forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends -this war. -</p> - -<p> -And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive -strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat Al Qaida and combat -extremism, because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the -American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not -allow it. -</p> - -<p> -As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch -abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them -and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, -Americans are united in sending one message: We honor your service; we -are inspired by your sacrifice; and you have our unyielding support. -</p> - -<p> -To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of -our soldiers and marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who -serve, we will raise their pay and give our veterans the expanded -health care and benefits that they have earned. -</p> - -<p> -</p> - -<p> -To overcome extremism, we must also be vigilant in upholding the values -our troops defend, because there is no force in the world more powerful -than the example of America. And that is why I have ordered the closing -of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay and will seek swift and -certain justice for captured terrorists. Because living our values -doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger. And -that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or -equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can -make that commitment here tonight. -</p> - -<p> -In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of -engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats -of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. -We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces -that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the -sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand. -</p> - -<p> -To seek progress towards a secure and lasting peace between Israel and -her neighbors, we have appointed an envoy to sustain our effort. To -meet the challenges of the 21st century--from terrorism to nuclear -proliferation, from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing -poverty--we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all -elements of our national power. -</p> - -<p> -And to respond to an economic crisis that is global in scope, we are -working with the nations of the G-20 to restore confidence in our -financial system, avoid the possibility of escalating protectionism, -and spur demand for American goods in markets across the globe. For the -world depends on us having a strong economy, just as our economy -depends on the strength of the world's. -</p> - -<p> -As we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in -all nations are once again upon us, watching to see what we do with -this moment, waiting for us to lead. Those of us gathered here tonight -have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous -burden, but also a great privilege, one that has been entrusted to few -generations of Americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape -our world for good or for ill. -</p> - -<p> -I know that it's easy to lose sight of this truth, to become cynical -and doubtful, consumed with the petty and the trivial. But in my life, -I have also learned that hope is found in unlikely places, that -inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, -but from the dreams and aspirations of ordinary Americans who are -anything but ordinary. -</p> - -<p> -I think of Leonard Abess, a bank president from Miami who reportedly -cashed out of his company, took a $60 million bonus, and gave it out to -all 399 people who worked for him, plus another 72 who used to work for -him. He didn't tell anyone, but when the local newspaper found out, he -simply said, "I knew some of these people since I was 7 years old. It -didn't feel right getting the money myself." -</p> - -<p> -I think about Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed -by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example -of how clean energy can power an entire community, how it can bring -jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once -lay. "The tragedy was terrible," said one of the men who helped them -rebuild. "But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible -opportunity." -</p> - -<p> -I think about Ty'Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I -visited in Dillon, South Carolina, a place where the ceilings leak, the -paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a -day because the train barrels by their classroom. She had been told -that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to -the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this -Chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The -letter asks us for help and says: "We are just students trying to -become lawyers, doctors, Congressmen like yourself, and one day -President, so we can make a change to not just the State of South -Carolina, but also the world. We are not quitters." That's what she -said: "We are not quitters." -</p> - -<p> -These words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of the -people who sent us here. They tell us that even in the most trying -times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a -resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres, a -willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity. -Their resolve must be our inspiration. Their concerns must be our cause. -And we must show them and all our people that we are equal to the task -before us. -</p> - -<p> -I know--look, I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far. -[Laughter] There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. -But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves -this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. That must be the -starting point for every debate we have in the coming months and where -we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which -the American people expect us to build common ground. -</p> - -<p> -And if we do, if we come together and lift this Nation from the depths -of this crisis, if we put our people back to work and restart the -engine of our prosperity, if we confront without fear the challenges of -our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not -quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children -that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved -into this very Chamber, "something worthy to be remembered." -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of -America. Thank you. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2010"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 27, 2010<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Madam Speaker, Vice President Biden, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Our Constitution declares that from time -to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the -state of our Union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. -They've done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility, and -they've done so in the midst of war and depression, at moments of great -strife and great struggle. -</p> - -<p> -It's tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our -progress was inevitable, that America was always destined to succeed. -But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run and the Allies first -landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market -crashed on Black Tuesday and marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the -future was anything but certain. These were the times that tested the -courage of our convictions and the strength of our Union. And despite -all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, -America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one Nation, as -one people. Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's -call. -</p> - -<p> -One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by a -severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a -Government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum -warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we -acted, immediately and aggressively. And 1 year later, the worst of the -storm has passed. -</p> - -<p> -But the devastation remains. One in 10 Americans still cannot find work. -Many businesses have shuttered. Home values have declined. Small towns -and rural communities have been hit especially hard. And for those -who'd already known poverty, life's become that much harder. -</p> - -<p> -This recession has also compounded the burdens that America's families -have been dealing with for decades: the burden of working harder and -longer for less, of being unable to save enough to retire or help kids -with college. -</p> - -<p> -So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. -These struggles are the reason I ran for President. These struggles are -what I've witnessed for years, in places like Elkhart, Indiana; -Galesburg, Illinois. I hear about them in the letters that I read each -night. The toughest to read are those written by children asking why -they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be -able to go back to work. -</p> - -<p> -For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. -Some are frustrated, some are angry. They don't understand why it seems -like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main -Street isn't, or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve -any of our problems. They're tired of the partisanship and the shouting -and the pettiness. They know we can't afford it. Not now. -</p> - -<p> -So we face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people -hope, what they deserve, is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, -to work through our differences, to overcome the numbing weight of our -politics. For while the people who sent us here have different -backgrounds, different stories, different beliefs, the anxieties they -face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared: a job that -pays the bills, a chance to get ahead, most of all, the ability to give -their children a better life. -</p> - -<p> -And you know what else they share? They share a stubborn resilience in -the face of adversity. After one of the most difficult years in our -history, they remain busy building cars and teaching kids, starting -businesses and going back to school. They're coaching Little League and -helping their neighbors. One woman wrote to me and said, "We are -strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged." -</p> - -<p> -It's because of this spirit, this great decency and great strength, -that I have never been more hopeful about America's future than I am -tonight. Despite our hardships, our Union is strong. We do not give up. -We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. -In this new decade, it's time the American people get a Government that -matches their decency, that embodies their strength. And tonight I'd -like to talk about how together we can deliver on that promise. -</p> - -<p> -It begins with our economy. Our most urgent task upon taking office was -to shore up the same banks that helped cause this crisis. It was not -easy to do. And if there's one thing that has unified Democrats and -Republicans and everybody in between, it's that we all hated the bank -bailout. I hated it. I hated it; you hated it. It was about as popular -as a root canal. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -But when I ran for President, I promised I wouldn't just do what was -popular; I would do what was necessary. And if we had allowed the -meltdown of the financial system, unemployment might be double what it -is today. More businesses would certainly have closed. More homes would -have surely been lost. -</p> - -<p> -So I supported the last administration's efforts to create the -financial rescue program. And when we took that program over, we made -it more transparent and more accountable. And as a result, the markets -are now stabilized, and we've recovered most of the money we spent on -the banks--most but not all. -</p> - -<p> -To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. Now, I -know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea. But if these firms can afford -to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back -the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need. -</p> - -<p> -Now, as we stabilized the financial system, we also took steps to get -our economy growing again, save as many jobs as possible, and help -Americans who had become unemployed. That's why we extended or -increased unemployment benefits for more than 18 million Americans, -made health insurance 65 percent cheaper for families who get their -coverage through COBRA, and passed 25 different tax cuts. -</p> - -<p> -Now, let me repeat: We cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95 percent of -working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for -first-time home buyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for -their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college. -[Applause] I thought I'd get some applause on that one. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -As a result, millions of Americans had more to spend on gas and food -and other necessities, all of which helped businesses keep more workers. -And we haven't raised income taxes by a single dime on a single person- --not a single dime. -</p> - -<p> -Now, because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans -working right now who would otherwise be unemployed. Two hundred -thousand work in construction and clean energy. Three hundred thousand -are teachers and other education workers. Tens of thousands are cops, -firefighters, correctional officers, first-responders. And we're on -track to add another 1 1/2 million jobs to this total by the end of the -year. -</p> - -<p> -The plan that has made all of this possible, from the tax cuts to the -jobs, is the Recovery Act. That's right, the Recovery Act, also known -as the stimulus bill. Economists on the left and the right say this -bill has helped save jobs and avert disaster. But you don't have to -take their word for it. Talk to the small business in Phoenix that will -triple its workforce because of the Recovery Act. Talk to the window -manufacturer in Philadelphia who said he used to be skeptical about the -Recovery Act, until he had to add two more work shifts just because of -the business it created. Talk to the single teacher raising two kids -who was told by her principal in the last week of school that because -of the Recovery Act, she wouldn't be laid off after all. -</p> - -<p> -There are stories like this all across America. And after 2 years of -recession, the economy is growing again. Retirement funds have started -to gain back some of their value. Businesses are beginning to invest -again, and slowly some are starting to hire again. -</p> - -<p> -But I realize that for every success story, there are other stories, of -men and women who wake up with the anguish of not knowing where their -next paycheck will come from, who send out resumes week after week and -hear nothing in response. That is why jobs must be our number-one focus -in 2010, and that's why I'm calling for a new jobs bill tonight. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the true engine of job creation in this country will always be -America's businesses. [Applause] I agree, absolutely. But Government -can create the conditions necessary for businesses to expand and hire -more workers. We should start where most new jobs do, in small -businesses, companies that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on -a dream or a worker decides it's time she became her own boss. Through -sheer grit and determination, these companies have weathered the -recession, and they're ready to grow. But when you talk to small- -business owners in places like Allentown, Pennsylvania, or Elyria, Ohio, -you find out that even though banks on Wall Street are lending again, -they're mostly lending to bigger companies. Financing remains difficult -for small-business owners across the country, even those that are -making a profit. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall -Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small -businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I'm also proposing a -new small business tax credit, one that will go to over 1 million small -businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we're at it, -let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small-business -investment and provide a tax incentive for all large businesses and all -small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment. -</p> - -<p> -Next, we can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of -tomorrow. From the first railroads to the Interstate Highway System, -our Nation has always been built to compete. There's no reason Europe -or China should have the fastest trains or the new factories that -manufacture clean energy products. Tomorrow I'll visit Tampa, Florida, -where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad -funded by the Recovery Act. There are projects like that all across -this country that will create jobs and help move our Nation's goods, -services, and information. -</p> - -<p> -We should put more Americans to work building clean energy facilities -and give rebates to Americans who make their homes more energy -efficient, which supports clean energy jobs. And to encourage these and -other businesses to stay within our borders, it is time to finally -slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and give -those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United -States of America. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the House has passed a jobs bill that includes some of these steps. -As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the -same, and I know they will. They will. People are out of work. They're -hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without -delay. -</p> - -<p> -But the truth is, these steps won't make up for the 7 million jobs that -we've lost over the last 2 years. The only way to move to full -employment is to lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth and -finally address the problems that America's families have confronted -for years. -</p> - -<p> -We can't afford another so-called economic expansion like the one from -the last decade, what some call the "lost decade," where jobs grew more -slowly than during any prior expansion, where the income of the average -American household declined while the cost of health care and tuition -reached record highs, where prosperity was built on a housing bubble -and financial speculation. -</p> - -<p> -From the day I took office, I've been told that addressing our larger -challenges is too ambitious; such an effort would be too contentious. -I've been told that our political system is too gridlocked and that we -should just put things on hold for a while. For those who make these -claims, I have one simple question: How long should we wait? How long -should America put its future on hold? -</p> - -<p> -You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as -the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China's not waiting to revamp -its economy. Germany's not waiting. India's not waiting. These nations -are--they're not standing still. These nations aren't playing for -second place. They're putting more emphasis on math and science. -They're rebuilding their infrastructure. They're making serious -investments in clean energy because they want those jobs. Well, I do -not accept second place for the United States of America. As hard as it -may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may become, -it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering -our growth. -</p> - -<p> -Now, one place to start is serious financial reform. Look, I am not -interested in punishing banks. I'm interested in protecting our economy. -A strong, healthy financial market makes it possible for businesses to -access credit and create new jobs. It channels the savings of families -into investments that raise incomes. But that can only happen if we -guard against the same recklessness that nearly brought down our entire -economy. -</p> - -<p> -We need to make sure consumers and middle class families have the -information they need to make financial decisions. We can't allow -financial institutions, including those that take your deposits, to -take risks that threaten the whole economy. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the House has already passed financial reform with many of these -changes, and the lobbyists are trying to kill it. But we cannot let -them win this fight. And if the bill that ends up on my desk does not -meet the test of real reform, I will send it back until we get it right. -We've got to get it right. -</p> - -<p> -Next, we need to encourage American innovation. Last year, we made the -largest investment in basic research funding in history, an investment -that could lead to the world's cheapest solar cells or treatment that -kills cancer cells, but leaves healthy ones untouched. And no area is -more ripe for such innovation than energy. You can see the results of -last year's investments in clean energy in the North Carolina company -that will create 1,200 jobs nationwide helping to make advanced -batteries or in the California business that will put a thousand people -to work making solar panels. -</p> - -<p> -But to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, -more efficiency, more incentives. And that means building a new -generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It -means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil -and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels -and clean coal technologies. And yes, it means passing a comprehensive -energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean -energy the profitable kind of energy in America. Now, I am grateful to -the House for passing such a bill last year. And this year, I'm eager -to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate. -</p> - -<p> -I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such -changes in a tough economy. I know that there are those who disagree -with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But here's -the thing: Even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for -energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our -future, because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be -the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that -nation. -</p> - -<p> -Third, we need to export more of our goods, because the more products -we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right -here in America. So tonight we set a new goal: We will double our -exports over the next 5 years, an increase that will support 2 million -jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a National -Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase -their exports and reform export controls consistent with national -security. -</p> - -<p> -We have to seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. -If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, -we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. But realizing -those benefits also means enforcing those agreements so our trading -partners play by the rules. And that's why we'll continue to shape a -Doha trade agreement that opens global markets and why we will -strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South -Korea and Panama and Colombia. -</p> - -<p> -Fourth, we need to invest in the skills and education of our people. -Now, this year, we've broken through the stalemate between left and -right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. And -the idea here is simple: Instead of rewarding failure, we only reward -success. Instead of funding the status quo, we only invest in reform, -reform that raises student achievement, inspires students to excel in -math and science, and turns around failing schools that steal the -future of too many young Americans, from rural communities to the inner -city. In the 21st century, the best antipoverty program around is a -world-class education. And in this country, the success of our children -cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential. When we -renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with -Congress to expand these reforms to all 50 States. -</p> - -<p> -Still, in this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a -good job. That's why I urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a -bill that will revitalize our community colleges, which are a career -pathway to the children of so many working families. -</p> - -<p> -To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the -unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. -Instead, let's take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit -for 4 years of college and increase Pell grants. And let's tell another -1 million students that when they graduate, they will be required to -pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans and all of their -debt will be forgiven after 20 years and forgiven after 10 years if -they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of -America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college. -And by the way, it's time for colleges and universities to get serious -about cutting their own costs, because they too have a responsibility -to help solve this problem. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing the -middle class. That's why last year, I asked Vice President Biden to -chair a task force on middle class families. That's why we're nearly -doubling the childcare tax credit and making it easier to save for -retirement by giving access to every worker a retirement account and -expanding the tax credit for those who start a nest egg. That's why -we're working to lift the value of a family's single largest investment, -their home. The steps we took last year to shore up the housing market -have allowed millions of Americans to take out new loans and save an -average of $1,500 on mortgage payments. This year, we will step up -refinancing so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages. -</p> - -<p> -And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle class families that -we still need health insurance reform. Yes, we do. -</p> - -<p> -Now, let's clear a few things up. I didn't choose to tackle this issue -to get some legislative victory under my belt. And by now it should be -fairly obvious that I didn't take on health care because it was good -politics. [Laughter] I took on health care because of the stories I've -heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on -getting coverage, patients who've been denied coverage, families, even -those with insurance, who are just one illness away from financial ruin. -</p> - -<p> -After nearly a century of trying--Democratic administrations, -Republican administrations--we are closer than ever to bringing more -security to the lives of so many Americans. The approach we've taken -would protect every American from the worst practices of the insurance -industry. It would give small businesses and uninsured Americans a -chance to choose an affordable health care plan in a competitive market. -It would require every insurance plan to cover preventive care. -</p> - -<p> -And by the way, I want to acknowledge our First Lady, Michelle Obama, -who this year is creating a national movement to tackle the epidemic of -childhood obesity and make kids healthier. [Applause] Thank you, honey. -She gets embarrassed. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Our approach would preserve the right of Americans who have insurance -to keep their doctor and their plan. It would reduce costs and premiums -for millions of families and businesses. And according to the -Congressional Budget Office, the independent organization that both -parties have cited as the official scorekeeper for Congress, our -approach would bring down the deficit by as much as $1 trillion over -the next two decades. -</p> - -<p> -Still, this is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more -skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not -explaining it more clearly to the American people. And I know that with -all the lobbying and horse-trading, the process left most Americans -wondering, "What's in it for me?" -</p> - -<p> -But I also know this problem is not going away. By the time I'm -finished speaking tonight, more Americans will have lost their health -insurance. Millions will lose it this year. Our deficit will grow. -Premiums will go up. Patients will be denied the care they need. Small- -business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not -walk away from these Americans, and neither should the people in this -Chamber. -</p> - -<p> -So as temperatures cool, I want everyone to take another look at the -plan we've proposed. There's a reason why many doctors, nurses, and -health care experts who know our system best consider this approach a -vast improvement over the status quo. But if anyone from either party -has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the -deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop -insurance company abuses, let me know. Let me know. Let me know. I'm -eager to see it. -</p> - -<p> -Here's what I ask Congress, though: Don't walk away from reform. Not -now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way to come together and -finish the job for the American people. Let's get it done. Let's get it -done. -</p> - -<p> -Now, even as health care reform would reduce our deficit, it's not -enough to dig us out of a massive fiscal hole in which we find -ourselves. It's a challenge that makes all others that much harder to -solve and one that's been subject to a lot of political posturing. So -let me start the discussion of Government spending by setting the -record straight. -</p> - -<p> -At the beginning of the last decade, the year 2000, America had a -budget surplus of over $200 billion. By the time I took office, we had -a 1-year deficit of over $1 trillion and projected deficits of $8 -trillion over the next decade. Most of this was the result of not -paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug -program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a $3 trillion -hole in our budget. All this was before I walked in the door. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now--[applause]--just stating the facts. Now, if we had taken office in -ordinary times, I would have liked nothing more than to start bringing -down the deficit. But we took office amid a crisis. And our efforts to -prevent a second depression have added another $1 trillion to our -national debt. That too is a fact. -</p> - -<p> -I'm absolutely convinced that was the right thing to do. But families -across the country are tightening their belts and making tough -decisions. The Federal Government should do the same. So tonight I'm -proposing specific steps to pay for the trillion dollars that it took -to rescue the economy last year. -</p> - -<p> -Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze Government spending for 3 -years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, -and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary -Government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work -within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't. -And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will. -</p> - -<p> -We will continue to go through the budget, line by line, page by page, -to eliminate programs that we can't afford and don't work. We've -already identified $20 billion in savings for next year. To help -working families, we'll extend our middle class tax cuts. But at a time -of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, -for investment fund managers, and for those making over $250,000 a year. -We just can't afford it. -</p> - -<p> -Now, even after paying for what we spent on my watch, we'll still face -the massive deficit we had when I took office. More importantly, the -cost of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will continue to -skyrocket. That's why I've called for a bipartisan fiscal commission, -modeled on a proposal by Republican Judd Gregg and Democrat Kent Conrad. -This can't be one of those Washington gimmicks that lets us pretend we -solve a problem. The commission will have to provide a specific set of -solutions by a certain deadline. -</p> - -<p> -Now, yesterday the Senate blocked a bill that would have created this -commission, so I'll issue an Executive order that will allow us to go -forward, because I refuse to pass this problem on to another generation -of Americans. And when the vote comes tomorrow, the Senate should -restore the pay-as-you-go law that was a big reason for why we had -record surpluses in the 1990s. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I know that some in my own party will argue that we can't address -the deficit or freeze Government spending when so many are still -hurting. And I agree, which is why this freeze won't take effect until -next year, when the economy is stronger. That's how budgeting works. -[Laughter] But understand, if we don't take meaningful steps to rein in -our debt, it could damage our markets, increase the cost of borrowing, -and jeopardize our recovery, all of which would have an even worse -effect on our job growth and family incomes. -</p> - -<p> -From some on the right, I expect we'll hear a different argument, that -if we just make fewer investments in our people, extend tax cuts, -including those for the wealthier Americans, eliminate more regulations, -maintain the status quo on health care, our deficits will go away. The -problem is, that's what we did for 8 years. That's what helped us into -this crisis. It's what helped lead to these deficits. We can't do it -again. -</p> - -<p> -Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington -for decades, it's time to try something new. Let's invest in our people -without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility -to the citizens who sent us here. Let's try common sense--[Laughter]--a -novel concept. -</p> - -<p> -Now, to do that, we have to recognize that we face more than a deficit -of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust, deep and corrosive -doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To -close that credibility gap, we have to take action on both ends of -Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists, to do -our work openly, to give our people the Government they deserve. -</p> - -<p> -Now, that's what I came to Washington to do. That's why, for the first -time in history, my administration posts on--our White House visitors -online. That's why we've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs or -seats on Federal boards and commissions. But we can't stop there. It's -time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf -of a client, with my administration or with Congress. It's time to put -strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates -for Federal office. -</p> - -<p> -With all due deference to separation of powers, last week, the Supreme -Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates -for special interests, including foreign corporations, to spend without -limit in our elections. I don't think American elections should be -bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign -entities. They should be decided by the American people. And I'd urge -Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps correct some of -these problems. -</p> - -<p> -I'm also calling on Congress to continue down the path of earmark -reform, Democrats and Republicans--Democrats and Republicans. Look, -you've trimmed some of this spending, you've embraced some meaningful -change, but restoring the public trust demands more. For example, some -Members of Congress post some earmark requests online. Tonight I'm -calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single web -site before there's a vote so that the American people can see how -their money is being spent. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, none of these reforms will even happen if we don't also -reform how we work with one another. Now, I'm not naive. I never -thought that the mere fact of my election would usher in peace and -harmony and--[Laughter]--some postpartisan era. I knew that both -parties have fed divisions that are deeply entrenched. And on some -issues, there are simply philosophical differences that will always -cause us to part ways. These disagreements, about the role of -government in our lives, about our national priorities and our national -security, they've been taking place for over 200 years. They're the -very essence of our democracy. -</p> - -<p> -But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day -is election day. We can't wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal -is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about the other -side, a belief that if you lose, I win. Neither party should delay or -obstruct every single bill just because they can. The confirmation of-- -I'm speaking to both parties now--the confirmation of well-qualified -public servants shouldn't be held hostage to the pet projects or -grudges of a few individual Senators. -</p> - -<p> -Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no -matter how false, no matter how malicious, is just part of the game. -But it's precisely such politics that has stopped either party from -helping the American people. Worse yet, it's sowing further division -among our citizens, further distrust in our Government. So no, I will -not give up on trying to change the tone of our politics. I know it's -an election year. And after last week, it's clear that campaign fever -has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. -</p> - -<p> -To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest -majority in decades and the people expect us to solve problems, not run -for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that -60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this -town--a supermajority--then the responsibility to govern is now yours -as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, -but it's not leadership. We were sent here to serve our citizens, not -our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it -together. -</p> - -<p> -This week, I'll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans. I'd -like to begin monthly meetings with both Democratic and Republican -leadership. I know you can't wait. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now, throughout our history, no issue has united this country more than -our security. Sadly, some of the unity we felt after 9/11 has -dissipated. And we can argue all we want about who's to blame for this, -but I'm not interested in relitigating the past. I know that all of us -love this country. All of us are committed to its defense. So let's put -aside the schoolyard taunts about who's tough. Let's reject the false -choice between protecting our people and upholding our values. Let's -leave behind the fear and division and do what it takes to defend our -Nation and forge a more hopeful future for America and for the world. -</p> - -<p> -That's the work we began last year. Since the day I took office, we've -renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our Nation. We've made -substantial investments in our homeland security and disrupted plots -that threatened to take American lives. We are filling unacceptable -gaps revealed by the failed Christmas attack, with better airline -security and swifter action on our intelligence. We've prohibited -torture and strengthened partnerships from the Pacific to South Asia to -the Arabian Peninsula. And in the last year, hundreds of Al Qaida's -fighters and affiliates, including many senior leaders, have been -captured or killed, far more than in 2008. -</p> - -<p> -And in Afghanistan, we're increasing our troops and training Afghan -security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011 and -our troops can begin to come home. We will reward good governance, work -to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans, men and -women alike. We're joined by allies and partners who have increased -their own commitments and who will come together tomorrow in London to -reaffirm our common purpose. There will be difficult days ahead, but I -am absolutely confident we will succeed. -</p> - -<p> -As we take the fight to Al Qaida, we are responsibly leaving Iraq to -its people. As a candidate, I promised that I would end this war, and -that is what I am doing as President. We will have all of our combat -troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. We will support the Iraqi -Government as they hold elections, and we will continue to partner with -the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no -mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight all of our men and women in uniform, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, -and around the world, they have to know that we--that they have our -respect, our gratitude, our full support. And just as they must have -the resources they need in war, we all have a responsibility to support -them when they come home. That's why we made the largest increase in -investments for veterans in decades last year. That's why we're -building a 21st-century VA. And that's why Michelle has joined with -Jill Biden to forge a national commitment to support military families. -</p> - -<p> -Now, even as we prosecute two wars, we're also confronting perhaps the -greatest danger to the American people, the threat of nuclear weapons. -I've embraced the vision of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan through a -strategy that reverses the spread of these weapons and seeks a world -without them. To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring -our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations -on the farthest reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades. And -at April's Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring 44 nations together -here in Washington, DC, behind a clear goal: securing all vulnerable -nuclear materials around the world in 4 years so that they never fall -into the hands of terrorists. -</p> - -<p> -Now, these diplomatic efforts have also strengthened our hand in -dealing with those nations that insist on violating international -agreements in pursuit of nuclear weapons. That's why North Korea now -faces increased isolation and stronger sanctions, sanctions that are -being vigorously enforced. That's why the international community is -more united and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more isolated. And as -Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no -doubt: They too will face growing consequences. That is a promise. -</p> - -<p> -That's the leadership we are providing: engagement that advances the -common security and prosperity of all people. We're working through the -G-20 to sustain a lasting global recovery. We're working with Muslim -communities around the world to promote science and education and -innovation. We have gone from a bystander to a leader in the fight -against climate change. We're helping developing countries to feed -themselves and continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS. And we are -launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond -faster and more effectively to bioterrorism or an infectious disease, a -plan that will counter threats at home and strengthen public health -abroad. -</p> - -<p> -As we have for over 60 years, America takes these actions because our -destiny is connected to those beyond our shores. But we also do it -because it is right. That's why, as we meet here tonight, over 10,000 -Americans are working with many nations to help the people of Haiti -recover and rebuild. That's why we stand with the girl who yearns to go -to school in Afghanistan, why we support the human rights of the women -marching through the streets of Iran, why we advocate for the young man -denied a job by corruption in Guinea. For America must always stand on -the side of freedom and human dignity--always. -</p> - -<p> -Abroad, America's greatest source of strength has always been our -ideals. The same is true at home. We find unity in our incredible -diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: The -notion that we're all created equal; that no matter who you are or what -you look like, if you abide by the law, you should be protected by it; -if you adhere to our common values, you should be treated no different -than anyone else. -</p> - -<p> -We must continually renew this promise. My administration has a -Division that is once again prosecuting violations and employment -discrimination. We finally strengthened our laws to protect against -crimes driven by hate. This year, I will work with Congress and our -military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right -to serve the country they love because of who they are. It's the right -thing to do. -</p> - -<p> -We're going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws so that women -get equal pay for an equal day's work. And we should continue the work -of fixing our broken immigration system, to secure our borders and -enforce our laws and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can -contribute to our economy and enrich our Nation. -</p> - -<p> -In the end, it's our ideals, our values that built America, values that -allowed us to forge a nation made up of immigrants from every corner of -the globe, values that drive our citizens still. Every day, Americans -meet their responsibilities to their families and their employers. Time -and again, they lend a hand to their neighbors and give back to their -country. They take pride in their labor and are generous in spirit. -These aren't Republican values or Democratic values that they're living -by, business values or labor values, they're American values. -</p> - -<p> -Unfortunately, too many of our citizens have lost faith that our -biggest institutions--our corporations, our media, and, yes, our -Government--still reflect these same values. Each of these institutions -are full of honorable men and women doing important work that helps our -country prosper. But each time a CEO rewards himself for failure or a -banker puts the rest of us at risk for his own selfish gain, people's -doubts grow. Each time lobbyists game the system or politicians tear -each other down instead of lifting this country up, we lose faith. The -more that TV pundits reduce serious debates to silly arguments, big -issues into sound bites, our citizens turn away. No wonder there's so -much cynicism out there. No wonder there's so much disappointment. -</p> - -<p> -I campaigned on the promise of change. Change we can believe in, the -slogan went. And right now I know there are many Americans who aren't -sure if they still believe we can change or that I can deliver it. -</p> - -<p> -But remember this: I never suggested that change would be easy or that -I could do it alone. Democracy in a nation of 300 million people can be -noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and -make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That's just how it -is. -</p> - -<p> -Those of us in public office can respond to this reality by playing it -safe and avoid telling hard truths and pointing fingers. We can do -what's necessary to keep our poll numbers high and get through the next -election, instead of doing what's best for the next generation. -</p> - -<p> -But I also know this: If people had made that decision 50 years ago or -100 years ago or 200 years ago, we wouldn't be here tonight. The only -reason we are here is because generations of Americans were unafraid to -do what was hard, to do what was needed even when success was uncertain, -to do what it took to keep the dream of this Nation alive for their -children and their grandchildren. -</p> - -<p> -Now, our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and -some of them were deserved. But I wake up every day knowing that they -are nothing compared to the setbacks that families all across this -country have faced this year. And what keeps me going, what keeps me -fighting, is that despite all these setbacks, that spirit of -determination and optimism, that fundamental decency that has always -been at the core of the American people, that lives on. -</p> - -<p> -It lives on in the struggling small-business owner who wrote to me of -his company, "None of us," he said, ". . . are willing to consider, -even slightly, that we might fail." It lives on in the woman who said -that even though she and her neighbors have felt the pain of recession, -"We are strong. We are resilient. We are American." It lives on in the -8-year-old boy in Louisiana who just sent me his allowance and asked if -I would give it to the people of Haiti. And it lives on in all the -Americans who've dropped everything to go someplace they've never been -and pull people they've never known from the rubble, prompting chants -of "U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" when another life was saved. -</p> - -<p> -The spirit that has sustained this Nation for more than two centuries -lives on in you, its people. We have finished a difficult year. We have -come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade -stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this -moment to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our -Union once more. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2011"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 25, 2011<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Tonight I want to begin by congratulating -the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, -John Boehner. And as we mark this occasion, we're also mindful of the -empty chair in this Chamber, and we pray for the health of our -colleague and our friend Gabby Giffords. -</p> - -<p> -It's no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences -over the last 2 years. The debates have been contentious; we have -fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a -robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation. -</p> - -<p> -But there's a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the -noise and passion and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us -that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part -of something greater, something more consequential than party or -political preference. -</p> - -<p> -We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where -every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound -together as one people, that we share common hopes and a common creed, -that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than -those of our own children, that they all deserve the chance to be -fulfilled. That too is what sets us apart as a nation. -</p> - -<p> -Now, by itself, this simple recognition won't usher in a new era of -cooperation. What comes of this moment is up to us. What comes of this -moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, -but whether we can work together tomorrow. -</p> - -<p> -I believe we can, and I believe we must. That's what the people who -sent us here expect of us. With their votes, they've determined that -governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties. New laws -will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans. We will -move forward together or not at all, for the challenges we face are -bigger than party and bigger than politics. -</p> - -<p> -At stake right now is not who wins the next election. After all, we -just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take -root in this country or somewhere else. It's whether the hard work and -industry of our people is rewarded. It's whether we sustain the -leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but the -light to the world. -</p> - -<p> -We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of -us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back, corporate -profits are up, the economy is growing again. -</p> - -<p> -But we have never measured progress by these yardsticks alone. We -measure progress by the success of our people, by the jobs they can -find and the quality of life those jobs offer, by the prospects of a -small-business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving -enterprise, by the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to -our children. -</p> - -<p> -That's the project the American people want us to work on--together. -</p> - -<p> -Now, we did that in December. Thanks to the tax cuts we passed, -Americans' paychecks are a little bigger today. Every business can -write off the full cost of new investments that they make this year. -And these steps, taken by Democrats and Republicans, will grow the -economy and add to the more than 1 million private sector jobs created -last year. -</p> - -<p> -But we have to do more. These steps we've taken over the last 2 years -may have broken the back of this recession, but to win the future, -we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making. -</p> - -<p> -Many people watching tonight can probably remember a time when finding -a good job meant showing up at a nearby factory or a business downtown. -You didn't always need a degree, and your competition was pretty much -limited to your neighbors. If you worked hard, chances are you'd have a -job for life, with a decent paycheck and good benefits and the -occasional promotion. Maybe you'd even have the pride of seeing your -kids work at the same company. -</p> - -<p> -That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful. I've -seen it in the shuttered windows of once booming factories and the -vacant storefronts on once busy Main Streets. I've heard it in the -frustrations of Americans who've seen their paychecks dwindle or their -jobs disappear, proud men and women who feel like the rules have been -changed in the middle of the game. -</p> - -<p> -They're right. The rules have changed. In a single generation, -revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work, and -do business. Steel mills that once needed 1,000 workers can now do the -same work with 100. Today, just about any company can set up shop, hire -workers, and sell their products wherever there's an Internet -connection. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile, nations like China and India realized that with some changes -of their own, they could compete in this new world. And so they started -educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on -math and science. They're investing in research and new technologies. -Just recently, China became the home to the world's largest private -solar research facility and the world's fastest computer. -</p> - -<p> -So yes, the world is changed. The competition for jobs is real. But -this shouldn't discourage us. It should challenge us. Remember, for all -the hits we've taken these last few years, for all the naysayers -predicting our decline, America still has the largest, most prosperous -economy in the world. No workers are more productive than ours. No -country has more successful companies or grants more patents to -inventors and entrepreneurs. We're the home to the world's best -colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any -place on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an -idea: the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own -destiny. That's why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked -everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize -equations, but answer questions like: "What do you think of that idea? -What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you -grow up?" -</p> - -<p> -The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can't just stand still. -As Robert Kennedy told us: "The future is not a gift. It is an -achievement." Sustaining the American Dream has never been about -standing pat. It has required each generation to sacrifice and struggle -and meet the demands of a new age. -</p> - -<p> -And now it's our turn. We know what it takes to compete for the jobs -and industries of our time. We need to outinnovate, outeducate, and -outbuild the rest of the world. We have to make America the best place -on Earth to do business. We need to take responsibility for our deficit -and reform our Government. That's how our people will prosper. That's -how we'll win the future. And tonight I'd like to talk about how we get -there. -</p> - -<p> -The first step in winning the future is encouraging American innovation. -None of us can predict with certainty what the next big industry will -be or where the new jobs will come from. Thirty years ago, we couldn't -know that something called the Internet would lead to an economic -revolution. What we can do--what America does better than anyone else-- -is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We're the nation -that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of -Edison and the Wright brothers, of Google and Facebook. In America, -innovation doesn't just change our lives. It is how we make our living. -</p> - -<p> -Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation. But because it's -not always profitable for companies to invest in basic research, -throughout our history, our Government has provided cutting-edge -scientists and inventors with the support that they need. That's what -planted the seeds for the Internet. That's what helped make possible -things like computer chips and GPS. Just think of all the good jobs-- -from manufacturing to retail--that have come from these breakthroughs. -</p> - -<p> -Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch -of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to -the Moon. The science wasn't even there yet. NASA didn't exist. But -after investing in better research and education, we didn't just -surpass the Soviets, we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new -industries and millions of new jobs. -</p> - -<p> -This is our generation's Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we -needed to reach a level of research and development we haven't seen -since the height of the space race. And in a few weeks, I will be -sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal. We'll invest -in biomedical research, information technology, and especially clean -energy technology, an investment that will strengthen our security, -protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people. -</p> - -<p> -Already, we're seeing the promise of renewable energy. Robert and Gary -Allen are brothers who run a small Michigan roofing company. After -September 11, they volunteered their best roofers to help repair the -Pentagon. But half of their factory went unused, and the recession hit -them hard. Today, with the help of a Government loan, that empty space -is being used to manufacture solar shingles that are being sold all -across the country. In Robert's words, "We reinvented ourselves." -</p> - -<p> -That's what Americans have done for over 200 years: reinvented -ourselves. And to spur on more success stories like the Allen Brothers, -we've begun to reinvent our energy policy. We're not just handing out -money. We're issuing a challenge. We're telling America's scientists -and engineers that if they assemble teams of the best minds in their -fields and focus on the hardest problems in clean energy, we'll fund -the Apollo projects of our time. -</p> - -<p> -At the California Institute of Technology, they're developing a way to -turn sunlight and water into fuel for our cars. At Oak Ridge National -Laboratory, they're using supercomputers to get a lot more power out of -our nuclear facilities. With more research and incentives, we can break -our dependence on oil with biofuels and become the first country to -have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. -</p> - -<p> -We need to get behind this innovation. And to help pay for it, I'm -asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we -currently give to oil companies. I don't know if you've noticed, but -they're doing just fine on their own. [Laughter] So instead of -subsidizing yesterday's energy, let's invest in tomorrow's. -</p> - -<p> -Now, clean energy breakthroughs will only translate into clean energy -jobs if businesses know there will be a market for what they're selling. -So tonight I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, -80 percent of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources. -</p> - -<p> -Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal, and -natural gas. To meet this goal, we will need them all, and I urge -Democrats and Republicans to work together to make it happen. -</p> - -<p> -Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to -America's success. But if we want to win the future, if we want -innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas, then we also -have to win the race to educate our kids. -</p> - -<p> -Think about it. Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs -will require education that goes beyond a high school education. And -yet as many as a quarter of our students aren't even finishing high -school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many -other nations. America has fallen to ninth in the proportion of young -people with a college degree. And so the question is whether all of us, -as citizens and as parents, are willing to do what's necessary to give -every child a chance to succeed. -</p> - -<p> -That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and -communities. It's family that first instills the love of learning in a -child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework -gets done. We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of -the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the -science fair. We need to teach them that success is not a function of -fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline. -</p> - -<p> -Our schools share this responsibility. When a child walks into a -classroom, it should be a place of high expectations and high -performance. But too many schools don't meet this test. That's why -instead of just pouring money into a system that's not working, we -launched a competition called Race to the Top. To all 50 States, we -said, "If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher -quality and student achievement, we'll show you the money." -</p> - -<p> -Race to the Top is the most meaningful reform of our public schools in -a generation. For less than 1 percent of what we spend on education -each year, it has led over 40 States to raise their standards for -teaching and learning. And these standards were developed, by the way, -not by Washington, but by Republican and Democratic Governors -throughout the country. And Race to the Top should be the approach we -follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that's -more flexible and focused on what's best for our kids. -</p> - -<p> -You see, we know what's possible from our children when reform isn't -just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals, -school boards and communities. Take a school like Bruce Randolph in -Denver. Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in -Colorado, located on turf between two rival gangs. But last May, 97 -percent of the seniors received their diploma. Most will be the first -in their families to go to college. And after the first year of the -school's transformation, the principal who made it possible wiped away -tears when a student said, "Thank you, Ms. Waters, for showing that we -are smart and we can make it." That's what good schools can do, and we -want good schools all across the country. -</p> - -<p> -Let's also remember that after parents, the biggest impact on a child's -success comes from the man or woman at the front of the classroom. In -South Korea, teachers are known as nation builders. Here in America, -it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same -level of respect. We want to reward good teachers and stop making -excuses for bad ones. And over the next 10 years, with so many baby -boomers retiring from our classrooms, we want to prepare 100,000 new -teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering and -math. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating -their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of -our Nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, -become a teacher. Your country needs you. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, the education race doesn't end with a high school diploma. -To compete, higher education must be within the reach of every American. -That's why we've ended the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that went to -banks and used the savings to make college affordable for millions of -students. And this year, I ask Congress to go further and make -permanent our tuition tax credit, worth $10,000 for 4 years of college. -It's the right thing to do. -</p> - -<p> -Because people need to be able to train for new jobs and careers in -today's fast-changing economy, we're also revitalizing America's -community colleges. Last month, I saw the promise of these schools at -Forsyth Tech in North Carolina. Many of the students there used to work -in the surrounding factories that have since left town. One mother of -two, a woman named Kathy Proctor, had worked in the furniture industry -since she was 18 years old. And she told me she's earning her degree in -biotechnology now, at 55 years old, not just because the furniture jobs -are gone, but because she wants to inspire her children to pursue their -dreams too. As Kathy said, "I hope it tells them to never give up." -</p> - -<p> -If we take these steps, if we raise expectations for every child and -give them the best possible chance at an education, from the day they -are born until the last job they take, we will reach the goal that I -set 2 years ago: By the end of the decade, America will once again have -the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. -</p> - -<p> -One last point about education: Today, there are hundreds of thousands -of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. -Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do -with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge -allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of -deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and -universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them -back home to compete against us. It makes no sense. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the -issue of illegal immigration. And I am prepared to work with -Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws, and -address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the -shadows. I know that debate will be difficult. I know it will take time. -But tonight, let's agree to make that effort. And let's stop expelling -talented, responsible young people who could be staffing our research -labs or starting a new business, who could be further enriching this -Nation. -</p> - -<p> -The third step in winning the future is rebuilding America. To attract -new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways -to move people, goods, and information, from high-speed rail to high- -speed Internet. -</p> - -<p> -Our infrastructure used to be the best, but our lead has slipped. South -Korean homes now have greater Internet access than we do. Countries in -Europe and Russia invest more in their roads and railways than we do. -China is building faster trains and newer airports. Meanwhile, when our -own engineers graded our Nation's infrastructure, they gave us a D. -</p> - -<p> -We have to do better. America is the nation that built the -transcontinental railroad, brought electricity to rural communities, -constructed the Interstate Highway System. The jobs created by these -projects didn't just come from laying down track or pavement. They came -from businesses that opened near a town's new train station or the new -off-ramp. -</p> - -<p> -So over the last 2 years, we've begun rebuilding for the 21st century, -a project that has meant thousands of good jobs for the hard-hit -construction industry. And tonight I'm proposing that we redouble those -efforts. -</p> - -<p> -We'll put more Americans to work repairing crumbling roads and bridges. -We'll make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and -pick projects based [on]* what's best for the economy, not politicians. -</p> - -<p> -Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80 percent of Americans access to -high-speed rail. This could allow you to go places in half the time it -takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying, -without the pat-down. [Laughter] As we speak, routes in California and -the Midwest are already underway. -</p> - -<p> -Within the next 5 years, we'll make it possible for businesses to -deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98 -percent of all Americans. This isn't just about--this isn't about -faster Internet or fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every -part of America to the digital age. It's about a rural community in -Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small-business owners will be able to -sell their products all over the world. It's about a firefighter who -can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device, a -student who can take classes with a digital textbook, or a patient who -can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor. -</p> - -<p> -All these investments--in innovation, education, and infrastructure-- -will make America a better place to do business and create jobs. But to -help our companies compete, we also have to knock down barriers that -stand in the way of their success. -</p> - -<p> -For example, over the years, a parade of lobbyists has rigged the Tax -Code to benefit particular companies and industries. Those with -accountants or lawyers to work the system can end up paying no taxes at -all. But all the rest are hit with one of the highest corporate tax -rates in the world. It makes no sense, and it has to change. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I'm asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system, -get rid of the loopholes, level the playing field, and use the savings -to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years without -adding to our deficit. It can be done. -</p> - -<p> -To help businesses sell more products abroad, we set a goal of doubling -our exports by 2014. Because the more we export, the more jobs we -create here at home. Already, our exports are up. Recently, we signed -agreements with India and China that will support more than 250,000 -jobs here in the United States. And last month, we finalized a trade -agreement with South Korea that will support at least 70,000 American -jobs. This agreement has unprecedented support from business and labor, -Democrats and Republicans, and I ask this Congress to pass it as soon -as possible. -</p> - -<p> -Now, before I took office, I made it clear that we would enforce our -trade agreements and that I would only sign deals that keep faith with -American workers and promote American jobs. That's what we did with -Korea, and that's what I intend to do as we pursue agreements with -Panama and Colombia and continue our Asia-Pacific and global trade -talks. -</p> - -<p> -To reduce barriers to growth and investment, I've ordered a review of -Government regulations. When we find rules that put an unnecessary -burden on businesses, we will fix them. But I will not hesitate to -create or enforce commonsense safeguards to protect the American people. -That's what we've done in this country for more than a century. It's -why our food is safe to eat, our water is safe to drink, and our air is -safe to breathe. It's why we have speed limits and child labor laws. -It's why last year, we put in place consumer protections against hidden -fees and penalties by credit card companies and new rules to prevent -another financial crisis. And it's why we passed reform that finally -prevents the health insurance industry from exploiting patients. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I have heard rumors that a few of you still have concerns about -our new health care law. [Laughter] So let me be the first to say that -anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this -law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with -you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation -that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses. -</p> - -<p> -What I'm not willing to do--what I'm not willing to do--is go back to -the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because -of a preexisting condition. -</p> - -<p> -I'm not willing to tell James Howard, a brain cancer patient from Texas, -that his treatment might not be covered. I'm not willing to tell Jim -Houser, a small-businessman from Oregon, that he has to go back to -paying $5,000 more to cover his employees. As we speak, this law is -making prescription drugs cheaper for seniors and giving uninsured -students a chance to stay on their patients'--parents' coverage. -</p> - -<p> -So I say to this Chamber tonight: Instead of refighting the battles of -the last 2 years, let's fix what needs fixing, and let's move forward. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the final critical step in winning the future is to make sure we -aren't buried under a mountain of debt. -</p> - -<p> -We are living with a legacy of deficit spending that began almost a -decade ago. And in the wake of the financial crisis, some of that was -necessary to keep credit flowing, save jobs, and put money in people's -pockets. -</p> - -<p> -But now that the worst of the recession is over, we have to confront -the fact that our Government spends more than it takes in. That is not -sustainable. Every day, families sacrifice to live within their means. -They deserve a Government that does the same. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual -domestic spending for the next 5 years. Now, this would reduce the -deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade and will bring -discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight -Eisenhower was President. -</p> - -<p> -This freeze will require painful cuts. Already, we've frozen the -salaries of hard-working Federal employees for the next 2 years. I've -proposed cuts to things I care deeply about, like community action -programs. The Secretary of Defense has also agreed to cut tens of -billions of dollars in spending that he and his generals believe our -military can do without. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I recognize that some in this Chamber have already proposed deeper -cuts, and I'm willing to eliminate whatever we can honestly afford to -do without. But let's make sure that we're not doing it on the backs of -our most vulnerable citizens. And let's make sure that what we're -cutting is really excess weight. Cutting the deficit by gutting our -investments in innovation and education is like lightening an -overloaded airplane by removing its engine. It may make you feel like -you're flying high at first, but it won't take long before you feel the -impact. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now, most of the cuts and savings I've proposed only address annual -domestic spending, which represents a little more than 12 percent of -our budget. To make further progress, we have to stop pretending that -cutting this kind of spending alone will be enough. It won't. -</p> - -<p> -The bipartisan fiscal commission I created last year made this crystal -clear. I don't agree with all their proposals, but they made important -progress. And their conclusion is that the only way to tackle our -deficit is to cut excessive spending wherever we find it, in domestic -spending, defense spending, health care spending, and spending through -tax breaks and loopholes. -</p> - -<p> -This means further reducing health care costs, including programs like -Medicare and Medicaid, which are the single biggest contributor to our -long-term deficit. The health insurance law we passed last year will -slow these rising costs, which is part of the reason that nonpartisan -economists have said that repealing the health care law would add a -quarter of a trillion dollars to our deficit. Still, I'm willing to -look at other ideas to bring down costs, including one that Republicans -suggested last year: medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous -lawsuits. -</p> - -<p> -To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to -strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it -without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or -people with disabilities, without slashing benefits for future -generations, and without subjecting Americans' guaranteed retirement -income to the whims of the stock market. -</p> - -<p> -And if we truly care about our deficit, we simply can't afford a -permanent extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of -Americans. Before we take money away from our schools or scholarships -away from our students, we should ask millionaires to give up their tax -break. It's not a matter of punishing their success, it's about -promoting America's success. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to -simplify the individual Tax Code. This will be a tough job, but members -of both parties have expressed an interest in doing this, and I am -prepared to join them. -</p> - -<p> -So now is the time to act. Now is the time for both sides and both -Houses of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, to forge a principled -compromise that gets the job done. If we make the hard choices now to -rein in our deficits, we can make the investments we need to win the -future. -</p> - -<p> -Let me take this one step further. We shouldn't just give our people a -Government that's more affordable, we should give them a Government -that's more competent and more efficient. We can't win the future with -a Government of the past. -</p> - -<p> -We live and do business in the Information Age, but the last major -reorganization of the Government happened in the age of black-and-white -TV. There are 12 different agencies that deal with exports. There are -at least five different agencies that deal with housing policy. Then -there's my favorite example: The Interior Department is in charge of -salmon while they're in fresh water, but the Commerce Department -handles them when they're in saltwater. [Laughter] I hear it gets even -more complicated once they're smoked. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now, we've made great strides over the last 2 years in using technology -and getting rid of waste. Veterans can now download their electronic -medical records with a click of the mouse. We're selling acres of -Federal office space that hasn't been used in years, and we'll cut -through redtape to get rid of more. But we need to think bigger. In the -coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, -consolidate, and reorganize the Federal Government in a way that best -serves the goal of a more competitive America. I will submit that -proposal to Congress for a vote, and we will push to get it passed. -</p> - -<p> -In the coming year, we'll also work to rebuild people's faith in the -institution of Government. Because you deserve to know exactly how and -where your tax dollars are being spent, you'll be able to go to a web -site and get that information for the very first time in history. -Because you deserve to know when your elected officials are meeting -with lobbyists, I ask Congress to do what the White House has already -done: put that information online. And because the American people -deserve to know that special interests aren't larding up legislation -with pet projects, both parties in Congress should know this: If a bill -comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it. I will veto it. -</p> - -<p> -The 21st-century Government that's open and competent, a government -that lives within its means, an economy that's driven by new skills and -new ideas--our success in this new and changing world will require -reform, responsibility, and innovation. It will also require us to -approach that world with a new level of engagement in our foreign -affairs. -</p> - -<p> -Just as jobs and businesses can now race across borders, so can new -threats and new challenges. No single wall separates East and West. No -one rival superpower is aligned against us. -</p> - -<p> -And so we must defeat determined enemies, wherever they are, and build -coalitions that cut across lines of region and race and religion. And -America's moral example must always shine for all who yearn for freedom -and justice and dignity. And because we've begun this work, tonight we -can say that American leadership has been renewed and America's -standing has been restored. -</p> - -<p> -Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left -with their heads held high. American combat patrols have ended, -violence is down, and a new Government has been formed. This year, our -civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while -we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America's -commitment has been kept. The Iraq war is coming to an end. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, as we speak, Al Qaida and their affiliates continue to plan -attacks against us. Thanks to our intelligence and law enforcement -professionals, we're disrupting plots and securing our cities and skies. -And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, -we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect -for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are -a part of our American family. -</p> - -<p> -We've also taken the fight to Al Qaida and their allies abroad. In -Afghanistan, our troops have taken Taliban strongholds and trained -Afghan security forces. Our purpose is clear: By preventing the Taliban -from reestablishing a stranglehold over the Afghan people, we will deny -Al Qaida the safe haven that served as a launching pad for 9/11. -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the -control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead, and the -Afghan Government will need to deliver better governance. But we are -strengthening the capacity of the Afghan people and building an -enduring partnership with them. This year, we will work with nearly 50 -countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead, and this July, we -will begin to bring our troops home. -</p> - -<p> -In Pakistan, Al Qaida's leadership is under more pressure than at any -point since 2001. Their leaders and operatives are being removed from -the battlefield. Their safe havens are shrinking. And we've sent a -message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of -the globe: We will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat -you. -</p> - -<p> -American leadership can also be seen in the effort to secure the worst -weapons of war. Because Republicans and Democrats approved the new -START Treaty, far fewer nuclear weapons and launchers will be deployed. -Because we rallied the world, nuclear materials are being locked down -on every continent so they never fall into the hands of terrorists. -</p> - -<p> -Because of a diplomatic effort to insist that Iran meet its obligations, -the Iranian Government now faces tougher sanctions, tighter sanctions -than ever before. And on the Korean Peninsula, we stand with our ally -South Korea and insist that North Korea keeps its commitment to abandon -nuclear weapons. -</p> - -<p> -This is just a part of how we're shaping a world that favors peace and -prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO and increased -our cooperation on everything from counterterrorism to missile defense. -We've reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, -built new partnerships with nations like India. -</p> - -<p> -This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge -new alliances across the Americas. Around the globe, we're standing -with those who take responsibility, helping farmers grow more food, -supporting doctors who care for the sick, and combating the corruption -that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity. -</p> - -<p> -Recent events have shown us that what sets us apart must not just be -our power; it must also be the purpose behind it. In south Sudan--with -our assistance--the people were finally able to vote for independence -after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in -the streets. One man who lost four of his brothers at war summed up the -scene around him. "This was a battlefield for most of my life," he said. -"Now we want to be free." -</p> - -<p> -And we saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of -the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And -tonight let us be clear: The United States of America stands with the -people of Tunisia and supports the democratic aspirations of all people. -</p> - -<p> -We must never forget that the things we've struggled for and fought for -live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember -that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle -are the men and women who serve our country. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our Nation is -united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them -as well as they've served us, by giving them the equipment they need, -by providing them with the care and benefits that they have earned, and -by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own Nation. -</p> - -<p> -Our troops come from every corner of this country. They're Black, White, -Latino, Asian, Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish -and Muslim. And yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this -year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love -because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all our -college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and -ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It -is time to move forward as one Nation. -</p> - -<p> -We should have no illusions about the work ahead of us. Reforming our -schools, changing the way we use energy, reducing our deficit, none of -this will be easy. All of it will take time. And it will be harder -because we will argue about everything: the costs, the details, the -letter of every law. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, some countries don't have this problem. If the central -government wants a railroad, they build a railroad, no matter how many -homes get bulldozed. If they don't want a bad story in the newspaper, -it doesn't get written. -</p> - -<p> -And yet, as contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can -sometimes be, I know there isn't a person here who would trade places -with any other nation on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights -enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we -believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can -make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe -in the same dream that says this is a country where anything is -possible, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from. -</p> - -<p> -That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight. That dream is -why a working class kid from Scranton can sit behind me. [Laughter] -That dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his -father's Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the -greatest nation on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -That dream--that American Dream--is what drove the Allen Brothers to -reinvent their roofing company for a new era. It's what drove those -students at Forsyth Tech to learn a new skill and work towards the -future. And that dream is the story of a small-business owner named -Brandon Fisher. -</p> - -<p> -Brandon started a company in Berlin, Pennsylvania, that specializes in -a new kind of drilling technology. And one day last summer, he saw the -news that halfway across the world, 33 men were trapped in a Chilean -mine, and no one knew how to save them. -</p> - -<p> -But Brandon thought his company could help. And so he designed a rescue -that would come to be known as Plan B. His employees worked around the -clock to manufacture the necessary drilling equipment, and Brandon left -for Chile. -</p> - -<p> -Along with others, he began drilling a 2,000-foot hole into the ground, -working 3 or 4 hour--3 or 4 days at a time without any sleep. Thirty- -seven days later, Plan B succeeded and the miners were rescued. But -because he didn't want all of the attention, Brandon wasn't there when -the miners emerged. He'd already gone back home, back to work on his -next project. -</p> - -<p> -And later, one of his employees said of the rescue, "We proved that -Center Rock is a little company, but we do big things." -</p> - -<p> -We do big things. -</p> - -<p> -From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of -ordinary people who dare to dream. That's how we win the future. -</p> - -<p> -We're a nation that says, "I might not have a lot of money, but I have -this great idea for a new company." "I might not come from a family of -college graduates, but I will be the first to get my degree." "I might -not know those people in trouble, but I think I can help them, and I -need to try." "I'm not sure how we'll reach that better place beyond -the horizon, but I know we'll get there. I know we will." -</p> - -<p> -We do big things. -</p> - -<p> -The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And -tonight, more than two centuries later, it's because of our people that -our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our -Union is strong. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of -America. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2012"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 24, 2012<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force -Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. -Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which -more than a million of our fellow citizens fought and several thousand -gave their lives. -</p> - -<p> -We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the -United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first -time in 9 years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first -time in two decades, Usama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. -Most of Al Qaida's top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban's -momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to -come home. -</p> - -<p> -These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and -teamwork of America's Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our -institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They're -not consumed with personal ambition. They don't obsess over their -differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together. -</p> - -<p> -Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example. Think -about the America within our reach: a country that leads the world in -educating its people; an America that attracts a new generation of -high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs; a future where we're in -control of our own energy and our security and prosperity aren't so -tied to unstable parts of the world; an economy built to last, where -hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded. -</p> - -<p> -We can do this. I know we can, because we've done it before. At the end -of World War II, when another generation of heroes returned home from -combat, they built the strongest economy and middle class the world has -ever known. My grandfather, a veteran of Patton's army, got the chance -to go to college on the GI bill. My grandmother, who worked on a bomber -assembly line, was part of a workforce that turned out the best -products on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -The two of them shared the optimism of a nation that had triumphed over -a depression and fascism. They understood they were part of something -larger, that they were contributing to a story of success that every -American had a chance to share, the basic American promise that if you -worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, -send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement. -</p> - -<p> -The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No -challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either -settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well -while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an -economy where everyone gets a fair shot and everyone does their fair -share and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What's at stake -aren't Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. And -we have to reclaim them. -</p> - -<p> -Let's remember how we got here. Long before the recession, jobs and -manufacturing began leaving our shores. Technology made businesses more -efficient, but also made some jobs obsolete. Folks at the top saw their -incomes rise like never before, but most hard-working Americans -struggled with costs that were growing, paychecks that weren't, and -personal debt that kept piling up. -</p> - -<p> -In 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We learned that mortgages had -been sold to people who couldn't afford or understand them. Banks had -made huge bets and bonuses with other people's money. Regulators had -looked the other way or didn't have the authority to stop the bad -behavior. -</p> - -<p> -It was wrong, it was irresponsible, and it plunged our economy into a -crisis that put millions out of work, saddled us with more debt, and -left innocent, hard-working Americans holding the bag. In the 6 months -before I took office, we lost nearly 4 million jobs. And we lost -another 4 million before our policies were in full effect. -</p> - -<p> -Those are the facts. But so are these: In the last 22 months, -businesses have created more than 3 million jobs. Last year, they -created the most jobs since 2005. American manufacturers are hiring -again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. Together, -we've agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion. And we've put -in place new rules to hold Wall Street accountable so a crisis like -this never happens again. -</p> - -<p> -The state of our Union is getting stronger. And we've come too far to -turn back now. As long as I'm President, I will work with anyone in -this Chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight -obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the -very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first -place. -</p> - -<p> -No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, -and phony financial profits. Tonight I want to speak about how we move -forward and lay out a blueprint for an economy that's built to last, an -economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for -American workers, and a renewal of American values. -</p> - -<p> -Now, this blueprint begins with American manufacturing. -</p> - -<p> -On the day I took office, our auto industry was on the verge of -collapse. Some even said we should let it die. With a million jobs at -stake, I refused to let that happen. In exchange for help, we demanded -responsibility. We got workers and automakers to settle their -differences. We got the industry to retool and restructure. Today, -General Motors is back on top as the world's number-one automaker. -Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford -is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the -entire industry added nearly a hundred and sixty thousand jobs. -</p> - -<p> -We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, -the American auto industry is back. -</p> - -<p> -What's happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can -happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can't bring every -job back that's left our shore. But right now it's getting more -expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is -more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that -it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for -the first time in 15 years, Master Lock's unionized plant in Milwaukee -is running at full capacity. -</p> - -<p> -</p> - -<p> -So we have a huge opportunity at this moment to bring manufacturing -back. But we have to seize it. Tonight my message to business leaders -is simple: Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your -country, and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed. -</p> - -<p> -We should start with our Tax Code. Right now companies get tax breaks -for moving jobs and profits overseas. Meanwhile, companies that choose -to stay in America get hit with one of the highest tax rates in the -world. It makes no sense, and everyone knows it. So let's change it. -</p> - -<p> -First, if you're a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn't -get a tax deduction for doing it. That money should be used to cover -moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring -jobs home. -</p> - -<p> -Second, no American company should be able to avoid paying its fair -share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every -multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every -penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to -stay here and hire here in America. -</p> - -<p> -Third, if you're an American manufacturer, you should get a bigger tax -cut. If you're a high-tech manufacturer, we should double the tax -deduction you get for making your products here. And if you want to -relocate in a community that was hit hard when a factory left town, you -should get help financing a new plant, equipment, or training for new -workers. -</p> - -<p> -So my message is simple: It is time to stop rewarding businesses that -ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs -right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I will sign them -right away. -</p> - -<p> -We're also making it easier for American businesses to sell products -all over the world. Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S. -exports over 5 years. With the bipartisan trade agreements we signed -into law, we're on track to meet that goal ahead of schedule. And soon -there will be millions of new customers for American goods in Panama, -Colombia, and South Korea. Soon there will be new cars on the streets -of Seoul imported from Detroit and Toledo and Chicago. -</p> - -<p> -I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American -products. And I will not stand by when our competitors don't play by -the rules. We've brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the -rate as the last administration, and it's made a difference. Over a -thousand Americans are working today because we stopped a surge in -Chinese tires. But we need to do more. It's not right when another -country lets our movies, music, and software be pirated. It's not fair -when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they're -heavily subsidized. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight I'm announcing the creation of a trade enforcement unit that -will be charged with investigating unfair trading practices in -countries like China. There will be more inspections to prevent -counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this -Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over -American manufacturing when it comes to accessing financing or new -markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and -if the playing field is level, I promise you, America will always win. -</p> - -<p> -I also hear from many business leaders who want to hire in the United -States, but can't find workers with the right skills. Growing -industries in science and technology have twice as many openings as we -have workers who can do the job. Think about that: openings at a time -when millions of Americans are looking for work. It's inexcusable, and -we know how to fix it. -</p> - -<p> -Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from -her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in -Charlotte and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community -College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and -robotics training. It paid Jackie's tuition, then hired her to help -operate their plant. -</p> - -<p> -I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as -Jackie did. Join me in a national commitment to train 2 million -Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My -administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. -Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community -colleges in places like Charlotte and Orlando and Louisville are up and -running. Now you need to give more community colleges the resources -they need to become community career centers, places that teach people -skills that businesses are looking for right now, from data management -to high-tech manufacturing. -</p> - -<p> -And I want to cut through the maze of confusing training programs so -that from now on, people like Jackie have one program, one web site, -and one place to go for all the information and help that they need. It -is time to turn our unemployment system into a reemployment system that -puts people to work. -</p> - -<p> -These reforms will help people get jobs that are open today. But to -prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and -education has to start earlier. -</p> - -<p> -For less than 1 percent of what our Nation spends on education each -year, we've convinced nearly every State in the country to raise their -standards for teaching and learning, the first time that's happened in -a generation. But challenges remain, and we know how to solve them. -</p> - -<p> -At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight -budgets have forced States to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a -good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over -$250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child -who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this Chamber can -point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most -teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their -own pocket for school supplies, just to make a difference. -</p> - -<p> -Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them or defending the status quo, -let's offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good -teachers on the job and reward the best ones. And in return, grant -schools flexibility to teach with creativity and passion, to stop -teaching to the test, and to replace teachers who just aren't helping -kids learn. That's a bargain worth making. -</p> - -<p> -We also know that when students don't walk away from their education, -more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. When students are not -allowed to drop out, they do better. So tonight I am proposing that -every State--every State--requires that all students stay in high school -until they graduate or turn 18. -</p> - -<p> -When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of -college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit -card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student -loans from doubling in July. -</p> - -<p> -Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves millions of middle -class families thousands of dollars and give more young people the -chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of -work-study jobs in the next 5 years. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, it's not enough for us to increase student aid. We can't -just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we'll run out of money. -States also need to do their part by making higher education a higher -priority in their budgets. And colleges and universities have to do -their part by working to keep costs down. -</p> - -<p> -Recently, I spoke with a group of college presidents who have done just -that. Some schools redesign courses to help students finish more -quickly. Some use better technology. The point is, it's possible. So -let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can't stop -tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. -Higher education can't be a luxury. It is an economic imperative that -every family in America should be able to afford. -</p> - -<p> -Let's also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hard- -working students in this country face another challenge: the fact that -they aren't yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small -children, are American through and through, yet they live every day -with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study -business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their -degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs -somewhere else. That doesn't make sense. -</p> - -<p> -I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal -immigration. That's why my administration has put more boots on the -border than ever before. That's why there are fewer illegal crossings -than when I took office. The opponents of action are out of excuses. We -should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. -</p> - -<p> -But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a -comprehensive plan, let's at least agree to stop expelling responsible -young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, defend -this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their -citizenship. I will sign it right away. -</p> - -<p> -You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent -and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should -earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone -who's willing to work and every risk taker and entrepreneur who aspires -to become the next Steve Jobs. -</p> - -<p> -After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new -jobs are created in startups and small businesses. So let's pass an -agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent -aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax -relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good -jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill and get -it on my desk this year. -</p> - -<p> -Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking -place in our federally financed labs and universities could lead to new -treatments that kill cancer cells, but leave healthy ones untouched, -new lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. -Don't gut these investments in our budget. Don't let other countries -win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and -innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet, to new -American jobs and new American industries. -</p> - -<p> -And nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made -energy. Over the last 3 years, we've opened millions of new acres for -oil and gas exploration, and tonight I'm directing my administration to -open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas -resources. Right now--right now--American oil production is the highest -that it's been in 8 years. That's right, 8 years. Not only that, last -year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past 16 years. -</p> - -<p> -But with only 2 percent of the world's oil reserves, oil isn't enough. -This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops -every available source of American energy, a strategy that's cleaner, -cheaper, and full of new jobs. -</p> - -<p> -We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years. -And my administration will take every possible action to safely develop -this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs -by the end of the decade. And I'm requiring all companies that drill -for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. Because -America will develop this resource without putting the health and -safety of our citizens at risk. -</p> - -<p> -The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and -factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don't have to -choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was -public research dollars, over the course of 30 years, that helped -develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale -rock, reminding us that Government support is critical in helping -businesses get new energy ideas off the ground. -</p> - -<p> -Now, what's true for natural gas is just as true for clean energy. In 3 -years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned -America to be the world's leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. -Because of Federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled, -and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it. -</p> - -<p> -When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said -he worried that at 55 no one would give him a second chance. But he -found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before -the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it's hiring -workers like Bryan, who said, "I'm proud to be working in the industry -of the future." -</p> - -<p> -Our experience with shale gas, our experience with natural gas, shows -us that the payoffs on these public investments don't always come right -away. Some technologies don't pan out, some companies fail. But I will -not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away -from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery -industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same -commitment here. -</p> - -<p> -We've subsidized oil companies for a century. That's long enough. It's -time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that rarely has been -more profitable and double down on a clean energy industry that never -has been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits. Create these -jobs. -</p> - -<p> -We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences -in this Chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan -to fight climate change. But there's no reason why Congress shouldn't -at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for -innovation. So far, you haven't acted. Well, tonight I will. I'm -directing my administration to allow the development of clean energy on -enough public land to power 3 million homes. And I'm proud to announce -that the Department of Defense, working with us, the world's largest -consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean -energy in history, with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a -quarter of a million homes a year. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So -here's a proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their -factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. -Their energy bills will be a hundred billion dollars lower over the -next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, -more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that -creates these jobs. -</p> - -<p> -Building this new energy future should be just one part of a broader -agenda to repair America's infrastructure. So much of America needs to -be rebuilt. We've got crumbling roads and bridges, a power grid that -wastes too much energy, an incomplete high-speed broadband network that -prevents a small-business owner in rural America from selling her -products all over the world. -</p> - -<p> -During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the -Golden Gate Bridge. After World War II, we connected our States with a -system of highways. Democratic and Republican administrations invested -in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built -them to the businesses that still use them today. -</p> - -<p> -In the next few weeks, I will sign an Executive order clearing away the -redtape that slows down too many construction projects. But you need to -fund these projects. Take the money we're no longer spending at war, -use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some -nation-building right here at home. -</p> - -<p> -There's never been a better time to build, especially since the -construction industry was one of the hardest hit when the housing -bubble burst. Of course, construction workers weren't the only ones who -were hurt. So were millions of innocent Americans who've seen their -home values decline. And while Government can't fix the problem on its -own, responsible homeowners shouldn't have to sit and wait for the -housing market to hit bottom to get some relief. -</p> - -<p> -And that's why I'm sending this Congress a plan that gives every -responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their -mortgage by refinancing at historically low rates. No more redtape. No -more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial -institutions will ensure that it won't add to the deficit and will give -those banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit -of trust. -</p> - -<p> -Let's never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the -rules every day deserve a Government and a financial system that do the -same. It's time to apply the same rules from top to bottom. No bailouts, -no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on -responsibility from everybody. -</p> - -<p> -We've all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who -couldn't afford them and buyers who knew they couldn't afford them. -That's why we need smart regulations to prevent irresponsible behavior. -Rules to prevent financial fraud or toxic dumping or faulty medical -devices, these don't destroy the free market. They make the free market -work better. -</p> - -<p> -There's no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary, or -too costly. In fact, I've approved fewer regulations in the first 3 -years of my Presidency than my Republican predecessor did in his. I've -ordered every Federal agency to eliminate rules that don't make sense. -We've already announced over 500 reforms, and just a fraction of them -will save business and citizens more than $10 billion over the next 5 -years. We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced -some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they could -contain a spill, because milk was somehow classified as an oil. With a -rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk. -[Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now, I'm confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a Federal -agency looking over his shoulder. Absolutely. But I will not back down -from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we -saw in the Gulf 2 years ago. I will not back down from protecting our -kids from mercury poisoning or making sure that our food is safe and -our water is clean. I will not go back to the days when health -insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny -your coverage, or charge women differently than men. -</p> - -<p> -And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play -by its own set of rules. The new rules we passed restore what should be -any financial system's core purpose: getting funding to entrepreneurs -with the best ideas and getting loans to responsible families who want -to buy a home or start a business or send their kids to college. -</p> - -<p> -So if you are a big bank or financial institution, you're no longer -allowed to make risky bets with your customers' deposits. You're -required to write out a "living will" that details exactly how you'll -pay the bills if you fail, because the rest of us are not bailing you -out ever again. And if you're a mortgage lender or a payday lender or a -credit card company, the days of signing people up for products they -can't afford with confusing forms and deceptive practices, those days -are over. Today, American consumers finally have a watchdog in Richard -Cordray, with one job: to look out for them. -</p> - -<p> -We'll also establish a financial crimes unit of highly trained -investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people's -investments. Some financial firms violate major antifraud laws because -there's no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That's bad for -consumers, and it's bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial -service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that -makes the penalties for fraud count. -</p> - -<p> -And tonight I'm asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of -Federal prosecutors and leading State attorney general to expand our -investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky -mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold -accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, -and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many -Americans. -</p> - -<p> -Now, a return to the American values of fair play and shared -responsibility will help protect our people and our economy. But it -should also guide us as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our -future. -</p> - -<p> -Right now our most immediate priority is stopping a tax hike on a -hundred and sixty million working Americans while the recovery is still -fragile. People cannot afford losing $40 out of each paycheck this year. -There are plenty of ways to get this done. So let's agree right here, -right now. No side issues. No drama. Pass the payroll tax cut without -delay. Let's get it done. -</p> - -<p> -When it comes to the deficit, we've already agreed to more than $2 -trillion in cuts and savings. But we need to do more, and that means -making choices. Right now we're poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more -on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 -percent of Americans. Right now because of loopholes and shelters in -the Tax Code, a quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than -millions of middle class households. Right now Warren Buffett pays a -lower tax rate than his secretary. -</p> - -<p> -Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do -we want to keep our investments in everything else, like education and -medical research, a strong military and care for our veterans? Because -if we're serious about paying down our debt, we can't do both. -</p> - -<p> -The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told -the Speaker this summer, I'm prepared to make more reforms that rein in -the long-term costs of Medicare and Medicaid and strengthen Social -Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for -seniors. But in return, we need to change our Tax Code so that people -like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of -taxes. -</p> - -<p> -Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule. If you make more than a -million dollars a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in -taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should -stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you're earning a million -dollars a year, you shouldn't get special tax subsidies or deductions. -On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent -of American families, your taxes shouldn't go up. You're the ones -struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You're the ones who -need relief. -</p> - -<p> -Now, you can call this class warfare all you want. But asking a -billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most -Americans would call that common sense. -</p> - -<p> -We don't begrudge financial success in this country. We admire it. When -Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it's -not because they envy the rich. It's because they understand that when -I get a tax break I don't need and the country can't afford, it either -adds to the deficit or somebody else has to make up the difference, -like a senior on a fixed income or a student trying to get through -school or a family trying to make ends meet. That's not right. -Americans know that's not right. They know that this generation's -success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility -to each other and to the future of their country, and they know our way -of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared -responsibility. That's how we'll reduce our deficit. That's an America -built to last. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I recognize that people watching tonight have differing views -about taxes and debt, energy and health care. But no matter what party -they belong to, I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right -about now: Nothing will get done in Washington this year or next year -or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken. -</p> - -<p> -Can you blame them for feeling a little cynical? -</p> - -<p> -The greatest blow to our confidence in our economy last year didn't -come from events beyond our control. It came from a debate in -Washington over whether the United States would pay its bills or not. -Who benefited from that fiasco? -</p> - -<p> -I've talked tonight about the deficit of trust between Main Street and -Wall Street. But the divide between this city and the rest of the -country is at least as bad, and it seems to get worse every year. -</p> - -<p> -Now, some of this has to do with the corrosive influence of money in -politics. So together, let's take some steps to fix that. Send me a -bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress. I will sign it -tomorrow. Let's limit any elected official from owning stocks in -industries they impact. Let's make sure people who bundle campaign -contributions for Congress can't lobby Congress and vice versa, an idea -that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington. -</p> - -<p> -Some of what's broken has to do with the way Congress does its business -these days. A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything--even -routine business--passed through the Senate. Neither party has been -blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it. -For starters, I ask the Senate to pass a simple rule that all judicial -and public service nominations receive a simple up-or-down vote within -90 days. -</p> - -<p> -The executive branch also needs to change. Too often, it's inefficient, -outdated, and remote. That's why I've asked this Congress to grant me -the authority to consolidate the Federal bureaucracy so that our -Government is leaner, quicker, and more responsive to the needs of the -American people. -</p> - -<p> -Finally, none of this can happen unless we also lower the temperature -in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be -locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction, that politics is -about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around -commonsense ideas. -</p> - -<p> -I'm a Democrat, but I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: -That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by -themselves and no more. That's why my education reform offers more -competition and more control for schools and States. That's why we're -getting rid of regulations that don't work. That's why our health care -law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program. -</p> - -<p> -On the other hand, even my Republican friends who complain the most -about Government spending have supported federally financed roads and -clean energy projects and Federal offices for the folks back home. -</p> - -<p> -The point is, we should all want a smarter, more effective Government. -And while we may not be able to bridge our biggest philosophical -differences this year, we can make real progress. With or without this -Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow. But I -can do a whole lot more with your help. Because when we act together, -there's nothing the United States of America can't achieve. -</p> - -<p> -That's the lesson we've learned from our actions abroad over the last -few years. Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows -against our enemies. From Pakistan to Yemen, the Al Qaida operatives -who remain are scrambling, knowing that they can't escape the reach of -the United States of America. -</p> - -<p> -From this position of strength, we've begun to wind down the war in -Afghanistan. Ten thousand of our troops have come home. Twenty-three -thousand more will leave by the end of this summer. This transition to -Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership -with Afghanistan so that it is never again a source of attacks against -America. -</p> - -<p> -As the tide of war recedes, a wave of change has washed across the -Middle East and North Africa, from Tunis to Cairo, from Sana'a to -Tripoli. A year ago, Qadhafi was one of the world's longest serving -dictators, a murderer with American blood on his hands. Today, he is -gone. And in Syria, I have no doubt that the Asad regime will soon -discover that the forces of change cannot be reversed and that human -dignity cannot be denied. -</p> - -<p> -How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we -have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it's ultimately up to the -people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those -values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against -violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of -all human beings: men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews. We will -support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open -markets, because tyranny is no match for liberty. -</p> - -<p> -And we will safeguard America's own security against those who threaten -our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the -power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal -with Iran's nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more -isolated than ever before. Its leaders are faced with crippling -sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this -pressure will not relent. -</p> - -<p> -Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from -getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to -achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still -possible, and far better. And if Iran changes course and meets its -obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations. -</p> - -<p> -The renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe. Our -oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever. Our ties to -the Americas are deeper. Our ironclad commitment--and I mean ironclad--to -Israel's security has meant the closest military cooperation between -our two countries in history. -</p> - -<p> -We've made it clear that America is a Pacific power, and a new -beginning in Burma has lit a new hope. From the coalitions we've built -to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we've led against hunger -and disease, from the blows we've dealt to our enemies, to the enduring -power of our moral example, America is back. -</p> - -<p> -Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in -decline or that our influence has waned, doesn't know what they're -talking about. That's not the message we get from leaders around the -world who are eager to work with us. That's not how people feel from -Tokyo to Berlin, from Cape Town to Rio, where opinions of America are -higher than they've been in years. Yes, the world is changing. No, we -can't control every event. But America remains the one indispensable -nation in world affairs, and as long as I'm President, I intend to keep -it that way. -</p> - -<p> -That's why, working with our military leaders, I've proposed a new -defense strategy that ensures we maintain the finest military in the -world, while saving nearly half a trillion dollars in our budget. To -stay one step ahead of our adversaries, I've already sent this Congress -legislation that will secure our country from the growing dangers of -cyber threats. -</p> - -<p> -Above all, our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform -who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they've -served us. That includes giving them the care and the benefits they -have earned, which is why we've increased annual VA spending every year -I've been President. And it means enlisting our veterans in the work of -rebuilding our Nation. -</p> - -<p> -With the bipartisan support of this Congress, we're providing new tax -credits to companies that hire vets. Michelle and Jill Biden have -worked with American businesses to secure a pledge of 135,000 jobs for -veterans and their families. And tonight I'm proposing a veterans jobs -corps that will help our communities hire veterans as cops and -firefighters, so that America is as strong as those who defend her. -</p> - -<p> -Which brings me back to where I began. Those of us who've been sent -here to serve can learn a thing or two from the service of our troops. -When you put on that uniform, it doesn't matter if you're Black or -White, Asian, Latino, Native American; conservative, liberal; rich, -poor; gay, straight. When you're marching into battle, you look out for -the person next to you or the mission fails. When you're in the thick -of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one nation, leaving -no one behind. -</p> - -<p> -You know, one of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL team -took with them on the mission to get bin Laden. On it are each of their -names. Some may be Democrats, some may be Republicans, but that doesn't -matter. Just like it didn't matter that day in the Situation Room, when -I sat next to Bob Gates, a man who was George Bush's Defense Secretary, -and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for President. -</p> - -<p> -All that mattered that day was the mission. No one thought about -politics. No one thought about themselves. One of the young men -involved in the raid later told me that he didn't deserve credit for -the mission. It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of -that unit did their job: the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun -out of control, the translator who kept others from entering the -compound, the troops who separated the women and children from the -fight, the SEALs who charged up the stairs. More than that, the mission -only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other, -because you can't charge up those stairs into darkness and danger -unless you know that there's somebody behind you, watching your back. -</p> - -<p> -So it is with America. Each time I look at that flag, I'm reminded that -our destiny is stitched together like those 50 stars and those 13 -stripes. No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great -because we built it together. This Nation is great because we worked as -a team. This Nation is great because we get each other's backs. And if -we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no -challenge too great, no mission too hard. As long as we are joined in -common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey -moves forward, and our future is hopeful, and the state of our Union -will always be strong. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="feb2013"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -February 12, 2013<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Please, everybody, have a seat. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, -Members of Congress, fellow Americans: Fifty-one years ago, John F. -Kennedy declared to this Chamber that "the Constitution makes us not -rivals for power, but partners for progress." "It is my task," he said, -"to report the state of the Union; to improve it is the task of us -all." -</p> - -<p> -Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination of the American people, -there is much progress to report. After a decade of grinding war, our -brave men and women in uniform are coming home. After years of grueling -recession, our businesses have created over 6 million new jobs. We buy -more American cars than we have in 5 years and less foreign oil than we -have in 20. Our housing market is healing, our stock market is -rebounding, and consumers, patients, and homeowners enjoy stronger -protections than ever before. -</p> - -<p> -So together, we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we can say -with renewed confidence that the state of our Union is stronger. -</p> - -<p> -But we gather here knowing that there are millions of Americans whose -hard work and dedication have not yet been rewarded. Our economy is -adding jobs, but too many people still can't find full-time employment. -Corporate profits have skyrocketed to alltime highs, but for more than -a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged. -</p> - -<p> -It is our generation's task, then, to reignite the true engine of -America's economic growth: a rising, thriving middle class. -</p> - -<p> -It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this -country: the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, -you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, no matter what you -look like or who you love. -</p> - -<p> -It is our unfinished task to make sure that this Government works on -behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free -enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of -opportunity to every child across this great Nation. -</p> - -<p> -The American people don't expect government to solve every problem. -They don't expect those of us in this Chamber to agree on every issue. -But they do expect us to put the Nation's interests before party. They -do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can. For they know -that America moves forward only when we do so together and that the -responsibility of improving this Union remains the task of us all. -</p> - -<p> -Now, our work must begin by making some basic decisions about our -budget, decisions that will have a huge impact on the strength of our -recovery. -</p> - -<p> -Over the last few years, both parties have worked together to reduce -the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion, mostly through spending cuts, -but also by raising tax rates on the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. -As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $4 trillion -in deficit reduction that economists say we need to stabilize our -finances. -</p> - -<p> -Now we need to finish the job. And the question is, how? -</p> - -<p> -In 2011, Congress passed a law saying that if both parties couldn't -agree on a plan to reach our deficit goal, about a trillion dollars' -worth of budget cuts would automatically go into effect this year. -These sudden, harsh, arbitrary cuts would jeopardize our military -readiness. They'd devastate priorities like education and energy and -medical research. They would certainly slow our recovery and cost us -hundreds of thousands of jobs. And that's why Democrats, Republicans, -business leaders, and economists have already said that these cuts-- -known here in Washington as the sequester--are a really bad idea. -</p> - -<p> -Now, some in Congress have proposed preventing only the defense cuts by -making even bigger cuts to things like education and job training, -Medicare, and Social Security benefits. That idea is even worse. -</p> - -<p> -Yes, the biggest driver of our long-term debt is the rising cost of -health care for an aging population. And those of us who care deeply -about programs like Medicare must embrace the need for modest reforms; -otherwise, our retirement programs will crowd out the investments we -need for our children and jeopardize the promise of a secure retirement -for future generations. -</p> - -<p> -But we can't ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the -entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the -wealthiest and the most powerful. We won't grow the middle class simply -by shifting the cost of health care or college onto families that are -already struggling or by forcing communities to lay off more teachers -and more cops and more firefighters. Most Americans--Democrats, -Republicans, and Independents--understand that we can't just cut our way -to prosperity. They know that broad-based economic growth requires a -balanced approach to deficit reduction, with spending cuts and revenue -and with everybody doing their fair share. And that's the approach I -offer tonight. -</p> - -<p> -On Medicare, I'm prepared to enact reforms that will achieve the same -amount of health care savings by the beginning of the next decade as -the reforms proposed by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles Commission. -</p> - -<p> -Already, the Affordable Care Act is helping to slow the growth of -health care costs. And the reforms I'm proposing go even further. We'll -reduce taxpayer subsidies to prescription drug companies and ask more -from the wealthiest seniors. We'll bring down costs by changing the way -our Government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn't -be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital; -they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive. -And I am open to additional reforms from both parties, so long as they -don't violate the guarantee of a secure retirement. Our Government -shouldn't make promises we cannot keep, but we must keep the promises -we've already made. -</p> - -<p> -To hit the rest of our deficit reduction target, we should do what -leaders in both parties have already suggested and save hundreds of -billions of dollars by getting rid of tax loopholes and deductions for -the well-off and the well-connected. After all, why would we choose to -make deeper cuts to education and Medicare just to protect special -interest tax breaks? How is that fair? Why is it that deficit reduction -is a big emergency justifying making cuts in Social Security benefits, -but not closing some loopholes? How does that promote growth? -</p> - -<p> -Now is our best chance for bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform that -encourages job creation and helps bring down the deficit. We can get -this done. The American people deserve a Tax Code that helps small -businesses spend less time filling out complicated forms and more time -expanding and hiring; a Tax Code that ensures billionaires with high- -powered accountants can't work the system and pay a lower rate than -their hard-working secretaries; a Tax Code that lowers incentives to -move jobs overseas and lowers tax rates for businesses and -manufacturers that are creating jobs right here in the United States of -America. That's what tax reform can deliver. That's what we can do -together. -</p> - -<p> -I realize that tax reform and entitlement reform will not be easy. The -politics will be hard for both sides. None of us will get a hundred -percent of what we want. But the alternative will cost us jobs, hurt -our economy, visit hardship on millions of hard-working Americans. So -let's set party interests aside and work to pass a budget that replaces -reckless cuts with smart savings and wise investments in our future. -And let's do it without the brinksmanship that stresses consumers and -scares off investors. The greatest nation on Earth cannot keep -conducting its business by drifting from one manufactured crisis to the -next. We can't do it. -</p> - -<p> -Let's agree right here, right now to keep the people's Government open -and pay our bills on time and always uphold the full faith and credit -of the United States of America. The American people have worked too -hard, for too long, rebuilding from one crisis to see their elected -officials cause another. -</p> - -<p> -Now, most of us agree that a plan to reduce the deficit must be part of -our agenda. But let's be clear: Deficit reduction alone is not an -economic plan. A growing economy that creates good, middle class jobs, -that must be the north star that guides our efforts. Every day, we -should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: How do we attract -more jobs to our shores? How do we equip our people with the skills -they need to get those jobs? And how do we make sure that hard work -leads to a decent living? -</p> - -<p> -Now, a year and a half ago, I put forward an American Jobs Act that -independent economists said would create more than 1 million new jobs. -And I thank the last Congress for passing some of that agenda. I urge -this Congress to pass the rest. But tonight I'll lay out additional -proposals that are fully paid for and fully consistent with the budget -framework both parties agreed to just 18 months ago. Let me repeat: -Nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single -dime. It is not a bigger Government we need, but a smarter Government -that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth. That's what we -should be looking for. -</p> - -<p> -Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and -manufacturing. After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, our -manufacturers have added about 500,000 jobs over the past 3. -Caterpillar is bringing jobs back from Japan. Ford is bringing jobs -back from Mexico. And this year, Apple will start making Macs in -America again. -</p> - -<p> -There are things we can do right now to accelerate this trend. Last -year, we created our first manufacturing innovation institute in -Youngstown, Ohio. A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the-art -lab where new workers are mastering the 3-D printing that has the -potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. There's -no reason this can't happen in other towns. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I'm announcing the launch of three more of these -manufacturing hubs, where businesses will partner with the Department -of Defense and Energy to turn regions left behind by globalization into -global centers of high-tech jobs. And I ask this Congress to help -create a network of 15 of these hubs and guarantee that the next -revolution in manufacturing is made right here in America. We can get -that done. -</p> - -<p> -Now, if we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in -the best ideas. Every dollar we invested to map the human genome -returned $140 to our economy--every dollar. Today, our scientists are -mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer's. They're -developing drugs to regenerate damaged organs, devising new materials -to make batteries 10 times more powerful. Now is not the time to gut -these job-creating investments in science and innovation, now is the -time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the -height of the space race. We need to make those investments. -</p> - -<p> -Today, no area holds more promise than our investments in American -energy. After years of talking about it, we're finally poised to -control our own energy future. We produce more oil at home than we have -in 15 years. We have doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon -of gas and the amount of renewable energy we generate from sources like -wind and solar, with tens of thousands of good American jobs to show -for it. We produce more natural gas than ever before, and nearly -everyone's energy bill is lower because of it. And over the last 4 -years, our emissions of the dangerous carbon pollution that threatens -our planet have actually fallen. -</p> - -<p> -But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to -combat climate change. Now, it's true that no single event makes a -trend. But the fact is, the 12 hottest years on record have all come in -the last 15. Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, floods--all are now more -frequent and more intense. We can choose to believe that Superstorm -Sandy and the most severe drought in decades and the worst wildfires -some States have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can -choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science and act -before it's too late. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the good news is we can make meaningful progress on this issue -while driving strong economic growth. I urge this Congress to get -together, pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, -like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few -years ago. But if Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, -I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we -can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our -communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the -transition to more sustainable sources of energy. -</p> - -<p> -And 4 years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market and -the jobs that came with it. And we've begun to change that. Last year, -wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America. So -let's generate even more. Solar energy gets cheaper by the year; let's -drive down costs even further. As long as countries like China keep -going all in on clean energy, so must we. -</p> - -<p> -Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and -greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. And that's why -my administration will keep cutting redtape and speeding up new oil and -gas permits. That's got to be part of an all-of-the-above plan. But I -also want to work with this Congress to encourage the research and -technology that helps natural gas burn even cleaner and protects our -air and our water. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, much of our new-found energy is drawn from lands and waters -that we, the public, own together. So tonight I propose we use some of -our oil and gas revenues to fund an energy security trust that will -drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil -for good. If a nonpartisan coalition of CEOs and retired generals and -admirals can get behind this idea, then so can we. Let's take their -advice and free our families and businesses from the painful spikes in -gas prices we've put up with for far too long. -</p> - -<p> -I'm also issuing a new goal for America: Let's cut in half the energy -wasted by our homes and businesses over the next 20 years. We'll work -with the States to do it. Those States with the best ideas to create -jobs and lower energy bills by constructing more efficient buildings -will receive Federal support to help make that happen. -</p> - -<p> -America's energy sector is just one part of an aging infrastructure -badly in need of repair. Ask any CEO where they'd rather locate and -hire, a country with deteriorating roads and bridges or one with high- -speed rail and Internet, high-tech schools, self-healing power grids. -The CEO of Siemens America--a company that brought hundreds of new jobs -to North Carolina--said that if we upgrade our infrastructure, they'll -bring even more jobs. And that's the attitude of a lot of companies all -around the world. And I know you want these job-creating projects in -your district. I've seen all those ribbon-cuttings. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I propose a Fix-It-First program to put people to work as -soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 -structurally deficient bridges across the country. And to make sure -taxpayers don't shoulder the whole burden, I'm also proposing a -partnership to rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade -what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods, modern -pipelines to withstand a storm, modern schools worthy of our children. -Let's prove there's no better place to do business than here in the -United States of America, and let's start right away. We can get this -done. -</p> - -<p> -And part of our rebuilding effort must also involve our housing sector. -The good news is, our housing market is finally healing from the -collapse of 2007. Home prices are rising at the fastest pace in 6 years. -Home purchases are up nearly 50 percent, and construction is expanding -again. -</p> - -<p> -But even with mortgage rates near a 50-year low, too many families with -solid credit who want to buy a home are being rejected. Too many -families who never missed a payment and want to refinance are being -told no. That's holding our entire economy back. We need to fix it. -</p> - -<p> -Right now there's a bill in this Congress that would give every -responsible homeowner in America the chance to save $3,000 a year by -refinancing at today's rates. Democrats and Republicans have supported -it before, so what are we waiting for? Take a vote and send me that -bill. Why are--why would we be against that? Why would that be a -partisan issue, helping folks refinance? Right now overlapping -regulations keep responsible young families from buying their first -home. What's holding us back? Let's streamline the process and help our -economy grow. -</p> - -<p> -These initiatives in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, housing, -all these things will help entrepreneurs and small-business owners -expand and create new jobs. But none of it will matter unless we also -equip our citizens with the skills and training to fill those jobs. -</p> - -<p> -And that has to start at the earliest possible age. Study after study -shows that the sooner a child begins learning, the better he or she -does down the road. But today, fewer than 3 in 10 4-year-olds are -enrolled in a high-quality preschool program. Most middle class parents -can't afford a few hundred bucks a week for a private preschool. And -for poor kids who need help the most, this lack of access to preschool -education can shadow them for the rest of their lives. So tonight I -propose working with States to make high-quality preschool available to -every single child in America. That's something we should be able to do. -</p> - -<p> -Every dollar we invest in high-quality early childhood education can -save more than 7 dollars later on: by boosting graduation rates, -reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime. In States that -make it a priority to educate our youngest children, like Georgia or -Oklahoma, studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math -at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable -families of their own. We know this works. So let's do what works and -make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind. -Let's give our kids that chance. -</p> - -<p> -Let's also make sure that a high school diploma puts our kids on a path -to a good job. Right now countries like Germany focus on graduating -their high school students with the equivalent of a technical degree -from one of our community colleges. So those German kids, they're ready -for a job when they graduate high school. They've been trained for the -jobs that are there. Now at schools like P-TECH in Brooklyn, a -collaboration between New York Public Schools and City University of -New York and IBM, students will graduate with a high school diploma and -an associate's degree in computers or engineering. We need to give -every American student opportunities like this. -</p> - -<p> -And 4 years ago, we started Race to the Top, a competition that -convinced almost every State to develop smarter curricula and higher -standards, all for about 1 percent of what we spend on education each -year. Tonight I'm announcing a new challenge to redesign America's high -schools so they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech -economy. And we'll reward schools that develop new partnerships with -colleges and employers and create classes that focus on science, -technology, engineering, and math: the skills today's employers are -looking for to fill the jobs that are there right now and will be there -in the future. -</p> - -<p> -Now, even with better high schools, most young people will need some -higher education. It's a simple fact: The more education you've got, -the more likely you are to have a good job and work your way into the -middle class. But today, skyrocketing costs price too many young people -out of a higher education or saddle them with unsustainable debt. -</p> - -<p> -Through tax credits, grants, and better loans, we've made college more -affordable for millions of students and families over the last few -years. But taxpayers can't keep on subsidizing higher and higher and -higher costs for higher education. Colleges must do their part to keep -costs down, and it's our job to make sure that they do. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I ask Congress to change the Higher Education Act so that -affordability and value are included in determining which colleges -receive certain types of Federal aid. And tomorrow my administration -will release a new college scorecard that parents and students can use -to compare schools based on a simple criterion: where you can get the -most bang for your educational buck. -</p> - -<p> -Now, to grow our middle class, our citizens have to have access to the -education and training that today's jobs require. But we also have to -make sure that America remains a place where everyone who's willing to -work--everybody who's willing to work hard--has the chance to get ahead. -</p> - -<p> -Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of -striving, hopeful immigrants. And right now leaders from the business, -labor, law enforcement, faith communities, they all agree that the time -has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Now is the time to -do it. Now is the time to get it done. [Applause] Now is the time to -get it done. -</p> - -<p> -Real reform means stronger border security, and we can build on the -progress my administration has already made: putting more boots on the -southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal -crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years. -</p> - -<p> -Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned -citizenship, a path that includes passing a background check, paying -taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back -of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally. -</p> - -<p> -And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut -waiting periods and attract the highly skilled entrepreneurs and -engineers that will help create jobs and grow our economy. -</p> - -<p> -In other words, we know what needs to be done. And as we speak, -bipartisan groups in both Chambers are working diligently to draft a -bill, and I applaud their efforts. So let's get this done. Send me a -comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I -will sign it right away. And America will be better for it. Let's get -it done. [Applause] Let's get it done. -</p> - -<p> -But we can't stop there. We know our economy is stronger when our wives, -our mothers, our daughters can live their lives free from -discrimination in the workplace and free from the fear of domestic -violence. Today the Senate passed the "Violence Against Women's Act" -that Joe Biden originally wrote almost 20 years ago. And I now urge the -House to do the same. Good job, Joe. And I ask this Congress to declare -that women should earn a living equal to their efforts, and finally -pass the "Paycheck Fairness Act" this year. -</p> - -<p> -We know our economy is stronger when we reward an honest day's work -with honest wages. But today, a full-time worker making the minimum -wage earns $14,500 a year. Even with the tax relief we put in place, a -family with two kids that earns the minimum wage still lives below the -poverty line. That's wrong. That's why, since the last time this -Congress raised the minimum wage, 19 States have chosen to bump theirs -even higher. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight let's declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one -who works full-time should have to live in poverty and raise the -Federal minimum wage to $9 an hour. We should be able to get that done. -</p> - -<p> -This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working -families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food -bank, rent or eviction, scraping by or finally getting ahead. For -businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money -in their pockets. And a whole lot of folks out there would probably -need less help from government. In fact, working folks shouldn't have -to wait year after year for the minimum wage to go up while CEO pay has -never been higher. So here's an idea that Governor Romney and I -actually agreed on last year: Let's tie the minimum wage to the cost of -living so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight let's also recognize that there are communities in this country -where no matter how hard you work, it is virtually impossible to get -ahead: factory towns decimated from years of plants packing up; -inescapable pockets of poverty, urban and rural, where young adults are -still fighting for their first job. America is not a place where the -chance of birth or circumstance should decide our destiny. And that's -why we need to build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class -for all who are willing to climb them. -</p> - -<p> -Let's offer incentives to companies that hire Americans who've got what -it takes to fill that job opening, but have been out of work so long -that no one will give them a chance anymore. Let's put people back to -work rebuilding vacant homes in rundown neighborhoods. And this year, -my administration will begin to partner with 20 of the hardest hit -towns in America to get these communities back on their feet. Now, -we'll work with local leaders to target resources at public safety and -education and housing. -</p> - -<p> -We'll give new tax credits to businesses that hire and invest. And -we'll work to strengthen families by removing the financial deterrents -to marriage for low-income couples and do more to encourage fatherhood, -because what makes you a man isn't the ability to conceive a child, -it's having the courage to raise one. And we want to encourage that. We -want to help that. -</p> - -<p> -Stronger families. Stronger communities. A stronger America. It is this -kind of prosperity--broad, shared, built on a thriving middle class--that -has always been the source of our progress at home. It's also the -foundation of our power and influence throughout the world. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight we stand united in saluting the troops and civilians who -sacrifice every day to protect us. Because of them, we can say with -confidence that America will complete its mission in Afghanistan and -achieve our objective of defeating the core of Al Qaida. -</p> - -<p> -Already, we have brought home 33,000 of our brave service men and women. -This spring, our forces will move into a support role, while Afghan -security forces take the lead. Tonight I can announce that over the -next year, another 34,000 American troops will come home from -Afghanistan. This drawdown will continue, and by the end of next year, -our war in Afghanistan will be over. -</p> - -<p> -Beyond 2014, America's commitment to a unified and sovereign -Afghanistan will endure, but the nature of our commitment will change. -We're negotiating an agreement with the Afghan Government that focuses -on two missions: training and equipping Afghan forces so that the -country does not again slip into chaos and counterterrorism efforts -that allow us to pursue the remnants of Al Qaida and their affiliates. -</p> - -<p> -Today, the organization that attacked us on 9/11 is a shadow of its -former self. It's true, different Al Qaida affiliates and extremist -groups have emerged, from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa. The threat -these groups pose is evolving. But to meet this threat, we don't need -to send tens of thousands of our sons and daughters abroad or occupy -other nations. Instead, we'll need to help countries like Yemen and -Libya and Somalia provide for their own security and help allies who -take the fight to terrorists, as we have in Mali. And where necessary, -through a range of capabilities, we will continue to take direct action -against those terrorists who pose the gravest threat to Americans. -</p> - -<p> -Now, as we do, we must enlist our values in the fight. That's why my -administration has worked tirelessly to forge a durable legal and -policy framework to guide our counterterrorism efforts. Throughout, we -have kept Congress fully informed of our efforts. I recognize that in -our democracy, no one should just take my word for it that we're doing -things the right way. So, in the months ahead, I will continue to -engage Congress to ensure not only that our targeting, detention, and -prosecution of terrorists remains consistent with our laws and system -of checks and balances, but that our efforts are even more transparent -to the American people and to the world. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, our challenges don't end with Al Qaida. America will -continue to lead the effort to prevent the spread of the world's most -dangerous weapons. The regime in North Korea must know they will only -achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international -obligations. Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only -further isolate them, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own -missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response -to these threats. -</p> - -<p> -Likewise, the leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a -diplomatic solution, because a coalition stands united in demanding -that they meet their obligations, and we will do what is necessary to -prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon. -</p> - -<p> -At the same time, we'll engage Russia to seek further reductions in our -nuclear arsenals and continue leading the global effort to secure -nuclear materials that could fall into the wrong hands, because our -ability to influence others depends on our willingness to lead and meet -our obligations. -</p> - -<p> -America must also face the rapidly growing threat from cyber attacks. -Now, we know hackers steal people's identities and infiltrate private -e-mails. We know foreign countries and companies swipe our corporate -secrets. Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our -power grid, our financial institutions, our air traffic control systems. -We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the -face of real threats to our security and our economy. -</p> - -<p> -And that's why, earlier today, I signed a new Executive order that will -strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing information sharing and -developing standards to protect our national security, our jobs, and -our privacy. -</p> - -<p> -But now Congress must act as well, by passing legislation to give our -Government a greater capacity to secure our networks and deter attacks. -This is something we should be able to get done on a bipartisan basis. -</p> - -<p> -Now, even as we protect our people, we should remember that today's -world presents not just dangers, not just threats, it presents -opportunities. To boost American exports, support American jobs and -level the playing field in the growing markets of Asia, we intend to -complete negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership. And tonight I'm -announcing that we will launch talks on a comprehensive transatlantic -trade and investment partnership with the European Union, because trade -that is fair and free across the Atlantic supports millions of good- -paying American jobs. -</p> - -<p> -We also know that progress in the most impoverished parts of our world -enriches us all, not only because it creates new markets, more stable -order in certain regions of the world, but also because it's the right -thing to do. In many places, people live on little more than a dollar a -day. So the United States will join with our allies to eradicate such -extreme poverty in the next two decades by connecting more people to -the global economy, by empowering women, by giving our young and -brightest minds new opportunities to serve and helping communities to -feed and power and educate themselves, by saving the world's children -from preventable deaths, and by realizing the promise of an AIDS-free -generation, which is within our reach. -</p> - -<p> -You see, America must remain a beacon to all who seek freedom during -this period of historic change. I saw the power of hope last year in -Rangoon, in Burma, when Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed an American President -into the home where she had been imprisoned for years; when thousands -of Burmese lined the streets, waving American flags, including a man -who said: "There is justice and law in the United States. I want our -country to be like that." -</p> - -<p> -In defense of freedom, we'll remain the anchor of strong alliances from -the Americas to Africa, from Europe to Asia. In the Middle East, we -will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights and -support stable transitions to democracy. -</p> - -<p> -We know the process will be messy, and we cannot presume to dictate the -course of change in countries like Egypt, but we can and will insist on -respect for the fundamental rights of all people. We'll keep the -pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people and -support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian. And -we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a -lasting peace. -</p> - -<p> -These are the messages I'll deliver when I travel to the Middle East -next month. And all this work depends on the courage and sacrifice of -those who serve in dangerous places at great personal risk: our -diplomats, our intelligence officers, and the men and women of the -United States Armed Forces. As long as I'm Commander in Chief, we will -do whatever we must to protect those who serve their country abroad, -and we will maintain the best military the world has ever known. -</p> - -<p> -We'll invest in new capabilities, even as we reduce waste and wartime -spending. We will ensure equal treatment for all servicemembers and -equal benefits for their families, gay and straight. We will draw upon -the courage and skills of our sisters and daughters and moms, because -women have proven under fire that they are ready for combat. -</p> - -<p> -We will keep faith with our veterans, investing in world-class care-- -including mental health care--for our wounded warriors, supporting our -military families, giving our veterans the benefits and education and -job opportunities that they have earned. And I want to thank my wife -Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden for their continued dedication to serving -our military families as well as they have served us. Thank you, honey. -Thank you, Jill. -</p> - -<p> -Defending our freedom, though, is not just the job of our military -alone. We must all do our part to make sure our God-given rights are -protected here at home. That includes one of the most fundamental -rights of a democracy: the right to vote. Now, when any American, no -matter where they live or what their party, are denied that right -because they can't afford to wait for 5 or 6 or 7 hours just to cast -their ballot, we are betraying our ideals. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I'm announcing a nonpartisan commission to improve the -voting experience in America. And it definitely needs improvement. I'm -asking two long-time experts in the field--who, by the way, recently -served as the top attorneys for my campaign and for Governor Romney's -campaign--to lead it. We can fix this, and we will. The American people -demand it, and so does our democracy. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, what I've said tonight matters little if we don't come -together to protect our most precious resource: our children. It has -been 2 months since Newtown. I know this is not the first time this -country has debated how to reduce gun violence. But this time is -different. Overwhelming majorities of Americans--Americans who believe -in the Second Amendment--have come together around commonsense reform, -like background checks that will make it harder for criminals to get -their hands on a gun. Senators of both parties are working together on -tough new laws to prevent anyone from buying guns for resale to -criminals. Police chiefs are asking our help to get weapons of war and -massive ammunition magazines off our streets, because these police -chiefs, they're tired of seeing their guys and gals being outgunned. -</p> - -<p> -Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress. Now, if you want -to vote no, that's your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote. -Because in the 2 months since Newtown, more than a thousand birthdays, -graduations, anniversaries have been stolen from our lives by a bullet -from a gun--more than a thousand. -</p> - -<p> -One of those we lost was a young girl named Hadiya Pendleton. She was -15 years old. She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. She was a majorette. -She was so good to her friends, they all thought they were her best -friend. Just 3 weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her -classmates, performing for her country at my Inauguration. And a week -later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, just a -mile away from my house. -</p> - -<p> -Hadiya's parents, Nate and Cleo, are in this Chamber tonight, along -with more than two dozen Americans whose lives have been torn apart by -gun violence. They deserve a vote. They deserve a vote. [Applause] They -deserve a vote. Gabby Giffords deserves a vote. The families of Newtown -deserve a vote. The families of Aurora deserve a vote. The families of -Oak Creek and Tucson and Blacksburg, and the countless other -communities ripped open by gun violence, they deserve a simple vote. -They deserve a simple vote. -</p> - -<p> -Our actions will not prevent every senseless act of violence in this -country. In fact, no laws, no initiatives, no administrative acts will -perfectly solve all the challenges I've outlined tonight. But we were -never sent here to be perfect. We were sent here to make what -difference we can, to secure this Nation, expand opportunity, uphold -our ideals through the hard, often frustrating, but absolutely -necessary work of self-government. -</p> - -<p> -We were sent here to look out for our fellow Americans the same way -they look out for one another, every single day, usually without -fanfare, all across this country. We should follow their example. -</p> - -<p> -We should follow the example of a New York City nurse named Menchu -Sanchez. When Hurricane Sandy plunged her hospital into darkness, she -wasn't thinking about how her own home was faring. Her mind was on the -20 precious newborns in her care and the rescue plan she devised that -kept them all safe. -</p> - -<p> -We should follow the example of a North Miami woman named Desiline -Victor. When Desiline arrived at her polling place, she was told the -wait to vote might be 6 hours. And as time ticked by, her concern was -not with her tired body or aching feet, but whether folks like her -would get to have their say. And hour after hour, a throng of people -stayed in line to support her, because Desiline is 102 years old. And -they erupted in cheers when she finally put on a sticker that read, "I -voted." [Applause] There's Desiline. -</p> - -<p> -We should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. -When a gunman opened fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin and Brian was -the first to arrive--and he did not consider his own safety. He fought -back until help arrived and ordered his fellow officers to protect the -safety of the Americans worshiping inside, even as he lay bleeding from -12 bullet wounds. And when asked how he did that, Brian said, "That's -just the way we're made." -</p> - -<p> -That's just the way we're made. We may do different jobs and wear -different uniforms and hold different views than the person beside us. -But as Americans, we all share the same proud title: We are citizens. -It's a word that doesn't just describe our nationality or legal status. -It describes the way we're made. It describes what we believe. It -captures the enduring idea that this country only works when we accept -certain obligations to one another and to future generations; that our -rights are wrapped up in the rights of others; and that well into our -third century as a nation, it remains the task of us all, as citizens -of these United States, to be the authors of the next great chapter of -our American story. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you, and God bless these United States of America. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2014"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 28, 2014<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -The President. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a -student who needed it and did her part to lift America's graduation -rate to its highest levels in more than three decades. An entrepreneur -flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to -the more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the -past 4 years. An autoworker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuel- -efficient cars in the world and did his part to help America wean -itself off foreign oil. -</p> - -<p> -A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest 5-year stretch of -farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the -first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man -took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired, but dreaming -big dreams for his son. And in tight-knit communities all across -America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around -their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home -from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight this Chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: -It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our Union strong. -</p> - -<p> -And here are the results of your efforts: the lowest unemployment rate -in over 5 years; a rebounding housing market; a manufacturing sector -that's adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s; more oil -produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world, the first time -that's happened in nearly 20 years; our deficits cut by more than half. -And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the -world have declared that China is no longer the world's number-one -place to invest, America is. -</p> - -<p> -That's why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After -5 years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better -positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -The question for everyone in this Chamber, running through every -decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder -this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a -rancorous argument over the proper size of the Federal Government. It's -an important debate, one that dates back to our very founding. But when -that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions -of our democracy--when our differences shut down Government or threaten -the full faith and credit of the United States--then we are not doing -right by the American people. -</p> - -<p> -Now, as President, I'm committed to making Washington work better and -rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. And I believe most -of you are too. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and -Republicans, Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of -last year's severe cuts to priorities like education. Nobody got -everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this -country's future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way, but -the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new -jobs, not creating new crises. -</p> - -<p> -And in the coming months, let's see where else we can make progress -together. Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans -want: for all of us in this Chamber to focus on their lives, their -hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this -Nation--regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or -poor--is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all: the notion -that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead in -America. -</p> - -<p> -Now, let's face it, that belief has suffered some serious blows. Over -more than three decades, even before the great recession hit, massive -shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of -good, middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that -families depend on. -</p> - -<p> -Today, after 4 years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock -prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done -better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. -Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the -midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just -to get by, let alone to get ahead. And too many still aren't working at -all. -</p> - -<p> -So our job is to reverse these trends. It won't happen right away, and -we won't agree on everything. But what I offer tonight is a set of -concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle -class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some -require congressional action, and I am eager to work with all of you. -But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and -whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for -more American families, that's what I'm going to do. -</p> - -<p> -As usual, our First Lady sets a good example. [Applause] Well-- -[applause]. Michelle's "Let's Move!" partnership with schools, -businesses, local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates -for the first time in 30 years. And that's an achievement that will -improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come. The -Joining Forces alliance that Michelle and Jill Biden launched has -already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans -and military spouses. -</p> - -<p> -Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a -College Opportunity Summit, where already, 150 universities, businesses, -nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in -access to higher education and to help every hard-working kid go to -college and succeed when they get to campus. And across the country, -we're partnering with mayors, Governors, and State legislatures on -issues from homelessness to marriage equality. -</p> - -<p> -The point is, there are millions of Americans outside of Washington who -are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country -forward. They believe--and I believe--that here in America, our success -should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work -ethic and the scope of our dreams. That's what drew our forebears here. -That's how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America's largest -automaker; how the son of a barkeep is Speaker of the House; how the -son of a single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth. -</p> - -<p> -Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our generation -must be to restore that promise. We know where to start: The best -measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy -picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this -year. And over half of big manufacturers say they're thinking of -insourcing jobs from abroad. -</p> - -<p> -So let's make that decision easier for more companies. Both Democrats -and Republicans have argued that our Tax Code is riddled with wasteful, -complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward -companies that keep profits abroad. Let's flip that equation. Let's -work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship -jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs -right here at home. -</p> - -<p> -Moreover, we can take the money we save from this transition to tax -reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, -unclogging our commutes, because in today's global economy, first-class -jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure. We'll need Congress to -protect more than 3 million jobs by finishing transportation and -waterways bills this summer. That can happen. But I'll act on my own to -slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key -projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as -possible. -</p> - -<p> -We also have the chance, right now, to beat other countries in the race -for the next wave of high-tech manufacturing jobs. My administration -has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North -Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio, where we've connected businesses to -research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced -technologies. Tonight I'm announcing, we'll launch six more this year. -Bipartisan bills in both Houses could double the number of these hubs -and the jobs they create. So get those bills to my desk. Put more -Americans back to work. -</p> - -<p> -Let's do more to help the entrepreneurs and small-business owners who -create most new jobs in America. Over the past 5 years, my -administration has made more loans to small-business owners than any -other. And when 98 percent of our exporters are small businesses, new -trade partnerships with Europe and Asia--the Asia-Pacific will help them -create more jobs. We need to work together on tools like bipartisan -trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our -environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped "Made in the -U.S.A." -</p> - -<p> -Listen, China and Europe aren't standing on the sidelines, and neither -should we. We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today -will own the global economy tomorrow. This is an edge America cannot -surrender. Federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and -inventions behind Google and smartphones. And that's why Congress -should undo the damage done by last year's cuts to basic research so we -can unleash the next great American discovery. There are entire -industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of drug- -resistant bacteria or paper-thin material that's stronger than steel. -And let's pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay -focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation. -</p> - -<p> -Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our -commitment to American energy. The all-of-the-above energy strategy I -announced a few years ago is working, and today, America is closer to -energy independence than we have been in decades. -</p> - -<p> -One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it's the -bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon -pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost -$100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. I'll cut redtape to -help States get those factories built and put folks to work, and this -Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations -that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural -gas. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to -sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of -our air, our water, our communities. And while we're at it, I'll use my -authority to protect more of our pristine Federal lands for future -generations. -</p> - -<p> -Well, it's not just oil and natural gas production that's booming, -we're becoming a global leader in solar too. Every 4 minutes, another -American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by -a worker whose job cannot be outsourced. Let's continue that progress -with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil -fuel industries that don't need it so we can invest more in fuels of -the future that do. -</p> - -<p> -And even as we've increased energy production, we've partnered with -businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we -consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with -them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the -coming months, I'll build on that success by setting new standards for -our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at -the pump. -</p> - -<p> -And taken together, our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a -cleaner, safer planet. Over the past 8 years, the United States has -reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. -But we have to act with more urgency, because a changing climate is -already harming Western communities struggling with drought and coastal -cities dealing with floods. That's why I directed my administration to -work with States, utilities, and others to set new standards on the -amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into -the air. -</p> - -<p> -The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it -will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is -settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children -look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, -more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to -say, yes, we did. -</p> - -<p> -Finally, if we're serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the -call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, law enforcement -and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the -Senate have acted, and I know that members of both parties in the House -want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will -grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the -next two decades. And for good reason: When people come here to fulfill -their dreams--to study, invent, contribute to our culture--they make our -country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create -jobs for everybody. So let's get immigration reform done this year. -[Applause] Let's get it done. It's time. -</p> - -<p> -The ideas I've outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs. -But in this rapidly changing economy, we have to make sure that every -American has the skills to fill those jobs. The good news is, we know -how to do it. -</p> - -<p> -Two years ago, as the auto industry came roaring back, Andra Rush -opened up a manufacturing firm in Detroit. She knew that Ford needed -parts for the best selling truck in America, and she knew how to make -those parts. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we -call an American Job Center, places where folks can walk in to get the -help or training they need to find a new job or a better job. She was -flooded with new workers. And today, Detroit Manufacturing Systems has -more than 700 employees. And what Andra and her employees experienced -is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker. -</p> - -<p> -So tonight I've asked Vice President Biden to lead an across-the-board -reform of America's training programs to make sure they have one -mission: train Americans with the skills employers need and match them -to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more on-the- -job training and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an -upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to community -colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs. -And if Congress wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven -programs that connect more ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be- -filled jobs. -</p> - -<p> -I'm also convinced we can help Americans return to the workforce faster -by reforming unemployment insurance so that it's more effective in -today's economy. But first, this Congress needs to restore the -unemployment insurance you just let expire for 1.6 million people. -</p> - -<p> -Let me tell you why. Misty DeMars is a mother of two young boys. She'd -been steadily employed since she was a teenager, put herself through -college. She'd never collected unemployment benefits, but she'd been -paying taxes. In May, she and her husband used their life savings to -buy their first home. A week later, budget cuts claimed the job she -loved. Last month, when their unemployment insurance was cut off, she -sat down and wrote me a letter, the kind I get every day. "We are the -face of the unemployment crisis," she wrote. "I'm not dependent on the -government. Our country depends on people like us who build careers, -contribute to society, care about our neighbors. I'm confident that in -time, I will find a job, I will pay my taxes, and we will raise our -children in their own home in the community we love. Please give us -this chance." -</p> - -<p> -Congress, give these hard-working, responsible Americans that chance. -Give them that chance. [Applause] Give them the chance. They need our -help right now. But more important, this country needs them in the game. -That's why I've been asking CEOs to give more long-term unemployed -workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. -And in fact, this week, many will come to the White House to make that -commitment real. Tonight I ask every business leader in America to join -us and to do the same, because we are stronger when America fields a -full team. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, it's not enough to train today's workforce. We also have to -prepare tomorrow's workforce, by guaranteeing every child access to a -world-class education. Estiven Rodriguez couldn't speak a word of -English when he moved to New York City at age 9. But last month, thanks -to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he -led a march of his classmates through a crowd of cheering parents and -neighbors from their high school to the post office, where they mailed -off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just -found out, he's going to college this fall. -</p> - -<p> -Five years ago, we set out to change the odds for all our kids. We -worked with lenders to reform student loans, and today, more young -people are earning college degrees than ever before. Race to the Top, -with the help of Governors from both parties, has helped States raise -expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from -Tennessee to Washington, DC, are making big strides in preparing -students with the skills for the new economy: problem solving, critical -thinking, science, technology, engineering, math. -</p> - -<p> -Now, some of this change is hard. It requires everything from more -challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support -for teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think, not how -well they can fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it, and it is -working. The problem is, we're still not reaching enough kids, and -we're not reaching them in time. And that has to change. -</p> - -<p> -Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a -child's life is high-quality early education. Last year, I asked this -Congress to help States make high-quality pre-K available to every 4- -year-old. And as a parent as well as a President, I repeat that request -tonight. But in the meantime, 30 States have raised pre-K funding on -their own. They know we can't wait. So just as we worked with States to -reform our schools, this year, we'll invest in new partnerships with -States and communities across the country in a Race to the Top for our -youngest children. And as Congress decides what it's going to do, I'm -going to pull together a coalition of elected officials, business -leaders, and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the high- -quality pre-K that they need. It is right for America. We need to get -this done. -</p> - -<p> -Last year, I also pledged to connect 99 percent of our students to -high-speed broadband over the next 4 years. Tonight I can announce that -with the support of the FCC and companies like Apple, Microsoft, Sprint, -and Verizon, we've got a down payment to start connecting more than -15,000 schools and 20 million students over the next 2 years, without -adding a dime to the deficit. -</p> - -<p> -We're working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges -and employers that offer the real-world education and hands-on training -that can lead directly to a job and career. We're shaking up our system -of higher education to give parents more information and colleges more -incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced -out of a college education. -</p> - -<p> -We're offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student -loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with -Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by -student loan debt. And I'm reaching out to some of America's leading -foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men -of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their -full potential. -</p> - -<p> -The bottom line is, Michelle and I want every child to have the same -chance this country gave us. But we know our opportunity agenda won't -be complete, and too many young people entering the workforce today -will see the American Dream as an empty promise, unless we also do more -to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work and hard work pays -off for every single American. -</p> - -<p> -Today, women make up about half our workforce, but they still make 77 -cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it's an -embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. She deserves to -have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to -care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship. -And you know what, a father does too. It is time to do away with -workplace policies that belong in a "Mad Men" episode. [Laughter] This -year, let's all come together--Congress, the White House, businesses -from Wall Street to Main Street--to give every woman the opportunity she -deserves. Because I believe when women succeed, America succeeds. -</p> - -<p> -Now, women hold a majority of lower wage jobs, but they're not the only -ones stifled by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people -will earn more money than others, and we don't resent those who, by -virtue of their efforts, achieve incredible success. That's what -America is all about. But Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one -who works full-time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. -</p> - -<p> -In the year since I asked this Congress to raise the minimum wage, five -States have passed laws to raise theirs. Many businesses have done it -on their own. Nick Chute is here today with his boss, John Soranno. -John's an owner of Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, and Nick helps make the -dough. [Laughter] Only now he makes more of it. [Laughter] John just -gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour, and that's a decision -that has eased their financial stress and boosted their morale. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight I ask more of America's business leaders to follow John's lead: -Do what you can to raise your employees' wages. It's good for the -economy. It's good for America. To every mayor, Governor, State -legislator in America, I say: You don't have to wait for Congress to -act; Americans will support you if you take this on. -</p> - -<p> -And as a chief executive, I intend to lead by example. Profitable -corporations like Costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost -productivity and reduce turnover. We should too. In the coming weeks, I -will issue an Executive order requiring Federal contractors to pay -their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10 dollars and -10 cents an hour. Because if you cook our troops' meals or wash their -dishes, you should not have to live in poverty. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board. -Today, the Federal minimum wage is worth about 20 percent less than it -was when Ronald Reagan first stood here. And Tom Harkin and George -Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10 -dollars and 10 cents. It's easy to remember: 10-10. This will help -families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend. -It does not involve any new bureaucratic program. So join the rest of -the country. Say yes. Give America a raise. Give them a raise. -</p> - -<p> -There are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet, and -few are more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull -themselves up through hard work than the earned-income tax credit. -Right now it helps about half of all parents at some point. Think about -that: It helps about half of all parents in America at some point in -their lives. But I agree with Republicans like Senator Rubio that it -doesn't do enough for single workers who don't have kids. So let's work -together to strengthen the credit, reward work, help more Americans get -ahead. -</p> - -<p> -Let's do more to help Americans save for retirement. Today, most -workers don't have a pension. A Social Security check often isn't -enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the last -5 years, that doesn't help folks who don't have 401(k)s. That's why, -tomorrow, I will direct the Treasury to create a new way for working -Americans to start their own retirement savings: MyI--MyRA. -</p> - -<p> -It's a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg. MyRA -guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in. And -if this Congress wants to help, work with me to fix an upside-down Tax -Code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save, but does -little or nothing for middle class Americans. Offer every American -access to an automatic IRA on the job so they can save at work just -like everybody in this Chamber can. -</p> - -<p> -And since the most important investment many families make is their -home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill -for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of homeownership -alive for future generations. -</p> - -<p> -One last point on financial security: For decades, few things exposed -hard-working families to economic hardship more than a broken health -care system. And in case you haven't heard, we're in the process of -fixing that. Now, a preexisting condition used to mean that someone -like Amanda Shelley, a physician's assistant and single mom from -Arizona, couldn't get health insurance. But on January 1, she got -covered. On January 3, she felt a sharp pain. On January 6, she had -emergency surgery. Just one week earlier, Amanda said, and that surgery -would have meant bankruptcy. -</p> - -<p> -That's what health insurance reform is all about: the peace of mind -that if misfortune strikes, you don't have to lose everything. Already, -because of the Affordable Care Act, more than 3 million Americans under -age 26 have gained coverage under their parent's plan. More than 9 -million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or -Medicaid coverage. Nine million. -</p> - -<p> -And here's another number: zero. Because of this law, no American--none, -zero--can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting -condition like asthma or back pain or cancer. No woman can ever be -charged more just because she's a woman. And we did all this while -adding years to Medicare's finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, -and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I do not expect to convince my Republican friends on the merits of -this law. [Laughter] But I know that the American people are not -interested in refighting old battles. So again, if you have specific -plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell America -what you'd do differently. Let's see if the numbers add up. But let's -not have another 40-something votes to repeal a law that's already -helping millions of Americans like Amanda. The first 40 were plenty. -[Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -We all owe it to the American people to say what we're for, not just -what we're against. And if you want to know the real impact this law is -having, just talk to Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky, who's here -tonight. Now, Kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country. -That's not where I got my highest vote totals. [Laughter] But he's like -a man possessed when it comes to covering his Commonwealth's families. -They're our neighbors and our friends, he said: "They're people we shop -and go to church with, farmers out on the tractor, grocery clerks. -They're people who go to work every morning praying they don't get sick. -No one deserves to live that way." -</p> - -<p> -Steve's right. That's why tonight I ask every American who knows -someone without health insurance to help them get covered by March 31. -[Applause] Help them get covered. Moms, get on your kids to sign up. -Kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will give -her some peace of mind, and plus, she'll appreciate hearing from you. -[Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -After all, that's the spirit that has always moved this Nation forward. -It's the spirit of citizenship, the recognition that through hard work -and responsibility, we can pursue our individual dreams, but still come -together as one American family to make sure the next generation can -pursue its dreams as well. -</p> - -<p> -Citizenship means standing up for everyone's right to vote. Last year, -part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened, but conservative -Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it. -And the bipartisan Commission I appointed, chaired by my campaign -lawyer and Governor Romney's campaign lawyer, came together and have -offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to -vote. Let's support these efforts. It should be the power of our vote, -not the size of our bank accounts, that drives our democracy. -</p> - -<p> -Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals -from us each day. I've seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, -police officers all over this country who say, "We are not afraid." And -I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more -tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, in -our shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook. -</p> - -<p> -Citizenship demands a sense of common purpose, participation in the -hard work of self-government, an obligation to serve our communities. -And I know this Chamber agrees that few Americans give more to their -country than our diplomats and the men and women of the United States -Armed Forces. Thank you. Tonight, because of the extraordinary troops -and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free, the -United States is more secure. When I took office, nearly 180,000 -Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, all our troops -are out of Iraq. More than 60,000 of our troops have already come home -from Afghanistan. With Afghan forces now in the lead for their own -security, our troops have moved to a support role. Together with our -allies, we will complete our mission there by the end of this year, and -America's longest war will finally be over. -</p> - -<p> -After 2014, we will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes -responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan Government signs a -security agreement that we have negotiated, a small force of Americans -could remain in Afghanistan with NATO allies to carry out two narrow -missions: training and assisting Afghan forces and counterterrorism -operations to pursue any remnants of Al Qaida. For while our -relationship with Afghanistan will change, one thing will not: our -resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. -</p> - -<p> -The fact is, that danger remains. While we've put Al Qaida's core -leadership on a path to defeat, the threat has evolved as Al Qaida -affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the -world. In Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Mali, we have to keep working with -partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In Syria, we'll support -the opposition that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks. Here at -home, we'll keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like -cyber attacks. And as we reform our defense budget, we will have to -keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the -capabilities they need to succeed in future missions. -</p> - -<p> -We have to remain vigilant. But I strongly believe our leadership and -our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. As -Commander in Chief, I have used force when needed to protect the -American people, and I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold -this office. But I will not send our troops into harm's way unless it -is truly necessary, nor will I allow our sons and daughters to be mired -in open-ended conflicts. We must fight the battles that need to be -fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us: large-scale -deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism. -</p> - -<p> -So even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks -through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our -foreign partners, America must move off a permanent war footing. That's -why I've imposed prudent limits on the use of drones. For we will not -be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries -without regard for the consequence. -</p> - -<p> -That's why, working with this Congress, I will reform our surveillance -programs, because the vital work of our intelligence community depends -on public confidence, here and abroad, that privacy of ordinary people -is not being violated. -</p> - -<p> -And with the Afghan war ending, this needs to be the year Congress -lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the -prison at Guantanamo Bay. Because we counter terrorism not just through -intelligence and military actions, but by remaining true to our -constitutional ideals and setting an example for the rest of the world. -</p> - -<p> -You see, in a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership, -depends on all elements of our power, including strong and principled -diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to -prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands and allowed -us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles. American -diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria's chemical -weapons are being eliminated. -</p> - -<p> -And we will continue to work with the international community to usher -in the future the Syrian people deserve, a future free of dictatorship, -terror, and fear. As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting -Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary -talks to end the conflict there, to achieve dignity and an independent -state for Palestinians and lasting peace and security for the State of -Israel, a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side. -</p> - -<p> -And it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the -progress of Iran's nuclear program and rolled back parts of that -program for the very first time in a decade. As we gather here tonight, -Iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched -uranium. It's not installing advanced centrifuges. Unprecedented -inspections help the world verify every day that Iran is not building a -bomb. And with our allies and partners, we're engaged in negotiations -to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share: preventing -Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. -</p> - -<p> -These negotiations will be difficult. They may not succeed. We are -clear eyed about Iran's support for terrorist organizations like -Hizballah, which threatens our allies. And we're clear about the -mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away. But -these negotiations don't rely on trust. Any long-term deal we agree to -must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the -international community that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb. If -John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate with the Soviet Union, -then surely a strong and confident America can negotiate with less -powerful adversaries today. -</p> - -<p> -The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity -possible. But let me be clear: If this Congress sends me a new -sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it. -For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance -to succeed. If Iran's leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I -will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to -exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon. -But if Iran's leaders do seize the chance--and we'll know soon enough-- -then Iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of -nations, and we will have resolved one of the leading security -challenges of our time without the risks of war. -</p> - -<p> -Now, finally, let's remember that our leadership is defined not just by -our defense against threats, but by the enormous opportunities to do -good and promote understanding around the globe: to forge greater -cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. -And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those -opportunities than America. -</p> - -<p> -Our alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. -From Tunisia to Burma, we're supporting those who are willing to do the -hard work of building democracy. In Ukraine, we stand for the principle -that all people have the right to express themselves freely and -peacefully and to have a say in their country's future. Across Africa, -we're bringing together businesses and governments to double access to -electricity and help end extreme poverty. In the Americas, we're -building new ties of commerce, but we're also expanding cultural and -educational exchanges among young people. And we will continue to focus -on the Asia-Pacific, where we support our allies, shape a future of -greater security and prosperity, and extend a hand to those devastated -by disaster, as we did in the Philippines, when our Marines and -civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon, and who were -greeted with words like, "We will never forget your kindness" and "God -bless America." -</p> - -<p> -We do these things because they help promote our long-term security, -and we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality -of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual -orientation. And next week, the world will see one expression of that -commitment, when Team U.S.A. marches the red, white, and blue into the -Olympic Stadium and brings home the gold. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! -</p> - -<p> -The President. My fellow Americans, no other country in the world does -what we do. On every issue, the world turns to us, not simply because -of the size of our economy or our military might, but because of the -ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them. No one -knows this better than those who serve in uniform. -</p> - -<p> -As this time of war draws to a close, a new generation of heroes -returns to civilian life. We'll keep slashing that backlog so our -veterans receive the benefits they've earned and our wounded warriors -receive the health care--including the mental health care--that they need. -We'll keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and -leadership into jobs here at home. And we will all continue to join -forces to honor and support our remarkable military families. -</p> - -<p> -Let me tell you about one of those families I've come to know. I first -met Cory Remsburg, a proud Army Ranger, at Omaha Beach on the 65th -anniversary of D-day. Along with some of his fellow Rangers, he walked -me through the program and the ceremony. He was a strong, impressive -young man, had an easy manner, he was sharp as a tack. And we joked -around and took pictures, and I told him to stay in touch. -</p> - -<p> -A few months later, on his 10th deployment, Cory was nearly killed by a -massive roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His comrades found him in a canal, -face down, underwater, shrapnel in his brain. For months, he lay in a -coma. And the next time I met him, in the hospital, he couldn't speak, -could barely move. Over the years, he's endured dozens of surgeries and -procedures, hours of grueling rehab every day. -</p> - -<p> -Even now, Cory is still blind in one eye, still struggles on his left -side. But slowly, steadily, with the support of caregivers like his dad -Craig and the community around him, Cory has grown stronger. And day by -day, he's learned to speak again and stand again and walk again. And -he's working toward the day when he can serve his country again. "My -recovery has not been easy," he says. "Nothing in life that's worth -anything is easy." Cory is here tonight. And like the Army he loves, -like the America he serves, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg never -gives up, and he does not quit. Cory. -</p> - -<p> -My fellow Americans, men and women like Cory remind us that America has -never come easy. Our freedom, our democracy, has never been easy. -Sometimes, we stumble, we make mistakes; we get frustrated or -discouraged. But for more than 200 years, we have put those things -aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress: to -create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement, -to free other nations from tyranny and fear, to promote justice and -fairness and equality under the law so that the words set to paper by -our Founders are made real for every citizen. The America we want for -our kids--a rising America where honest work is plentiful and -communities are strong, where prosperity is widely shared and -opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and toil will take -us--none of it is easy. But if we work together--if we summon what is -best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him--with our feet -planted firmly in today, but our eyes cast toward tomorrow, I know it -is within our reach. Believe it. -</p> - -<p> -God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2015"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 20, 2015<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -The President. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: We are 15 years into this new century. Fifteen years -that dawned with terror touching our shores, that unfolded with a new -generation fighting two long and costly wars, that saw a vicious -recession spread across our Nation and the world. It has been and still -is a hard time for many. -</p> - -<p> -But tonight we turn the page. Tonight, after a breakthrough year for -America, our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace -since 1999. Our unemployment rate is now lower than it was before the -financial crisis. More of our kids are graduating than ever before. -More of our people are insured than ever before. And we are as free -from the grip of foreign oil as we've been in almost 30 years. -</p> - -<p> -Tonight, for the first time since 9/11, our combat mission in -Afghanistan is over. Six years ago, nearly 180,000 American troops -served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, fewer than 15,000 remain. And we -salute the courage and sacrifice of every man and woman in this 9/11 -generation who has served to keep us safe. We are humbled and grateful -for your service. -</p> - -<p> -America, for all that we have endured, for all the grit and hard work -required to come back, for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The -shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong. -</p> - -<p> -At this moment--with a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling -industry, booming energy production--we have risen from recession freer -to write our own future than any other nation on Earth. It's now up to -us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years and for decades -to come. -</p> - -<p> -Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? -Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes -and chances for everyone who makes the effort? -</p> - -<p> -Will we approach the world fearful and reactive, dragged into costly -conflicts that strain our military and set back our standing? Or will -we lead wisely, using all elements of our power to defeat new threats -and protect our planet? -</p> - -<p> -Will we allow ourselves to be sorted into factions and turned against -one another? Or will we recapture the sense of common purpose that has -always propelled America forward? -</p> - -<p> -In 2 weeks, I will send this Congress a budget filled with ideas that -are practical, not partisan. And in the months ahead, I'll crisscross -the country making a case for those ideas. So tonight I want to focus -less on a checklist of proposals and focus more on the values at stake -in the choices before us. -</p> - -<p> -It begins with our economy. Seven years ago, Rebekah and Ben Erler of -Minneapolis were newlyweds. [Laughter] She waited tables. He worked -construction. Their first child Jack was on the way. They were young -and in love in America. And it doesn't get much better than that. "If -only we had known," Rebekah wrote to me last spring, "what was about to -happen to the housing and construction market." As the crisis worsened, -Ben's business dried up, so he took what jobs he could find, even if -they kept him on the road for long stretches of time. Rebekah took out -student loans and enrolled in community college and retrained for a new -career. They sacrificed for each other. And slowly, it paid off. They -bought their first home. They had a second son Henry. Rebekah got a -better job and then a raise. Ben is back in construction and home for -dinner every night. -</p> - -<p> -"It is amazing," Rebekah wrote, "what you can bounce back from when you -have to. . . . We are a strong, tight-knit family who has made it -through some very, very hard times." We are a strong, tight-knit family -who has made it through some very, very hard times. -</p> - -<p> -America, Rebekah and Ben's story is our story. They represent the -millions who have worked hard and scrimped and sacrificed and retooled. -You are the reason that I ran for this office. You are the people I was -thinking of 6 years ago today, in the darkest months of the crisis, -when I stood on the steps of this Capitol and promised we would rebuild -our economy on a new foundation. And it has been your resilience, your -effort that has made it possible for our country to emerge stronger. -</p> - -<p> -We believed we could reverse the tide of outsourcing and draw new jobs -to our shores. And over the past 5 years, our businesses have created -more than 11 million new jobs. -</p> - -<p> -We believed we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect -our planet. And today, America is number one in oil and gas. America is -number one in wind power. Every 3 weeks, we bring online as much solar -power as we did in all of 2008. And thanks to lower gas prices and -higher fuel standards, the typical family this year should save about -$750 at the pump. -</p> - -<p> -We believed we could prepare our kids for a more competitive world. And -today, our younger students have earned the highest math and reading -scores on record. Our high school graduation rate has hit an alltime -high. More Americans finish college than ever before. -</p> - -<p> -We believed that sensible regulations could prevent another crisis, -shield families from ruin, and encourage fair competition. Today, we -have new tools to stop taxpayer-funded bailouts and a new consumer -watchdog to protect us from predatory lending and abusive credit card -practices. And in the past year alone, about 10 million uninsured -Americans finally gained the security of health coverage. -</p> - -<p> -At every step, we were told our goals were misguided or too ambitious, -that we would crush jobs and explode deficits. Instead, we've seen the -fastest economic growth in over a decade, our deficits cut by two- -thirds, a stock market that has doubled, and health care inflation at -its lowest rate in 50 years. This is good news, people. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -So the verdict is clear. Middle class economics works. Expanding -opportunity works. And these policies will continue to work as long as -politics don't get in the way. We can't slow down businesses or put our -economy at risk with Government shutdowns or fiscal showdowns. We can't -put the security of families at risk by taking away their health -insurance or unraveling the new rules on Wall Street or refighting past -battles on immigration when we've got to fix a broken system. And if a -bill comes to my desk that tries to do any of these things, I will veto -it. It will have earned my veto. -</p> - -<p> -Today, thanks to a growing economy, the recovery is touching more and -more lives. Wages are finally starting to rise again. We know that more -small-business owners plan to raise their employees' pay than at any -time since 2007. But here's the thing: Those of us here tonight, we -need to set our sights higher than just making sure Government doesn't -screw things up--[laughter]--that Government doesn't halt the progress -we're making. We need to do more than just do no harm. Tonight, -together, let's do more to restore the link between hard work and -growing opportunity for every American. -</p> - -<p> -Because families like Rebekah's still need our help. She and Ben are -working as hard as ever, but they've had to forego vacations and a new -car so that they can pay off student loans and save for retirement. -Friday night pizza, that's a big splurge. Basic childcare for Jack and -Henry costs more than their mortgage and almost as much as a year at -the University of Minnesota. Like millions of hard-working Americans, -Rebekah isn't asking for a handout, but she is asking that we look for -more ways to help families get ahead. -</p> - -<p> -And in fact, at every moment of economic change throughout our history, -this country has taken bold action to adapt to new circumstances and to -make sure everyone gets a fair shot. We set up worker protections, -Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid to protect ourselves from the -harshest adversity. We gave our citizens schools and colleges, -infrastructure and the Internet, tools they needed to go as far as -their efforts and their dreams will take them. -</p> - -<p> -That's what middle class economics is: the idea that this country does -best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, -everyone plays by the same set of rules. We don't just want everyone to -share in America's success, we want everyone to contribute to our -success. -</p> - -<p> -So what does middle class economics require in our time? First, middle -class economics means helping working families feel more secure in a -world of constant change. That means helping folks afford childcare, -college, health care, a home, retirement. And my budget will address -each of these issues, lowering the taxes of working families and -putting thousands of dollars back into their pockets each year. -</p> - -<p> -Here's one example. During World War II, when men like my grandfather -went off to war, having women like my grandmother in the workforce was -a national security priority, so this country provided universal -childcare. In today's economy, when having both parents in the -workforce is an economic necessity for many families, we need -affordable, high-quality childcare more than ever. -</p> - -<p> -It's not a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. So it's time we stop -treating childcare as a side issue, or as a women's issue, and treat it -like the national economic priority that it is for all of us. And -that's why my plan will make quality childcare more available and more -affordable for every middle class and low-income family with young -children in America, by creating more slots and a new tax cut of up to -$3,000 per child, per year. -</p> - -<p> -Here's another example. Today, we are the only advanced country on -Earth that doesn't guarantee paid sick leave or paid maternity leave to -our workers. Forty-three million workers have no paid sick leave--43 -million. Think about that. And that forces too many parents to make the -gut-wrenching choice between a paycheck and a sick kid at home. So I'll -be taking new action to help States adopt paid leave laws of their own. -And since paid sick leave won where it was on the ballot last November, -let's put it to a vote right here in Washington. Send me a bill that -gives every worker in America the opportunity to earn 7 days of paid -sick leave. It's the right thing to do. [Applause] It's the right thing -to do. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, nothing helps families make ends meet like higher wages. -That's why this Congress still needs to pass a law that makes sure a -woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work. I mean, it's -2015. [Laughter] It's time. We still need to make sure employees get -the overtime they've earned. And to everyone in this Congress who still -refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you -could work full time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, -try it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest working people in -America a raise. -</p> - -<p> -Now, these ideas won't make everybody rich, won't relieve every -hardship. That's not the job of government. To give working families a -fair shot, we still need more employers to see beyond next quarter's -earnings and recognize that investing in their workforce is in their -company's long-term interest. We still need laws that strengthen rather -than weaken unions, and give American workers a voice. -</p> - -<p> -But you know, things like childcare and sick leave and equal pay, -things like lower mortgage premiums and a higher minimum wage--these -ideas will make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of -families. That's a fact. And that's what all of us, Republicans and -Democrats alike, were sent here to do. -</p> - -<p> -Now, second, to make sure folks keep earning higher wages down the road, -we have to do more to help Americans upgrade their skills. America -thrived in the 20th century because we made high school free, sent a -generation of GIs to college, trained the best workforce in the world. -We were ahead of the curve. But other countries caught on. And in a -21st-century economy that rewards knowledge like never before, we need -to up our game. We need to do more. -</p> - -<p> -By the end of this decade, two in three job openings will require some -higher education--two in three. And yet we still live in a country where -too many bright, striving Americans are priced out of the education -they need. It's not fair to them, and it's sure not smart for our -future. And that's why I'm sending this Congress a bold new plan to -lower the cost of community college to zero. -</p> - -<p> -Keep in mind, 40 percent of our college students choose community -college. Some are young and starting out. Some are older and looking -for a better job. Some are veterans and single parents trying to -transition back into the job market. Whoever you are, this plan is your -chance to graduate ready for the new economy without a load of debt. -Understand, you've got to earn it. You've got to keep your grades up -and graduate on time. -</p> - -<p> -Tennessee, a State with Republican leadership, and Chicago, a city with -Democratic leadership, are showing that free community college is -possible. I want to spread that idea all across America so that 2 years -of college becomes as free and universal in America as high school is -today. Let's stay ahead of the curve. And I want to work with this -Congress to make sure those already burdened with student loans can -reduce their monthly payments so that student debt doesn't derail -anyone's dreams. -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to Vice President Biden's great work to update our job training -system, we're connecting community colleges with local employers to -train workers to fill high-paying jobs like coding and nursing and -robotics. Tonight I'm also asking more businesses to follow the lead of -companies like CVS and UPS and offer more educational benefits and paid -apprenticeships, opportunities that give workers the chance to earn -higher paying jobs even if they don't have a higher education. -</p> - -<p> -And as a new generation of veterans comes home, we owe them every -opportunity to live the American Dream they helped defend. Already, -we've made strides towards ensuring that every veteran has access to -the highest quality care. We're slashing the backlog that had too many -veterans waiting years to get the benefits they need. And we're making -it easier for vets to translate their training and experience into -civilian jobs. And Joining Forces, the national campaign launched by -Michelle and Jill Biden--[applause]--thank you, Michelle; thank you, -Jill--has helped nearly 700,000 veterans and military spouses get a new -job. So to every CEO in America, let me repeat: If you want somebody -who's going to get the job done and done right, hire a veteran. -</p> - -<p> -Finally, as we better train our workers, we need the new economy to -keep churning out high-wage jobs for our workers to fill. Since 2010, -America has put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and all -advanced economies combined. -</p> - -<p> -Our manufacturers have added almost 800,000 new jobs. Some of our -bedrock sectors, like our auto industry, are booming. But there are -also millions of Americans who work in jobs that didn't even exist 10 -or 20 years ago, jobs at companies like Google and eBay and Tesla. -</p> - -<p> -So no one knows for certain which industries will generate the jobs of -the future. But we do know we want them here in America. We know that. -And that's why the third part of middle class economics is all about -building the most competitive economy anywhere, the place where -businesses want to locate and hire. -</p> - -<p> -Twenty-first century businesses need 21st-century infrastructure: -modern ports and stronger bridges, faster trains and the fastest -Internet. Democrats and Republicans used to agree on this. So let's set -our sights higher than a single oil pipeline. Let's pass a bipartisan -infrastructure plan that could create more than 30 times as many jobs -per year and make this country stronger for decades to come. Let's do -it. Let's get it done. [Applause] Let's get it done. -</p> - -<p> -Twenty-first century businesses, including small businesses, need to -sell more American products overseas. Today, our businesses export more -than ever, and exporters tend to pay their workers higher wages. But as -we speak, China wants to write the rules for the world's fastest -growing region. That would put our workers and our businesses at a -disadvantage. Why would we let that happen? We should write those rules. -We should level the playing field. And that's why I'm asking both -parties to give me trade promotion authority to protect American -workers, with strong new trade deals from Asia to Europe that aren't -just free, but are also fair. It's the right thing to do. -</p> - -<p> -Look, I'm the first one to admit that past trade deals haven't always -lived up to the hype, and that's why we've gone after countries that -break the rules at our expense. But 95 percent of the world's customers -live outside our borders. We can't close ourselves off from those -opportunities. More than half of manufacturing executives have said -they're actively looking to bring jobs back from China. So let's give -them one more reason to get it done. -</p> - -<p> -Twenty-first century businesses will rely on American science and -technology, research and development. I want the country that -eliminated polio and mapped the human genome to lead a new era of -medicine, one that delivers the right treatment at the right time. -</p> - -<p> -In some patients with cystic fibrosis, this approach has reversed a -disease once thought unstoppable. So tonight I'm launching a new -precision medicine initiative to bring us closer to curing diseases -like cancer and diabetes and to give all of us access to the -personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families -healthier. We can do this. -</p> - -<p> -I intend to protect a free and open Internet, extend its reach to every -classroom and every community and help folks build the fastest networks -so that the next generation of digital innovators and entrepreneurs -have the platform to keep reshaping our world. I want Americans to win -the race for the kinds of discoveries that unleash new jobs: converting -sunlight into liquid fuel; creating revolutionary prosthetics so that a -veteran who gave his arms for his country can play catch with his kids -again; pushing out into the solar system not just to visit, but to stay. -Last month, we launched a new spacecraft as part of a reenergized space -program that will send American astronauts to Mars. And in 2 months, to -prepare us for those missions, Scott Kelly will begin a year-long stay -in space. So good luck, Captain. Make sure to Instagram it. We're proud -of you. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the truth is, when it comes to issues like infrastructure and -basic research, I know there's bipartisan support in this Chamber. -Members of both parties have told me so. Where we too often run onto -the rocks is how to pay for these investments. As Americans, we don't -mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as everybody else does too. -But for far too long, lobbyists have rigged the Tax Code with loopholes -that let some corporations pay nothing while others pay full freight. -They've riddled it with giveaways that the super-rich don't need, while -denying a break to middle class families who do. -</p> - -<p> -This year, we have an opportunity to change that. Let's close loopholes -so we stop rewarding companies that keep profits abroad and reward -those that invest here in America. Let's use those savings to rebuild -our infrastructure and to make it more attractive for companies to -bring jobs home. Let's simplify the system and let a small-business -owner file based on her actual bank statement, instead of the number of -accountants she can afford. And let's close the loopholes that lead to -inequality by allowing the top 1 percent to avoid paying taxes on their -accumulated wealth. We can use that money to help more families pay for -childcare and send their kids to college. We need a Tax Code that truly -helps working Americans trying to get a leg up in the new economy, and -we can achieve that together. [Applause] We can achieve it together. -</p> - -<p> -Helping hard-working families make ends meet, giving them the tools -they need for good-paying jobs in this new economy, maintaining the -conditions of growth and competitiveness--this is where America needs to -go. I believe it's where the American people want to go. It will make -our economy stronger a year from now, 15 years from now, and deep into -the century ahead. -</p> - -<p> -Of course, if there's one thing this new century has taught us, it's -that we cannot separate our work here at home from challenges beyond -our shores. My first duty as Commander in Chief is to defend the United -States of America. In doing so, the question is not whether America -leads in the world, but how. When we make rash decisions, reacting to -the headlines instead of using our heads, when the first response to a -challenge is to send in our military, then we risk getting drawn into -unnecessary conflicts and neglect the broader strategy we need for a -safer, more prosperous world. That's what our enemies want us to do. -</p> - -<p> -I believe in a smarter kind of American leadership. We lead best when -we combine military power with strong diplomacy, when we leverage our -power with coalition building, when we don't let our fears blind us to -the opportunities that this new century presents. That's exactly what -we're doing right now. And around the globe, it is making a difference. -</p> - -<p> -First, we stand united with people around the world who have been -targeted by terrorists, from a school in Pakistan to the streets of -Paris. We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their -networks, and we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we have done -relentlessly since I took office, to take out terrorists who pose a -direct threat to us and our allies. At the same time, we've learned -some costly lessons over the last 13 years. Instead of Americans -patrolling the valleys of Afghanistan, we've trained their security -forces, who have now taken the lead, and we've honored our troops' -sacrifice by supporting that country's first democratic transition. -Instead of sending large ground forces overseas, we're partnering with -nations from South Asia to North Africa to deny safe haven to -terrorists who threaten America. -</p> - -<p> -In Iraq and Syria, American leadership--including our military power--is -stopping ISIL's advance. Instead of getting dragged into another ground -war in the Middle East, we are leading a broad coalition, including -Arab nations, to degrade and ultimately destroy this terrorist group. -We're also supporting a moderate opposition in Syria that can help us -in this effort and assisting people everywhere who stand up to the -bankrupt ideology of violent extremism. -</p> - -<p> -Now, this effort will take time. It will require focus. But we will -succeed. And tonight I call on this Congress to show the world that we -are united in this mission by passing a resolution to authorize the use -of force against ISIL. We need that authority. -</p> - -<p> -Second, we're demonstrating the power of American strength and -diplomacy. We're upholding the principle that bigger nations can't -bully the small, by opposing Russian aggression and supporting -Ukraine's democracy and reassuring our NATO allies. -</p> - -<p> -Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along -with our allies, as we were reinforcing our presence with frontline -states, Mr. Putin's aggression, it was suggested, was a masterful -display of strategy and strength. That's what I heard from some folks. -[Laughter] Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united -with our allies, while Russia is isolated with its economy in tatters. -That's how America leads: not with bluster, but with persistent, steady -resolve. -</p> - -<p> -In Cuba, we are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date. -When what you're doing doesn't work for 50 years, it's time to try -something new. [Laughter] And our shift in Cuba policy has the -potential to end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere. It removes a -phony excuse for restrictions in Cuba. It stands up for democratic -values and extends the hand of friendship to the Cuban people. And this -year, Congress should begin the work of ending the embargo. -</p> - -<p> -As His Holiness Pope Francis has said, diplomacy is the work of "small -steps." And these small steps have added up to new hope for the future -in Cuba. And after years in prison, we are overjoyed that Alan Gross is -back where he belongs. Welcome home, Alan. We're glad you're here. -</p> - -<p> -Our diplomacy is at work with respect to Iran, where, for the first -time in a decade, we've halted the progress of its nuclear program and -reduced its stockpile of nuclear material. Between now and this spring, -we have a chance to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that prevents a -nuclear-armed Iran, secures America and our allies, including Israel, -while avoiding yet another Middle East conflict. There are no -guarantees that negotiations will succeed, and I keep all options on -the table to prevent a nuclear Iran. -</p> - -<p> -But new sanctions passed by this Congress, at this moment in time, will -all but guarantee that diplomacy fails: alienating America from its -allies, making it harder to maintain sanctions, and ensuring that Iran -starts up its nuclear program again. It doesn't make sense. And that's -why I will veto any new sanctions bill that threatens to undo this -progress. The American people expect us only to go to war as a last -resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom. Third, we're looking -beyond the issues that have consumed us in the past to shape the coming -century. No foreign nation, no hacker, should be able to shut down our -networks, steal our trade secrets, or invade the privacy of American -families, especially our kids. So we're making sure our Government -integrates intelligence to combat cyber threats, just as we have done -to combat terrorism. -</p> - -<p> -And tonight I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we -need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber attacks, combat -identity theft, and protect our children's information. That should be -a bipartisan effort. If we don't act, we'll leave our Nation and our -economy vulnerable. If we do, we can continue to protect the -technologies that have unleashed untold opportunities for people around -the globe. -</p> - -<p> -In West Africa, our troops, our scientists, our doctors, our nurses, -our health care workers are rolling back Ebola, saving countless lives -and stopping the spread of disease. I could not be prouder of them, and -I thank this Congress for your bipartisan support of their efforts. But -the job is not yet done, and the world needs to use this lesson to -build a more effective global effort to prevent the spread of future -pandemics, invest in smart development, and eradicate extreme poverty. -</p> - -<p> -In the Asia-Pacific, we are modernizing alliances while making sure -that other nations play by the rules: in how they trade, how they -resolve maritime disputes, how they participate in meeting common -international challenges like nonproliferation and disaster relief. And -no challenge--no challenge--poses a greater threat to future generations -than climate change. -</p> - -<p> -Two thousand fourteen was the planet's warmest year on record. Now, 1 -year doesn't make a trend, but this does: 14 of the 15 warmest years on -record have all fallen in the first 15 years of this century. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I've heard some folks try to dodge the evidence by saying they're -not scientists, that we don't have enough information to act. Well, I'm -not a scientist, either. But you know what, I know a lot of really good -scientists--[laughter]--at NASA and at NOAA and at our major universities. -And the best scientists in the world are all telling us that our -activities are changing the climate, and if we don't act forcefully, -we'll continue to see rising oceans, longer, hotter heat waves, -dangerous droughts and floods, and massive disruptions that can trigger -greater migration and conflict and hunger around the globe. The -Pentagon says that climate change poses immediate risks to our national -security. We should act like it. -</p> - -<p> -And that's why, over the past 6 years, we've done more than ever to -combat climate change, from the way we produce energy to the way we use -it. That's why we've set aside more public lands and waters than any -administration in history. And that's why I will not let this Congress -endanger the health of our children by turning back the clock on our -efforts. I am determined to make sure that American leadership drives -international action. -</p> - -<p> -In Beijing, we made a historic announcement: The United States will -double the pace at which we cut carbon pollution. And China committed, -for the first time, to limiting their emissions. And because the -world's two largest economies came together, other nations are now -stepping up and offering hope that this year the world will finally -reach an agreement to protect the one planet we've got. -</p> - -<p> -And there's one last pillar of our leadership, and that's the example -of our values. As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we're -threatened, which is why I have prohibited torture and worked to make -sure our use of new technology like drones is properly constrained. -It's why we speak out against the deplorable anti-Semitism that has -resurfaced in certain parts of the world. It's why we continue to -reject offensive stereotypes of Muslims, the vast majority of whom -share our commitment to peace. That's why we defend free speech and -advocate for political prisoners and condemn the persecution of women -or religious minorities or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or -transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right -thing to do, but because ultimately, they will make us safer. -</p> - -<p> -As Americans, we have a profound commitment to justice. So it makes no -sense to spend $3 million per prisoner to keep open a prison that the -world condemns and terrorists use to recruit. Since I've been President, -we've worked responsibly to cut the population of Gitmo in half. Now it -is time to finish the job. And I will not relent in my determination to -shut it down. It is not who we are. It's time to close Gitmo. -</p> - -<p> -As Americans, we cherish our civil liberties, and we need to uphold -that commitment if we want maximum cooperation from other countries and -industry in our fight against terrorist networks. So while some have -moved on from the debates over our surveillance programs, I have not. -As promised, our intelligence agencies have worked hard, with the -recommendations of privacy advocates, to increase transparency and -build more safeguards against potential abuse. And next month, we'll -issue a report on how we're keeping our promise to keep our country -safe while strengthening privacy. -</p> - -<p> -Looking to the future instead of the past, making sure we match our -power with diplomacy and use force wisely, building coalitions to meet -new challenges and opportunities, leading always with the example of -our values--that's what makes us exceptional. That's what keeps us -strong. That's why we have to keep striving to hold ourselves to the -highest of standards: our own. -</p> - -<p> -You know, just over a decade ago, I gave a speech in Boston where I -said there wasn't a liberal America or a conservative America, a Black -America or a White America, but a United States of America. I said this -because I had seen it in my own life, in a nation that gave someone -like me a chance; because I grew up in Hawaii, a melting pot of races -and customs; because I made Illinois my home, a State of small towns, -rich farmland, one of the world's great cities, a microcosm of the -country where Democrats and Republicans and Independents, good people -of every ethnicity and every faith, share certain bedrock values. -</p> - -<p> -Over the past 6 years, the pundits have pointed out more than once that -my Presidency hasn't delivered on this vision. How ironic, they say, -that our politics seems more divided than ever. It's held up as proof -not just of my own flaws--of which there are many--but also as proof that -the vision itself is misguided, naive, that there are too many people -in this town who actually benefit from partisanship and gridlock for us -to ever do anything about it. -</p> - -<p> -I know how tempting such cynicism may be. But I still think the cynics -are wrong. I still believe that we are one people. I still believe that -together, we can do great things, even when the odds are long. -</p> - -<p> -I believe this because over and over in my 6 years in office, I have -seen America at its best. I've seen the hopeful faces of young -graduates from New York to California and our newest officers at West -Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs, New London. I've mourned with -grieving families in Tucson and Newtown, in Boston, in West, Texas, and -West Virginia. I've watched Americans beat back adversity from the Gulf -Coast to the Great Plains, from Midwest assembly lines to the Mid- -Atlantic seaboard. I've seen something like gay marriage go from a -wedge issue used to drive us apart to a story of freedom across our -country, a civil right now legal in States that 7 in 10 Americans call -home. So I know the good and optimistic and big-hearted generosity of -the American people who every day live the idea that we are our -brother's keeper and our sister's keeper. And I know they expect those -of us who serve here to set a better example. -</p> - -<p> -So the question for those of us here tonight is how we, all of us, can -better reflect America's hopes. I've served in Congress with many of -you. I know many of you well. There are a lot of good people here on -both sides of the aisle. And many of you have told me that this isn't -what you signed up for: arguing past each other on cable shows, the -constant fundraising, always looking over your shoulder at how the base -will react to every decision. -</p> - -<p> -Imagine if we broke out of these tired old patterns. Imagine if we did -something different. Understand, a better politics isn't one where -Democrats abandon their agenda or Republicans simply embrace mine. A -better politics is one where we appeal to each other's basic decency -instead of our basest fears. A better politics is one where we debate -without demonizing each other, where we talk issues and values and -principles and facts rather than "gotcha" moments or trivial gaffes or -fake controversies that have nothing to do with people's daily lives. -</p> - -<p> -A politics--a better politics is one where we spend less time drowning -in dark money for ads that pull us into the gutter and spend more time -lifting young people up with a sense of purpose and possibility, asking -them to join in the great mission of building America. -</p> - -<p> -If we're going to have arguments, let's have arguments, but let's make -them debates worthy of this body and worthy of this country. We still -may not agree on a woman's right to choose, but surely we can agree -it's a good thing that teen pregnancies and abortions are nearing -alltime lows and that every woman should have access to the health care -that she needs. -</p> - -<p> -Yes, passions still fly on immigration, but surely we can all see -something of ourselves in the striving young student and agree that no -one benefits when a hard-working mom is snatched from her child and -that it's possible to shape a law that upholds our tradition as a -nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. I've talked to Republicans -and Democrats about that. That's something that we can share. -</p> - -<p> -We may go at it in campaign season, but surely we can agree that the -right to vote is sacred, that it's being denied to too many, and that -on this 50th anniversary of the great march from Selma to Montgomery -and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, we can come together, -Democrats and Republicans, to make voting easier for every single -American. -</p> - -<p> -We may have different takes on the events of Ferguson and New York. But -surely we can understand a father who fears his son can't walk home -without being harassed. And surely we can understand the wife who won't -rest until the police officer she married walks through the front door -at the end of his shift. And surely we can agree that it's a good thing -that for the first time in 40 years, the crime rate and the -incarceration rate have come down together, and use that as a starting -point for Democrats and Republicans, community leaders and law -enforcement, to reform America's criminal justice system so that it -protects and serves all of us. -</p> - -<p> -That's a better politics. That's how we start rebuilding trust. That's -how we move this country forward. That's what the American people want. -And that's what they deserve. -</p> - -<p> -I have no more campaigns to run. -</p> - -<p> -[At this point, some audience members applauded.] -</p> - -<p> -My only agenda--[laughter]. Audience member. [Inaudible] -</p> - -<p> -The President. I know because I won both of them. [Laughter] My only -agenda for the next 2 years is the same as the one I've had since the -day I swore an oath on the steps of this Capitol: to do what I believe -is best for America. If you share the broad vision I outlined tonight, -I ask you to join me in the work at hand. If you disagree with parts of -it, I hope you'll at least work with me where you do agree. And I -commit to every Republican here tonight that I will not only seek out -your ideas, I will seek to work with you to make this country stronger. -</p> - -<p> -Because I want this Chamber, I want this city to reflect the truth: -that for all our blind spots and shortcomings, we are a people with the -strength and generosity of spirit to bridge divides, to unite in common -effort, to help our neighbors, whether down the street or on the other -side of the world. -</p> - -<p> -I want our actions to tell every child in every neighborhood, your life -matters, and we are committed to improving your life chances, as -committed as we are to working on behalf of our own kids. I want future -generations to know that we are a people who see our differences as a -great gift, that we're a people who value the dignity and worth of -every citizen: man and woman, young and old, Black and White, Latino, -Asian, immigrant, Native American, gay, straight, Americans with mental -illness or physical disability. Everybody matters. I want them to grow -up in a country that shows the world what we still know to be true: -that we are still more than a collection of red States and blue States, -that we are the United States of America. -</p> - -<p> -I want them to grow up in a country where a young mom can sit down and -write a letter to her President with a story that sums up these past 6 -years: "It's amazing what you can bounce back from when you have -to. . . . We are a strong, tight-knit family who's made it through some -very, very hard times." -</p> - -<p> -My fellow Americans, we too are a strong, tight-knit family. We too -have made it through some hard times. Fifteen years into this new -century, we have picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and begun -again the work of remaking America. We have laid a new foundation. A -brighter future is ours to write. Let's begin this new chapter together, -and let's start the work right now. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you. God bless this country we love. Thank you. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -*** -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p><a id="jan2016"></a></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union<br /> -Barack Obama<br /> -January 12, 2016<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Thank you. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: Tonight marks the eighth year that I've come here to -report on the State of the Union. And for this final one, I'm going to -try to make it a little shorter. I know some of you are antsy to get -back to Iowa. [Laughter] I've been there. I'll be shaking hands -afterwards if you want some tips. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now, I understand that because it's an election season, expectations -for what we will achieve this year are low. But, Mr. Speaker, I -appreciate the constructive approach that you and other leaders took at -the end of last year to pass a budget and make tax cuts permanent for -working families. So I hope we can work together this year on some -bipartisan priorities like criminal justice reform and helping people -who are battling prescription drug abuse and heroin abuse. So, who -knows, we might surprise the cynics again. -</p> - -<p> -But tonight I want to go easy on the traditional list of proposals for -the year ahead. Don't worry, I've got plenty--[laughter]--from helping -students learn to write computer code to personalizing medical -treatments for patients. And I will keep pushing for progress on the -work that I believe still needs to be done: fixing a broken immigration -system, protecting our kids from gun violence, equal pay for equal work, -paid leave, raising the minimum wage. All these things still matter to -hard-working families. They're still the right thing to do. And I won't -let up until they get done. -</p> - -<p> -But for my final address to this Chamber, I don't want to just talk -about next year. I want to focus on the next 5 years, the next 10 years, -and beyond. I want to focus on our future. -</p> - -<p> -We live in a time of extraordinary change, change that's reshaping the -way we live, the way we work, our planet, our place in the world. It's -change that promises amazing medical breakthroughs, but also economic -disruptions that strain working families. It promises this education -for girls in the most remote villages, but also connects terrorists -plotting an ocean away. It's change that can broaden opportunity or -widen inequality. And whether we like it or not, the pace of this -change will only accelerate. -</p> - -<p> -America has been through big changes before: wars and depression, the -influx of new immigrants, workers fighting for a fair deal, movements -to expand civil rights. Each time, there have been those who told us to -fear the future; who claimed we could slam the brakes on change; who -promised to restore past glory if we just got some group or idea that -was threatening America under control. And each time, we overcame those -fears. We did not, in the words of Lincoln, adhere to the "dogmas of -the quiet past." Instead, we thought anew and acted anew. We made -change work for us, always extending America's promise outward, to the -next frontier, to more people. And because we did, because we saw -opportunity with a--where others saw peril, we emerged stronger and -better than before. -</p> - -<p> -What was true then can be true now. Our unique strengths as a nation-- -our optimism and work ethic, our spirit of discovery, our diversity, -our commitment to rule of law--these things give us everything we need -to ensure prosperity and security for generations to come. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, it's in that spirit that we have made progress these past 7 -years. That's how we recovered from the worst economic crisis in -generations. That's how we reformed our health care system and -reinvented our energy sector. That's how we delivered more care and -benefits to our troops coming home and our veterans. That's how we -secured the freedom in every State to marry the person we love. -</p> - -<p> -But such progress is not inevitable. It's the result of choices we make -together. And we face such choices right now. Will we respond to the -changes of our time with fear, turning inward as a nation, turning -against each other as a people? Or will we face the future with -confidence in who we are, in what we stand for, in the incredible -things that we can do together? -</p> - -<p> -So let's talk about the future and four big questions that I believe we -as a country have to answer, regardless of who the next President is or -who controls the next Congress. First, how do we give everyone a fair -shot at opportunity and security in this new economy? Second, how do we -make technology work for us and not against us, especially when it -comes to solving urgent challenges like climate change? Third, how do -we keep America safe and lead the world without becoming its policeman? -And finally, how can we make our politics reflect what's best in us and -not what's worst? -</p> - -<p> -Let me start with the economy and a basic fact: The United States of -America right now has the strongest, most durable economy in the world. -We're in the middle of the longest streak of private sector job -creation in history. More than 14 million new jobs, the strongest 2 -years of job growth since the 1990s, an unemployment rate cut in half. -Our auto industry just had its best year ever. That's just part of a -manufacturing surge that's created nearly 900,000 new jobs in the past -6 years. And we've done all this while cutting our deficits by almost -three-quarters. -</p> - -<p> -Anyone claiming that America's economy is in decline is peddling -fiction. Now, what is true--and the reason that a lot of Americans feel -anxious--is that the economy has been changing in profound ways, changes -that started long before the great recession hit, changes that have not -let up. -</p> - -<p> -Today, technology doesn't just replace jobs on the assembly line, but -any job where work can be automated. Companies in a global economy can -locate anywhere, and they face tougher competition. As a result, -workers have less leverage for a raise. Companies have less loyalty to -their communities. And more and more wealth and income is concentrated -at the very top. -</p> - -<p> -All these trends have squeezed workers, even when they have jobs, even -when the economy is growing. It's made it harder for a hard-working -family to pull itself out of poverty, harder for young people to start -their careers, tougher for workers to retire when they want to. And -although none of these trends are unique to America, they do offend our -uniquely American belief that everybody who works hard should get a -fair shot. -</p> - -<p> -For the past 7 years, our goal has been a growing economy that also -works better for everybody. We've made progress, but we need to make -more. And despite all the political arguments that we've had these past -few years, there are actually some areas where Americans broadly agree. -</p> - -<p> -We agree that real opportunity requires every American to get the -education and training they need to land a good-paying job. The -bipartisan reform of No Child Left Behind was an important start, and -together, we've increased early childhood education, lifted high school -graduation rates to new highs, boosted graduates in fields like -engineering. In the coming years, we should build on that progress, by -providing pre-K for all and offering every student the hands-on -computer science and math classes that make them job-ready on day one. -We should recruit and support more great teachers for our kids. -</p> - -<p> -And we have to make college affordable for every American. No hard- -working student should be stuck in the red. We've already reduced -student loan payments by--to 10 percent of a borrower's income. And -that's good. But now we've actually got to cut the cost of college. -Providing 2 years of community college at no cost for every responsible -student is one of the best ways to do that, and I'm going to keep -fighting to get that started this year. It's the right thing to do. -</p> - -<p> -But a great education isn't all we need in this new economy. We also -need benefits and protections that provide a basic measure of security. -It's not too much of a stretch to say that some of the only people in -America who are going to work the same job, in the same place, with a -health and retirement package for 30 years are sitting in this Chamber. -[Laughter] For everyone else, especially folks in their forties and -fifties, saving for retirement or bouncing back from job loss has -gotten a lot tougher. Americans understand that at some point in their -careers, in this new economy, they may have to retool, they may have to -retrain. But they shouldn't lose what they've already worked so hard to -build in the process. -</p> - -<p> -That's why Social Security and Medicare are more important than ever. -We shouldn't weaken them, we should strengthen them. And for Americans -short of retirement, basic benefits should be just as mobile as -everything else is today. That, by the way, is what the Affordable Care -Act is all about. It's about filling the gaps in employer-based care so -that when you lose a job or you go back to school or you strike out and -launch that new business, you'll still have coverage. Nearly 18 million -people have gained coverage so far. And in the process, health care -inflation has slowed. And our businesses have created jobs every single -month since it became law. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I'm guessing we won't agree on health care anytime soon, but-- -[laughter]--a little applause back there. [Laughter] Just a guess. But -there should be other ways parties can work together to improve -economic security. Say a hard-working American loses his job. We -shouldn't just make sure that he can get unemployment insurance, we -should make sure that program encourages him to retrain for a business -that's ready to hire him. If that new job doesn't pay as much, there -should be a system of wage insurance in place so that he can still pay -his bills. And even if he's going from job to job, he should still be -able to save for retirement and take his savings with him. That's the -way we make the new economy work better for everybody. -</p> - -<p> -I also know Speaker Ryan has talked about his interest in tackling -poverty. America is about giving everybody willing to work a chance, a -hand up. And I'd welcome a serious discussion about strategies we can -all support, like expanding tax cuts for low-income workers who don't -have children. -</p> - -<p> -But there are some areas where--we just have to be honest--it has been -difficult to find agreement over the last 7 years. And a lot of them -fall under the category of what role the Government should play in -making sure the system's not rigged in favor of the wealthiest and -biggest corporations. And it's an honest disagreement, and the American -people have a choice to make. -</p> - -<p> -I believe a thriving private sector is the lifeblood of our economy. I -think there are outdated regulations that need to be changed. There is -redtape that needs to be cut. [Applause] There you go! Yes! See? But -after years now of record corporate profits, working families won't get -more opportunity or bigger paychecks just by letting big banks or big -oil or hedge funds make their own rules at everybody else's expense. -Middle class families are not going to feel more secure because we -allowed attacks on collective bargaining to go unanswered. Food stamp -recipients did not cause the financial crisis; recklessness on Wall -Street did. Immigrants aren't the principal reason wages haven't gone -up; those decisions are made in the boardrooms that all too often put -quarterly earnings over long-term returns. It's sure not the average -family watching tonight that avoids paying taxes through offshore -accounts. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -The point is, I believe that in this new economy, workers and startups -and small businesses need more of a voice, not less. The rules should -work for them. And I'm not alone in this. This year, I plan to lift up -the many businesses who have figured out that doing right by their -workers or their customers or their communities ends up being good for -their shareholders. And I want to spread those best practices across -America. That's part of a brighter future. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, it turns, out many of our best corporate citizens are also our -most creative. And this brings me to the second big question we as a -country have to answer: How do we reignite that spirit of innovation to -meet our biggest challenges? -</p> - -<p> -Sixty years ago, when the Russians beat us into space, we didn't deny -Sputnik was up there. [Laughter] We didn't argue about the science or -shrink our research and development budget. We built a space program -almost overnight. And 12 years later, we were walking on the Moon. -</p> - -<p> -Now, that spirit of discovery is in our DNA. America is Thomas Edison -and the Wright Brothers and George Washington Carver. America is Grace -Hopper and Katherine Johnson and Sally Ride. America is every immigrant -and entrepreneur from Boston to Austin to Silicon Valley, racing to -shape a better future. That's who we are. -</p> - -<p> -And over the past 7 years, we've nurtured that spirit. We've protected -an open Internet and taken bold new steps to get more students and low- -income Americans online. We've launched next-generation manufacturing -hubs and online tools that give an entrepreneur everything he or she -needs to start a business in a single day. But we can do so much more. -</p> - -<p> -Last year, Vice President Biden said that with a new moonshot, America -can cure cancer. Last month, he worked with this Congress to give -scientists at the National Institutes of Health the strongest resources -that they've had in over a decade. Well--so tonight I'm announcing a new -national effort to get it done. And because he's gone to the mat for -all of us on so many issues over the past 40 years, I'm putting Joe in -charge of mission control. For the loved ones we've all lost, for the -families that we can still save, let's make America the country that -cures cancer once and for all. What do you say, Joe? Let's make it -happen. -</p> - -<p> -Now, medical research is critical. We need the same level of commitment -when it comes to developing clean energy sources. Look, if anybody -still wants to dispute the science around climate change, have at it. -[Laughter] You will be pretty lonely, because you'll be debating our -military, most of America's business leaders, the majority of the -American people, almost the entire scientific community, and 200 -nations around the world who agree it's a problem and intend to solve -it. But even if the planet wasn't at stake, even if 2014 wasn't the -warmest year on record--until 2015 turned out to be even hotter--why -would we want to pass up the chance for American businesses to produce -and sell the energy of the future? Listen, 7 years ago, we made the -single biggest investment in clean energy in our history. Here are the -results. In fields from Iowa to Texas, wind power is now cheaper than -dirtier, conventional power. On rooftops from Arizona to New York, -solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars a year on their -energy bills and employs more Americans than coal in jobs that pay -better than average. We're taking steps to give homeowners the freedom -to generate and store their own energy, something, by the way, that -environmentalists and Tea Partiers have teamed up to support. And -meanwhile, we've cut our imports of foreign oil by nearly 60 percent -and cut carbon pollution more than any other country on Earth. Gas -under 2 bucks a gallon ain't bad either. [Laughter] -</p> - -<p> -Now we've got to accelerate the transition away from old, dirtier -energy sources. Rather than subsidize the past, we should invest in the -future, especially in communities that rely on fossil fuels. We do them -no favor when we don't show them where the trends are going. And that's -why I'm going to push to change the way we manage our oil and coal -resources so that they better reflect the costs they impose on -taxpayers and our planet. And that way, we put money back into those -communities and put tens of thousands of Americans to work building a -21st-century transportation system. -</p> - -<p> -Now, none of this is going to happen overnight. And yes, there are -plenty of entrenched interests who want to protect the status quo. But -the jobs we'll create, the money we'll save, the planet we'll preserve-- -that is the kind of future our kids and our grandkids deserve. And it's -within our grasp. -</p> - -<p> -Now, climate change is just one of many issues where our security is -linked to the rest of the world. And that's why the third big question -that we have to answer together is how to keep America safe and strong -without either isolating ourselves or trying to nation-build everywhere -there's a problem. -</p> - -<p> -Now, I told you earlier all the talk of America's economic decline is -political hot air. Well, so is all the rhetoric you hear about our -enemies getting stronger and America getting weaker. Let me tell you -something: The United States of America is the most powerful nation on -Earth. Period. [Applause] Period. It's not even close. [Applause] It's -not even close. It's not even close. We spend more on our military than -the next eight nations combined. Our troops are the finest fighting -force in the history of the world. [Applause] All right. No nation -attacks us directly, or our allies, because they know that's the path -to ruin. Surveys show our standing around the world is higher than when -I was elected to this office, and when it comes to every important -international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or -Moscow to lead. They call us. So I think it's useful to level set here, -because when we don't, we don't make good decisions. -</p> - -<p> -Now, as someone who begins every day with an intelligence briefing, I -know this is a dangerous time. But that's not primarily because of some -looming superpower out there, and it's certainly not because of -diminished American strength. In today's world, we're threatened less -by evil empires and more by failing states. -</p> - -<p> -The Middle East is going through a transformation that will play out -for a generation, rooted in conflicts that date back millennia. -Economic headwinds are blowing in from a Chinese economy that is in -significant transition. Even as their economy severely contracts, -Russia is pouring resources in to prop up Ukraine and Syria, client -states that they saw slipping away from their orbit. And the -international system we built after World War II is now struggling to -keep pace with this new reality. It's up to us, the United States of -America, to help remake that system. And to do that well, it means that -we've got to set priorities. Priority number one is protecting the -American people and going after terrorist networks. Both Al Qaida and -now ISIL pose a direct threat to our people, because in today's world, -even a handful of terrorists who place no value on human life, -including their own, can do a lot of damage. They use the Internet to -poison the minds of individuals inside our country. Their actions -undermine and destabilize our allies. We have to take them out. -</p> - -<p> -But as we focus on destroying ISIL, over-the-top claims that this is -world war III just play into their hands. Masses of fighters on the -back of pickup trucks, twisted souls plotting in apartments or garages, -they pose an enormous danger to civilians; they have to be stopped. But -they do not threaten our national existence. That is the story ISIL -wants to tell. That's the kind of propaganda they use to recruit. We -don't need to build them up to show that we're serious, and we sure -don't need to push away vital allies in this fight by echoing the lie -that ISIL is somehow representative of one of the world's largest -religions. We just need to call them what they are: killers and -fanatics who have to be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed. -</p> - -<p> -And that's exactly what we're doing. For more than a year, America has -led a coalition of more than 60 countries to cut off ISIL's financing, -disrupt their plots, stop the flow of terrorist fighters, and stamp out -their vicious ideology. With nearly 10,000 airstrikes, we're taking out -their leadership, their oil, their training camps, their weapons. We're -training, arming, and supporting forces who are steadily reclaiming -territory in Iraq and Syria. -</p> - -<p> -If this Congress is serious about winning this war and wants to send a -message to our troops and the world, authorize the use of military -force against ISIL. Take a vote. [Applause] Take a vote. But the -American people should know that with or without congressional action, -ISIL will learn the same lessons as terrorists before them. If you -doubt America's commitment--or mine--to see that justice is done, just -ask Usama bin Laden. Ask the leader of Al Qaida in Yemen, who was taken -out last year, or the perpetrator of the Benghazi attacks, who sits in -a prison cell. When you come after Americans, we go after you. And it -may take time, but we have long memories, and our reach has no limits. -</p> - -<p> -Our foreign policy has to be focused on the threat from ISIL and Al -Qaida, but it can't stop there. For even without ISIL, even without Al -Qaida, instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world: -in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, in parts of -Central America, in Africa and Asia. Some of these places may become -safe havens for new terrorist networks. Others will just fall victim to -ethnic conflict or famine, feeding the next wave of refugees. The world -will look to us to help solve these problems, and our answer needs to -be more than tough talk or calls to carpet-bomb civilians. That may -work as a TV sound bite, but it doesn't pass muster on the world stage. -</p> - -<p> -We also can't try to take over and rebuild every country that falls -into crisis, even if it's done with the best of intentions. That's not -leadership; that's a recipe for quagmire, spilling American blood and -treasure that ultimately will weaken us. It's the lesson of Vietnam; -it's the lesson of Iraq. And we should have learned it by now. -</p> - -<p> -Now, fortunately there is a smarter approach: a patient and disciplined -strategy that uses every element of our national power. It says America -will always act, alone if necessary, to protect our people and our -allies, but on issues of global concern, we will mobilize the world to -work with us and make sure other countries pull their own weight. -That's our approach to conflicts like Syria, where we're partnering -with local forces and leading international efforts to help that broken -society pursue a lasting peace. That's why we built a global coalition, -with sanctions and principled diplomacy, to prevent a nuclear-armed -Iran. And as we speak, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program, -shipped out its uranium stockpile, and the world has avoided another -war. -</p> - -<p> -</p> - -<p> -That's how we stopped the spread of Ebola in West Africa. Our military, -our doctors, our development workers--they were heroic; they set up the -platform that then allowed other countries to join in behind us and -stamp out that epidemic. Hundreds of thousands, maybe a couple million, -lives were saved. -</p> - -<p> -That's how we forged a Trans-Pacific Partnership to open markets and -protect workers and the environment and advance American leadership in -Asia. It cuts 18,000 taxes on products made in America, which will then -support more good jobs here in America. With TPP, China does not set -the rules in that region, we do. You want to show our strength in this -new century? Approve this agreement. Give us the tools to enforce it. -It's the right thing to do. -</p> - -<p> -Let me give you another example. Fifty years of isolating Cuba had -failed to promote democracy. It set us back in Latin America. That's -why we restored diplomatic relations, opened the door to travel and -commerce, positioned ourselves to improve the lives of the Cuban people. -So if you want to consolidate our leadership and credibility in the -hemisphere, recognize that the cold war is over. Lift the embargo. -</p> - -<p> -The point is, American leadership in the 21st century is not a choice -between ignoring the rest of the world--except when we kill terrorists-- -or occupying and rebuilding whatever society is unraveling. Leadership -means a wise application of military power and rallying the world -behind causes that are right. It means seeing our foreign assistance as -a part of our national security, not something separate, not charity. -</p> - -<p> -When we lead nearly 200 nations to the most ambitious agreement in -history to fight climate change, yes, that helps vulnerable countries, -but it also protects our kids. When we help Ukraine defend its -democracy or Colombia resolve a decades-long war, that strengthens the -international order we depend on. When we help African countries feed -their people and care for the sick, it's the right thing to do, and it -prevents the next pandemic from reaching our shores. Right now we're on -track to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS. That's within our grasp. And we -have the chance to accomplish the same thing with malaria, something -I'll be pushing this Congress to fund this year. -</p> - -<p> -That's American strength. That's American leadership. And that kind of -leadership depends on the power of our example. That's why I will keep -working to shut down the prison at Guantanamo. It is expensive, it is -unnecessary, and it only serves as a recruitment brochure for our -enemies. There's a better way. -</p> - -<p> -And that's why we need to reject any politics--any politics--that targets -people because of race or religion. Let me just say this. This is not a -matter of political correctness, this is a matter of understanding just -what it is that makes us strong. The world respects us not just for our -arsenal, it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way -we respect every faith. -</p> - -<p> -His Holiness Pope Francis told this body from the very spot that I'm -standing on tonight that "to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants -and murderers is the best way to take their place." When politicians -insult Muslims, whether abroad or our fellow citizens, when a mosque is -vandalized or a kid is called names, that doesn't make us safer. That's -not telling it what--telling it like it is. It's just wrong. It -diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve -our goals. It betrays who we are as a country. "We the People." Our -Constitution begins with those three simple words, words we've come to -recognize mean all the people, not just some; words that insist we rise -and fall together, that that's how we might perfect our Union. And that -brings me to the fourth and maybe most important thing that I want to -say tonight. -</p> - -<p> -The future we want--all of us want--opportunity and security for our -families, a rising standard of living, a sustainable, peaceful planet -for our kids--all that is within our reach. But it will only happen if -we work together. It will only happen if we can have rational, -constructive debates. It will only happen if we fix our politics. -</p> - -<p> -A better politics doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. This is -a big country: different regions, different attitudes, different -interests. That's one of our strengths too. Our Founders distributed -power between States and branches of government and expected us to -argue, just as they did, fiercely, over the size and shape of -government, over commerce and foreign relations, over the meaning of -liberty and the imperatives of security. -</p> - -<p> -But democracy does require basic bonds of trust between its citizens. -It doesn't work if we think the people who disagree with us are all -motivated by malice. It doesn't work if we think that our political -opponents are unpatriotic or trying to weaken America. Democracy grinds -to a halt without a willingness to compromise or when even basic facts -are contested or when we listen only to those who agree with us. Our -public life withers when only the most extreme voices get all the -attention. And most of all, democracy breaks down when the average -person feels their voice doesn't matter, that the system is rigged in -favor of the rich or the powerful or some special interest. -</p> - -<p> -Too many Americans feel that way right now. It's one of the few regrets -of my Presidency: that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has -gotten worse instead of better. I have no doubt, a President with the -gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide, and -I guarantee, I'll keep trying to be better so long as I hold this -office. -</p> - -<p> -But, my fellow Americans, this cannot be my task--or any President's-- -alone. There are a whole lot of folks in this Chamber, good people, who -would like to see more cooperation, would like to see a more elevated -debate in Washington, but feel trapped by the imperatives of getting -elected, by the noise coming out of your base. I know; you've told me. -It's the worst kept secret in Washington. And a lot of you aren't -enjoying being trapped in that kind of rancor. -</p> - -<p> -But that means if we want a better politics--and I'm addressing the -American people now--if we want a better politics, it's not enough just -to change a Congressman or change a Senator or even change a President. -We have to change the system to reflect our better selves. -</p> - -<p> -I think we've got to end the practice of drawing our congressional -districts so that politicians can pick their voters and not the other -way around. Let a bipartisan group do it. -</p> - -<p> -I believe we've got to reduce the influence of money in our politics so -that a handful of families or hidden interests can't bankroll our -elections. And if our existing approach to campaign finance reform -can't pass muster in the courts, we need to work together to find a -real solution. Because it's a problem. And most of you don't like -raising money. [Laughter] I know. I've done it. -</p> - -<p> -We've got to make it easier to vote, not harder. We need to modernize -it for the way we live now. This is America: We want to make it easier -for people to participate. And over the course of this year, I intend -to travel the country to push for reforms that do just that. But I -can't do these things on my own. Changes in our political process--in -not just who gets elected, but how they get elected--that will only -happen when the American people demand it. It depends on you. That's -what's meant by a government of, by, and for the people. -</p> - -<p> -What I'm suggesting is hard. It's a lot easier to be cynical; to accept -that change is not possible and politics is hopeless and the problem is, -all the folks who are elected don't care; and to believe that our -voices and our actions don't matter. But if we give up now, then we -forsake a better future. Those with money and power will gain greater -control over the decisions that could send a young soldier to war or -allow another economic disaster or roll back the equal rights and -voting rights that generations of Americans have fought, even died, to -secure. And then, as frustration grows, there will be voices urging us -to fall back into our respective tribes, to scapegoat fellow citizens -who don't look like us or pray like us or vote like we do or share the -same background. -</p> - -<p> -We can't afford to go down that path. It won't deliver the economy we -want. It will not produce the security we want. But most of all, it -contradicts everything that makes us the envy of the world. -</p> - -<p> -So, my fellow Americans, whatever you may believe, whether you prefer -one party or no party, whether you supported my agenda or fought as -hard as you could against it, our collective futures depends on your -willingness to uphold your duties as a citizen. To vote. To speak out. -To stand up for others, especially the weak, especially the vulnerable, -knowing that each of us is only here because somebody, somewhere, stood -up for us. We need every American to stay active in our public life--and -not just during election time--so that our public life reflects the -goodness and the decency that I see in the American people every single -day. -</p> - -<p> -It is not easy. Our brand of democracy is hard. But I can promise that -a little over a year from now, when I no longer hold this office, I -will be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by those voices of -fairness and vision, of grit and good humor and kindness, that have -helped America travel so far. Voices that help us see ourselves not, -first and foremost, as Black or White or Asian or Latino, not as gay or -straight, immigrant or native born, not Democrat or Republican, but as -Americans first, bound by a common creed. Voices Dr. King believed -would have the final word: voices of "unarmed truth and unconditional -love." -</p> - -<p> -And they're out there, those voices. They don't get a lot of attention; -they don't seek a lot of fanfare; but they're busy doing the work this -country needs doing. I see them everywhere I travel in this incredible -country of ours. I see you, the American people. And in your daily acts -of citizenship, I see our future unfolding. -</p> - -<p> -I see it in the worker on the assembly line who clocked extra shifts to -keep his company open and the boss who pays him higher wages instead of -laying him off. I see it in the dreamer who stays up late at night to -finish her science project and the teacher who comes in early, maybe -with some extra supplies that she bought because she knows that that -young girl might someday cure a disease. -</p> - -<p> -I see it in the American who served his time, made bad mistakes as a -child, but now is dreaming of starting over. And I see it in the -business owner who gives him that second chance. The protester -determined to prove that justice matters and the young cop walking the -beat, treating everybody with respect, doing the brave, quiet work of -keeping us safe. -</p> - -<p> -I see it in the soldier who gives almost everything to save his -brothers, the nurse who tends to him till he can run a marathon, the -community that lines up to cheer him on. It's the son who finds the -courage to come out as who he is and the father whose love for that son -overrides everything he's been taught. -</p> - -<p> -I see it in the elderly woman who will wait in line to cast her vote as -long as she has to, the new citizen who casts his vote for the first -time, the volunteers at the polls who believe every vote should count. -Because each of them, in different ways, know how much that precious -right is worth. -</p> - -<p> -That's the America I know. That's the country we love: clear eyed, big -hearted, undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and -unconditional love will have the final word. That's what makes me so -hopeful about our future. I believe in change because I believe in you, -the American people. And that's why I stand here as confident as I have -ever been that the state of our Union is strong. -</p> - -<p> -Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. Thank -you. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of Barack -Obama, by Barack Obama - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE UNION ADDRESSES BARACK OBAMA *** - -***** This file should be named 50950-h.htm or 50950-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/9/5/50950/ - -Produced by Al Haines -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama - 2009-2016 - -Author: Barack Obama - -Release Date: January 17, 2016 [EBook #50950] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE UNION ADDRESSES BARACK OBAMA *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines - - - - -State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama - - -The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** - -Dates of Addresses by Barack Obama in this eBook: - - February 24, 2009 - January 27, 2010 - January 25, 2011 - January 24, 2012 - February 12, 2013 - January 28, 2014 - January 20, 2015 - January 12, 2016 - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress -Barack Obama -February 24, 2009 - -Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady -of the United States--she's around here somewhere: I have come here -tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this -great Chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women -who sent us here. - -I know that for many Americans watching right now, the state of our -economy is a concern that rises above all others, and rightly so. If -you haven't been personally affected by this recession, you probably -know someone who has: a friend, a neighbor, a member of your family. -You don't need to hear another list of statistics to know that our -economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It's the worry you -wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. It's the job you -thought you'd retire from but now have lost, the business you built -your dreams upon that's now hanging by a thread, the college acceptance -letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this -recession is real, and it is everywhere. - -But while our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken, though -we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want -every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover, and the -United States of America will emerge stronger than before. - -The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this Nation. -The answers to our problems don't lie beyond our reach. They exist in -our laboratories and our universities, in our fields and our factories, -in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest -working people on Earth. Those qualities that have made America the -greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history, we still -possess in ample measure. What is required now is for this country to -pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take -responsibility for our future once more. - -Now, if we're honest with ourselves, we'll admit that for too long, we -have not always met these responsibilities as a Government or as a -people. I say this not to lay blame or to look backwards, but because -it is only by understanding how we arrived at this moment that we'll be -able to lift ourselves out of this predicament. - -The fact is, our economy did not fall into decline overnight, nor did -all of our problems begin when the housing market collapsed or the -stock market sank. We have known for decades that our survival depends -on finding new sources of energy, yet we import more oil today than -ever before. The cost of health care eats up more and more of our -savings each year, yet we keep delaying reform. Our children will -compete for jobs in a global economy that too many of our schools do -not prepare them for. And though all these challenges went unsolved, we -still managed to spend more money and pile up more debt, both as -individuals and through our Government, than ever before. - -In other words, we have lived through an era where too often short-term -gains were prized over long-term prosperity, where we failed to look -beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election. A -surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of -an opportunity to invest in our future. Regulations were gutted for the -sake of a quick profit at the expense of a healthy market. People -bought homes they knew they couldn't afford from banks and lenders who -pushed those bad loans anyway. And all the while, critical debates and -difficult decisions were put off for some other time, on some other day. -Well, that day of reckoning has arrived, and the time to take charge of -our future is here. - -Now is the time to act boldly and wisely to not only revive this -economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity. Now is -the time to jump-start job creation, restart lending, and invest in -areas like energy, health care, and education that will grow our -economy, even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down. That -is what my economic agenda is designed to do, and that is what I'd like -to talk to you about tonight. It's an agenda that begins with jobs. - -As soon as I took office, I asked this Congress to send me a recovery -plan by President's Day that would put people back to work and put -money in their pockets, not because I believe in bigger Government--I -don't--not because I'm not mindful of the massive debt we've inherited- --I am. I called for action because the failure to do so would have cost -more jobs and caused more hardship. In fact, a failure to act would -have worsened our long-term deficit by assuring weak economic growth -for years. And that's why I pushed for quick action. And tonight I am -grateful that this Congress delivered and pleased to say that the -American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is now law. - -Over the next 2 years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs. -More than 90 percent of these jobs will be in the private sector: jobs -rebuilding our roads and bridges, constructing wind turbines and solar -panels, laying broadband and expanding mass transit. - -Because of this plan, there are teachers who can now keep their jobs -and educate our kids, health care professionals can continue caring for -our sick. There are 57 police officers who are still on the streets of -Minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs their -department was about to make. Because of this plan, 95 percent of -working households in America will receive a tax cut; a tax cut that -you will see in your paychecks beginning on April 1st. Because of this -plan, families who are struggling to pay tuition costs will receive a -$2,500 tax credit for all 4 years of college, and Americans who have -lost their jobs in this recession will be able to receive extended -unemployment benefits and continued health care coverage to help them -weather this storm. - -Now, I know there are some in this Chamber and watching at home who are -skeptical of whether this plan will work, and I understand that -skepticism. Here in Washington, we've all seen how quickly good -intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending. And -with a plan of this scale comes enormous responsibility to get it right. - -And that's why I've asked Vice President Biden to lead a tough, -unprecedented oversight effort; because nobody messes with Joe. I--am I -right? They don't mess with him. I have told each of my Cabinet, as -well as mayors and Governors across the country, that they will be held -accountable by me and the American people for every dollar they spend. -I've appointed a proven and aggressive Inspector General to ferret out -any and all cases of waste and fraud. And we have created a new web -site called recovery.gov, so that every American can find out how and -where their money is being spent. - -So the recovery plan we passed is the first step in getting our economy -back on track. But it is just the first step. Because even if we manage -this plan flawlessly, there will be no real recovery unless we clean up -the credit crisis that has severely weakened our financial system. - -I want to speak plainly and candidly about this issue tonight, because -every American should know that it directly affects you and your -family's well-being. You should also know that the money you've -deposited in banks across the country is safe, your insurance is secure, -you can rely on the continued operation of our financial system. That's -not the source of concern. The concern is that if we do not restart -lending in this country, our recovery will be choked off before it even -begins. - -You see, the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy. The -ability to get a loan is how you finance the purchase of everything -from a home to a car to a college education, how stores stock their -shelves, farms buy equipment, and businesses make payroll. - -But credit has stopped flowing the way it should. Too many bad loans -from the housing crisis have made their way onto the books of too many -banks. And with so much debt and so little confidence, these banks are -now fearful of lending out any more money to households, to businesses, -or even to each other. And when there is no lending, families can't -afford to buy homes or cars, so businesses are forced to make layoffs. -Our economy suffers even more, and credit dries up even further. That -is why this administration is moving swiftly and aggressively to break -this destructive cycle, to restore confidence, and restart lending. And -we will do so in several ways. - -First, we are creating a new lending fund that represents the largest -effort ever to help provide auto loans, college loans, and small- -business loans to the consumers and entrepreneurs who keep this economy -running. - -Second, we have launched a housing plan that will help responsible -families facing the threat of foreclosure lower their monthly payments -and refinance their mortgages. It's a plan that won't help speculators -or that neighbor down the street who bought a house he could never hope -to afford, but it will help millions of Americans who are struggling -with declining home values; Americans who will now be able to take -advantage of the lower interest rates that this plan has already helped -to bring about. In fact, the average family who refinances today can -save nearly $2,000 per year on their mortgage. - -Third, we will act with the full force of the Federal Government to -ensure that the major banks that Americans depend on have enough -confidence and enough money to lend even in more difficult times. And -when we learn that a major bank has serious problems, we will hold -accountable those responsible, force the necessary adjustments, provide -the support to clean up their balance sheets, and assure the continuity -of a strong, viable institution that can serve our people and our -economy. - -Now, I understand that on any given day, Wall Street may be more -comforted by an approach that gives bank bailouts with no strings -attached and that holds nobody accountable for their reckless decisions. -But such an approach won't solve the problem, and our goal is to -quicken the day when we restart lending to the American people and -American business and end this crisis once and for all. - -And I intend to hold these banks fully accountable for the assistance -they receive, and this time, they will have to clearly demonstrate how -taxpayer dollars result in more lending for the American taxpayer. This -time, CEOs won't be able to use taxpayer money to pad their paychecks -or buy fancy drapes or disappear on a private jet. Those days are over. - -Still, this plan will require significant resources from the Federal -Government--and, yes, probably more than we've already set aside. But -while the cost of action will be great, I can assure you that the cost -of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that -sputters along for not months or years, but perhaps a decade. That -would be worse for our deficit, worse for business, worse for you, and -worse for the next generation. And I refuse to let that happen. - -Now, I understand that when the last administration asked this Congress -to provide assistance for struggling banks, Democrats and Republicans -alike were infuriated by the mismanagement and the results that -followed. So were the American taxpayers; so was I. So I know how -unpopular it is to be seen as helping banks right now, especially when -everyone is suffering in part from their bad decisions. I promise you, -I get it. - -But I also know that in a time of crisis, we cannot afford to govern -out of anger or yield to the politics of the moment. My job--our job is -to solve the problem. Our job is to govern with a sense of -responsibility. I will not send--I will not spend a single penny for -the purpose of rewarding a single Wall Street executive, but I will do -whatever it takes to help the small business that can't pay its workers -or the family that has saved and still can't get a mortgage. That's -what this is about. It's not about helping banks; it's about helping -people. [Applause] - -It's not about helping banks; it's about helping people. Because when -credit is available again, that young family can finally buy a new home. -And then some company will hire workers to build it. And then those -workers will have money to spend. And if they can get a loan too, maybe -they'll finally buy that car or open their own business. Investors will -return to the market, and American families will see their retirement -secured once more. Slowly but surely, confidence will return and our -economy will recover. - -So I ask this Congress to join me in doing whatever proves necessary, -because we cannot consign our Nation to an open-ended recession. And to -ensure that a crisis of this magnitude never happens again, I ask -Congress to move quickly on legislation that will finally reform our -outdated regulatory system. It is time to put in place tough, new, -commonsense rules of the road so that our financial market rewards -drive and innovation, and punishes shortcuts and abuse. - -The recovery plan and the financial stability plan are the immediate -steps we're taking to revive our economy in the short term. But the -only way to fully restore America's economic strength is to make the -long-term investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries, and a -renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way -this century will be another American century is if we confront at last -the price of our dependence on oil and the high cost of health care, -the schools that aren't preparing our children and the mountain of debt -they stand to inherit. That is our responsibility. - -In the next few days, I will submit a budget to Congress. So often, -we've come to view these documents as simply numbers on a page or a -laundry list of programs. I see this document differently. I see it as -a vision for America, as a blueprint for our future. - -My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every -issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we've inherited, a -trillion-dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession. -Given these realities, everyone in this Chamber, Democrats and -Republicans, will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which -there are no dollars. And that includes me. But that does not mean we -can afford to ignore our long-term challenges. I reject the view that -says our problems will simply take care of themselves, that says -Government has no role in laying the foundation for our common -prosperity. - -For history tells a different story. History reminds us that at every -moment of economic upheaval and transformation, this Nation has -responded with bold action and big ideas. In the midst of Civil War, we -laid railroad tracks from one coast to another that spurred commerce -and industry. From the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution came a -system of public high schools that prepared our citizens for a new age. -In the wake of war and depression, the GI bill sent a generation to -college and created the largest middle class in history. And a twilight -struggle for freedom led to a nation of highways, an American on the -Moon, and an explosion of technology that still shapes our world. In -each case, Government didn't supplant private enterprise; it catalyzed -private enterprise. It created the conditions for thousands of -entrepreneurs and new businesses to adapt and to thrive. - -We are a nation that has seen promise amid peril and claimed -opportunity from ordeal. Now we must be that nation again, and that is -why, even as it cuts back on programs we don't need, the budget I -submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to -our economic future: energy, health care, and education. - -It begins with energy. We know the country that harnesses the power of -clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is -China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their -economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we've -fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New -plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on -batteries made in Korea. Well, I do not accept a future where the jobs -and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders, and I know you -don't either. It is time for America to lead again. - -Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this Nation's supply of -renewable energy in the next 3 years. We've also made the largest -investment in basic research funding in American history, an investment -that will spur not only new discoveries in energy but breakthroughs in -medicine and science and technology. - -We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry -new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put -Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that -we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills. - -But to truly transform our economy, to protect our security, and save -our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately -make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask -this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on -carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in -America. That's what we need. And to support that innovation, we will -invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and -solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more efficient cars and -trucks built right here in America. - -Speaking of our auto industry, everyone recognizes that years of bad -decisionmaking and a global recession have pushed our automakers to the -brink. We should not, and will not, protect them from their own bad -practices. But we are committed to the goal of a retooled, reimagined -auto industry that can compete and win. Millions of jobs depend on it; -scores of communities depend on it. And I believe the Nation that -invented the automobile cannot walk away from it. - -Now, none of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy. But this -is America. We don't do what's easy. We do what's necessary to move -this country forward. - -And for that same reason, we must also address the crushing cost of -health care. This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America -every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million -Americans to lose their homes. In the last 8 years, premiums have grown -four times faster than wages. And in each of these years, 1 million -more Americans have lost their health insurance. It is one of the major -reasons why small businesses close their doors and corporations ship -jobs overseas. And it's one of the largest and fastest growing parts of -our budget. Given these facts, we can no longer afford to put health -care reform on hold. We can't afford to do it. It's time. - -Already, we've done more to advance the cause of health care reform in -the last 30 days than we've done in the last decade. When it was days -old, this Congress passed a law to provide and protect health insurance -for 11 million American children whose parents work full time. Our -recovery plan will invest in electronic health records, a new -technology that will reduce errors, bring down costs, ensure privacy, -and save lives. It will launch a new effort to conquer a disease that -has touched the life of nearly every American, including me, by seeking -a cure for cancer in our time. And it makes the largest investment ever -in preventive care, because that's one of the best ways to keep our -people healthy and our costs under control. - -This budget builds on these reforms. It includes a historic commitment -to comprehensive health care reform, a down payment on the principle -that we must have quality, affordable health care for every American. -It's a commitment that's paid for in part by efficiencies in our system -that are long overdue. And it's a step we must take if we hope to bring -down our deficit in the years to come. - -Now, there will be many different opinions and ideas about how to -achieve reform, and that's why I'm bringing together businesses and -workers, doctors and health care providers, Democrats and Republicans -to begin work on this issue next week. - -I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. Once again, it -will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy -Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has -weighed down our economy and our conscience long enough. So let there -be no doubt: Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it -will not wait another year. - -The third challenge we must address is the urgent need to expand the -promise of education in America. In a global economy where the most -valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no -longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a prerequisite. Right now, -three-quarters of the fastest growing occupations require more than a -high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that -level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout -rates of any industrialized nation, and half of the students who begin -college never finish. - -This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the -countries that out-teach us today will outcompete us tomorrow. That is -why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every -child has access to a complete and competitive education, from the day -they are born to the day they begin a career. That is a promise we have -to make to the children of America. - -Already, we've made historic investment in education through the -economic recovery plan. We've dramatically expanded early childhood -education and will continue to improve its quality, because we know -that the most formative learning comes in those first years of life. -We've made college affordable for nearly 7 million more students--7 -million. And we have provided the resources necessary to prevent -painful cuts and teacher layoffs that would set back our children's -progress. - -But we know that our schools don't just need more resources, they need -more reform. And that is why this budget creates new teachers--new -incentives for teacher performance, pathways for advancement, and -rewards for success. We'll invest in innovative programs that are -already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps, -and we will expand our commitment to charter schools. - -It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as educators to make this -system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to -participate in it. So tonight I ask every American to commit to at -least 1 year or more of higher education or career training. This can -be community college or a 4-year school, vocational training or an -apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will -need to get more than a high school diploma. - -And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just -quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country, and this country -needs and values the talents of every American. That's why we will -support--we will provide the support necessary for all young Americans -to complete college and meet a new goal. By 2020, America will once -again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. -That is a goal we can meet. That's a goal we can meet. - -Now, I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why -if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to -your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can -afford a higher education. And to encourage a renewed spirit of -national service for this and future generations, I ask Congress to -send me the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin -Hatch, as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can -do for his country, Senator Edward Kennedy. - -These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our -children, but it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the -end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent, -for a mother or father who will attend those parent-teacher conferences -or help with homework or turn off the TV, put away the video games, -read to their child. I speak to you not just as a President, but as a -father, when I say that responsibility for our children's education -must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican -issue; that's an American issue. - -There is, of course, another responsibility we have to our children. -And that's the responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to them -a debt they cannot pay. That is critical. [Applause] I agree, -absolutely. See, I know we can get some consensus in here. [Laughter] -With the deficit we inherited, the cost of the crisis we face, and the -long-term challenges we must meet, it has never been more important to -ensure that as our economy recovers, we do what it takes to bring this -deficit down. That is critical. - -Now, I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks, and I -want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend -reflects only our most important national priorities. - -And yesterday I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit -in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has -also begun to go line by line through the Federal budget in order to -eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. As you can imagine, this -is a process that will take some time. But we have already identified -$2 trillion in savings over the next decade. - -In this budget, we will end education programs that don't work and end -direct payments to large agribusiness that don't need them. We'll -eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq and -reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for cold war-era -weapons systems we don't use. We will root out the waste and fraud and -abuse in our Medicare program that doesn't make our seniors any -healthier. We will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our Tax -Code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our -jobs overseas. - -In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end -the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Now, let me -be clear--let me be absolutely clear, because I know you'll end up -hearing some of the same claims that rolling back these tax breaks -means a massive tax increase on the American people: If your family -earns less than $250,000 a year, a quarter million dollars a year, you -will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one -single dime. In fact--not a dime--in fact, the recovery plan provides a -tax cut--that's right, a tax cut--for 95 percent of working families. -And by the way, these checks are on the way. - -Now, to preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the -growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health -care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come. -And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social -Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all -Americans. - -Finally, because we're also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am -committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our -budget. That is why this budget looks ahead 10 years and accounts for -spending that was left out under the old rules. And for the first time, -that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. For 7 -years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price. - -Along with our outstanding national security team, I'm now carefully -reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way -forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends -this war. - -And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive -strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat Al Qaida and combat -extremism, because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the -American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not -allow it. - -As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch -abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them -and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, -Americans are united in sending one message: We honor your service; we -are inspired by your sacrifice; and you have our unyielding support. - -To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of -our soldiers and marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who -serve, we will raise their pay and give our veterans the expanded -health care and benefits that they have earned. - - -To overcome extremism, we must also be vigilant in upholding the values -our troops defend, because there is no force in the world more powerful -than the example of America. And that is why I have ordered the closing -of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay and will seek swift and -certain justice for captured terrorists. Because living our values -doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger. And -that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or -equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can -make that commitment here tonight. - -In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of -engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats -of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. -We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces -that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the -sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand. - -To seek progress towards a secure and lasting peace between Israel and -her neighbors, we have appointed an envoy to sustain our effort. To -meet the challenges of the 21st century--from terrorism to nuclear -proliferation, from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing -poverty--we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all -elements of our national power. - -And to respond to an economic crisis that is global in scope, we are -working with the nations of the G-20 to restore confidence in our -financial system, avoid the possibility of escalating protectionism, -and spur demand for American goods in markets across the globe. For the -world depends on us having a strong economy, just as our economy -depends on the strength of the world's. - -As we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in -all nations are once again upon us, watching to see what we do with -this moment, waiting for us to lead. Those of us gathered here tonight -have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous -burden, but also a great privilege, one that has been entrusted to few -generations of Americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape -our world for good or for ill. - -I know that it's easy to lose sight of this truth, to become cynical -and doubtful, consumed with the petty and the trivial. But in my life, -I have also learned that hope is found in unlikely places, that -inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, -but from the dreams and aspirations of ordinary Americans who are -anything but ordinary. - -I think of Leonard Abess, a bank president from Miami who reportedly -cashed out of his company, took a $60 million bonus, and gave it out to -all 399 people who worked for him, plus another 72 who used to work for -him. He didn't tell anyone, but when the local newspaper found out, he -simply said, "I knew some of these people since I was 7 years old. It -didn't feel right getting the money myself." - -I think about Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed -by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example -of how clean energy can power an entire community, how it can bring -jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once -lay. "The tragedy was terrible," said one of the men who helped them -rebuild. "But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible -opportunity." - -I think about Ty'Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I -visited in Dillon, South Carolina, a place where the ceilings leak, the -paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a -day because the train barrels by their classroom. She had been told -that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to -the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this -Chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The -letter asks us for help and says: "We are just students trying to -become lawyers, doctors, Congressmen like yourself, and one day -President, so we can make a change to not just the State of South -Carolina, but also the world. We are not quitters." That's what she -said: "We are not quitters." - -These words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of the -people who sent us here. They tell us that even in the most trying -times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a -resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres, a -willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity. -Their resolve must be our inspiration. Their concerns must be our cause. -And we must show them and all our people that we are equal to the task -before us. - -I know--look, I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far. -[Laughter] There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. -But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves -this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. That must be the -starting point for every debate we have in the coming months and where -we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which -the American people expect us to build common ground. - -And if we do, if we come together and lift this Nation from the depths -of this crisis, if we put our people back to work and restart the -engine of our prosperity, if we confront without fear the challenges of -our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not -quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children -that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved -into this very Chamber, "something worthy to be remembered." - -Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of -America. Thank you. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 27, 2010 - - -Madam Speaker, Vice President Biden, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Our Constitution declares that from time -to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the -state of our Union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. -They've done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility, and -they've done so in the midst of war and depression, at moments of great -strife and great struggle. - -It's tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our -progress was inevitable, that America was always destined to succeed. -But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run and the Allies first -landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market -crashed on Black Tuesday and marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the -future was anything but certain. These were the times that tested the -courage of our convictions and the strength of our Union. And despite -all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, -America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one Nation, as -one people. Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's -call. - -One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by a -severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a -Government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum -warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we -acted, immediately and aggressively. And 1 year later, the worst of the -storm has passed. - -But the devastation remains. One in 10 Americans still cannot find work. -Many businesses have shuttered. Home values have declined. Small towns -and rural communities have been hit especially hard. And for those -who'd already known poverty, life's become that much harder. - -This recession has also compounded the burdens that America's families -have been dealing with for decades: the burden of working harder and -longer for less, of being unable to save enough to retire or help kids -with college. - -So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. -These struggles are the reason I ran for President. These struggles are -what I've witnessed for years, in places like Elkhart, Indiana; -Galesburg, Illinois. I hear about them in the letters that I read each -night. The toughest to read are those written by children asking why -they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be -able to go back to work. - -For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. -Some are frustrated, some are angry. They don't understand why it seems -like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main -Street isn't, or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve -any of our problems. They're tired of the partisanship and the shouting -and the pettiness. They know we can't afford it. Not now. - -So we face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people -hope, what they deserve, is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, -to work through our differences, to overcome the numbing weight of our -politics. For while the people who sent us here have different -backgrounds, different stories, different beliefs, the anxieties they -face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared: a job that -pays the bills, a chance to get ahead, most of all, the ability to give -their children a better life. - -And you know what else they share? They share a stubborn resilience in -the face of adversity. After one of the most difficult years in our -history, they remain busy building cars and teaching kids, starting -businesses and going back to school. They're coaching Little League and -helping their neighbors. One woman wrote to me and said, "We are -strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged." - -It's because of this spirit, this great decency and great strength, -that I have never been more hopeful about America's future than I am -tonight. Despite our hardships, our Union is strong. We do not give up. -We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. -In this new decade, it's time the American people get a Government that -matches their decency, that embodies their strength. And tonight I'd -like to talk about how together we can deliver on that promise. - -It begins with our economy. Our most urgent task upon taking office was -to shore up the same banks that helped cause this crisis. It was not -easy to do. And if there's one thing that has unified Democrats and -Republicans and everybody in between, it's that we all hated the bank -bailout. I hated it. I hated it; you hated it. It was about as popular -as a root canal. [Laughter] - -But when I ran for President, I promised I wouldn't just do what was -popular; I would do what was necessary. And if we had allowed the -meltdown of the financial system, unemployment might be double what it -is today. More businesses would certainly have closed. More homes would -have surely been lost. - -So I supported the last administration's efforts to create the -financial rescue program. And when we took that program over, we made -it more transparent and more accountable. And as a result, the markets -are now stabilized, and we've recovered most of the money we spent on -the banks--most but not all. - -To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. Now, I -know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea. But if these firms can afford -to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back -the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need. - -Now, as we stabilized the financial system, we also took steps to get -our economy growing again, save as many jobs as possible, and help -Americans who had become unemployed. That's why we extended or -increased unemployment benefits for more than 18 million Americans, -made health insurance 65 percent cheaper for families who get their -coverage through COBRA, and passed 25 different tax cuts. - -Now, let me repeat: We cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95 percent of -working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for -first-time home buyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for -their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college. -[Applause] I thought I'd get some applause on that one. [Laughter] - -As a result, millions of Americans had more to spend on gas and food -and other necessities, all of which helped businesses keep more workers. -And we haven't raised income taxes by a single dime on a single person- --not a single dime. - -Now, because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans -working right now who would otherwise be unemployed. Two hundred -thousand work in construction and clean energy. Three hundred thousand -are teachers and other education workers. Tens of thousands are cops, -firefighters, correctional officers, first-responders. And we're on -track to add another 1 1/2 million jobs to this total by the end of the -year. - -The plan that has made all of this possible, from the tax cuts to the -jobs, is the Recovery Act. That's right, the Recovery Act, also known -as the stimulus bill. Economists on the left and the right say this -bill has helped save jobs and avert disaster. But you don't have to -take their word for it. Talk to the small business in Phoenix that will -triple its workforce because of the Recovery Act. Talk to the window -manufacturer in Philadelphia who said he used to be skeptical about the -Recovery Act, until he had to add two more work shifts just because of -the business it created. Talk to the single teacher raising two kids -who was told by her principal in the last week of school that because -of the Recovery Act, she wouldn't be laid off after all. - -There are stories like this all across America. And after 2 years of -recession, the economy is growing again. Retirement funds have started -to gain back some of their value. Businesses are beginning to invest -again, and slowly some are starting to hire again. - -But I realize that for every success story, there are other stories, of -men and women who wake up with the anguish of not knowing where their -next paycheck will come from, who send out resumes week after week and -hear nothing in response. That is why jobs must be our number-one focus -in 2010, and that's why I'm calling for a new jobs bill tonight. - -Now, the true engine of job creation in this country will always be -America's businesses. [Applause] I agree, absolutely. But Government -can create the conditions necessary for businesses to expand and hire -more workers. We should start where most new jobs do, in small -businesses, companies that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on -a dream or a worker decides it's time she became her own boss. Through -sheer grit and determination, these companies have weathered the -recession, and they're ready to grow. But when you talk to small- -business owners in places like Allentown, Pennsylvania, or Elyria, Ohio, -you find out that even though banks on Wall Street are lending again, -they're mostly lending to bigger companies. Financing remains difficult -for small-business owners across the country, even those that are -making a profit. - -So tonight I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall -Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small -businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I'm also proposing a -new small business tax credit, one that will go to over 1 million small -businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we're at it, -let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small-business -investment and provide a tax incentive for all large businesses and all -small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment. - -Next, we can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of -tomorrow. From the first railroads to the Interstate Highway System, -our Nation has always been built to compete. There's no reason Europe -or China should have the fastest trains or the new factories that -manufacture clean energy products. Tomorrow I'll visit Tampa, Florida, -where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad -funded by the Recovery Act. There are projects like that all across -this country that will create jobs and help move our Nation's goods, -services, and information. - -We should put more Americans to work building clean energy facilities -and give rebates to Americans who make their homes more energy -efficient, which supports clean energy jobs. And to encourage these and -other businesses to stay within our borders, it is time to finally -slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and give -those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United -States of America. - -Now, the House has passed a jobs bill that includes some of these steps. -As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the -same, and I know they will. They will. People are out of work. They're -hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without -delay. - -But the truth is, these steps won't make up for the 7 million jobs that -we've lost over the last 2 years. The only way to move to full -employment is to lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth and -finally address the problems that America's families have confronted -for years. - -We can't afford another so-called economic expansion like the one from -the last decade, what some call the "lost decade," where jobs grew more -slowly than during any prior expansion, where the income of the average -American household declined while the cost of health care and tuition -reached record highs, where prosperity was built on a housing bubble -and financial speculation. - -From the day I took office, I've been told that addressing our larger -challenges is too ambitious; such an effort would be too contentious. -I've been told that our political system is too gridlocked and that we -should just put things on hold for a while. For those who make these -claims, I have one simple question: How long should we wait? How long -should America put its future on hold? - -You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as -the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China's not waiting to revamp -its economy. Germany's not waiting. India's not waiting. These nations -are--they're not standing still. These nations aren't playing for -second place. They're putting more emphasis on math and science. -They're rebuilding their infrastructure. They're making serious -investments in clean energy because they want those jobs. Well, I do -not accept second place for the United States of America. As hard as it -may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may become, -it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering -our growth. - -Now, one place to start is serious financial reform. Look, I am not -interested in punishing banks. I'm interested in protecting our economy. -A strong, healthy financial market makes it possible for businesses to -access credit and create new jobs. It channels the savings of families -into investments that raise incomes. But that can only happen if we -guard against the same recklessness that nearly brought down our entire -economy. - -We need to make sure consumers and middle class families have the -information they need to make financial decisions. We can't allow -financial institutions, including those that take your deposits, to -take risks that threaten the whole economy. - -Now, the House has already passed financial reform with many of these -changes, and the lobbyists are trying to kill it. But we cannot let -them win this fight. And if the bill that ends up on my desk does not -meet the test of real reform, I will send it back until we get it right. -We've got to get it right. - -Next, we need to encourage American innovation. Last year, we made the -largest investment in basic research funding in history, an investment -that could lead to the world's cheapest solar cells or treatment that -kills cancer cells, but leaves healthy ones untouched. And no area is -more ripe for such innovation than energy. You can see the results of -last year's investments in clean energy in the North Carolina company -that will create 1,200 jobs nationwide helping to make advanced -batteries or in the California business that will put a thousand people -to work making solar panels. - -But to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, -more efficiency, more incentives. And that means building a new -generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It -means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil -and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels -and clean coal technologies. And yes, it means passing a comprehensive -energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean -energy the profitable kind of energy in America. Now, I am grateful to -the House for passing such a bill last year. And this year, I'm eager -to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate. - -I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such -changes in a tough economy. I know that there are those who disagree -with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But here's -the thing: Even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for -energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our -future, because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be -the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that -nation. - -Third, we need to export more of our goods, because the more products -we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right -here in America. So tonight we set a new goal: We will double our -exports over the next 5 years, an increase that will support 2 million -jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a National -Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase -their exports and reform export controls consistent with national -security. - -We have to seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. -If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, -we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. But realizing -those benefits also means enforcing those agreements so our trading -partners play by the rules. And that's why we'll continue to shape a -Doha trade agreement that opens global markets and why we will -strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South -Korea and Panama and Colombia. - -Fourth, we need to invest in the skills and education of our people. -Now, this year, we've broken through the stalemate between left and -right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. And -the idea here is simple: Instead of rewarding failure, we only reward -success. Instead of funding the status quo, we only invest in reform, -reform that raises student achievement, inspires students to excel in -math and science, and turns around failing schools that steal the -future of too many young Americans, from rural communities to the inner -city. In the 21st century, the best antipoverty program around is a -world-class education. And in this country, the success of our children -cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential. When we -renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with -Congress to expand these reforms to all 50 States. - -Still, in this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a -good job. That's why I urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a -bill that will revitalize our community colleges, which are a career -pathway to the children of so many working families. - -To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the -unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. -Instead, let's take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit -for 4 years of college and increase Pell grants. And let's tell another -1 million students that when they graduate, they will be required to -pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans and all of their -debt will be forgiven after 20 years and forgiven after 10 years if -they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of -America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college. -And by the way, it's time for colleges and universities to get serious -about cutting their own costs, because they too have a responsibility -to help solve this problem. - -Now, the price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing the -middle class. That's why last year, I asked Vice President Biden to -chair a task force on middle class families. That's why we're nearly -doubling the childcare tax credit and making it easier to save for -retirement by giving access to every worker a retirement account and -expanding the tax credit for those who start a nest egg. That's why -we're working to lift the value of a family's single largest investment, -their home. The steps we took last year to shore up the housing market -have allowed millions of Americans to take out new loans and save an -average of $1,500 on mortgage payments. This year, we will step up -refinancing so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages. - -And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle class families that -we still need health insurance reform. Yes, we do. - -Now, let's clear a few things up. I didn't choose to tackle this issue -to get some legislative victory under my belt. And by now it should be -fairly obvious that I didn't take on health care because it was good -politics. [Laughter] I took on health care because of the stories I've -heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on -getting coverage, patients who've been denied coverage, families, even -those with insurance, who are just one illness away from financial ruin. - -After nearly a century of trying--Democratic administrations, -Republican administrations--we are closer than ever to bringing more -security to the lives of so many Americans. The approach we've taken -would protect every American from the worst practices of the insurance -industry. It would give small businesses and uninsured Americans a -chance to choose an affordable health care plan in a competitive market. -It would require every insurance plan to cover preventive care. - -And by the way, I want to acknowledge our First Lady, Michelle Obama, -who this year is creating a national movement to tackle the epidemic of -childhood obesity and make kids healthier. [Applause] Thank you, honey. -She gets embarrassed. [Laughter] - -Our approach would preserve the right of Americans who have insurance -to keep their doctor and their plan. It would reduce costs and premiums -for millions of families and businesses. And according to the -Congressional Budget Office, the independent organization that both -parties have cited as the official scorekeeper for Congress, our -approach would bring down the deficit by as much as $1 trillion over -the next two decades. - -Still, this is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more -skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not -explaining it more clearly to the American people. And I know that with -all the lobbying and horse-trading, the process left most Americans -wondering, "What's in it for me?" - -But I also know this problem is not going away. By the time I'm -finished speaking tonight, more Americans will have lost their health -insurance. Millions will lose it this year. Our deficit will grow. -Premiums will go up. Patients will be denied the care they need. Small- -business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not -walk away from these Americans, and neither should the people in this -Chamber. - -So as temperatures cool, I want everyone to take another look at the -plan we've proposed. There's a reason why many doctors, nurses, and -health care experts who know our system best consider this approach a -vast improvement over the status quo. But if anyone from either party -has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the -deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop -insurance company abuses, let me know. Let me know. Let me know. I'm -eager to see it. - -Here's what I ask Congress, though: Don't walk away from reform. Not -now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way to come together and -finish the job for the American people. Let's get it done. Let's get it -done. - -Now, even as health care reform would reduce our deficit, it's not -enough to dig us out of a massive fiscal hole in which we find -ourselves. It's a challenge that makes all others that much harder to -solve and one that's been subject to a lot of political posturing. So -let me start the discussion of Government spending by setting the -record straight. - -At the beginning of the last decade, the year 2000, America had a -budget surplus of over $200 billion. By the time I took office, we had -a 1-year deficit of over $1 trillion and projected deficits of $8 -trillion over the next decade. Most of this was the result of not -paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug -program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a $3 trillion -hole in our budget. All this was before I walked in the door. [Laughter] - -Now--[applause]--just stating the facts. Now, if we had taken office in -ordinary times, I would have liked nothing more than to start bringing -down the deficit. But we took office amid a crisis. And our efforts to -prevent a second depression have added another $1 trillion to our -national debt. That too is a fact. - -I'm absolutely convinced that was the right thing to do. But families -across the country are tightening their belts and making tough -decisions. The Federal Government should do the same. So tonight I'm -proposing specific steps to pay for the trillion dollars that it took -to rescue the economy last year. - -Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze Government spending for 3 -years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, -and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary -Government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work -within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't. -And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will. - -We will continue to go through the budget, line by line, page by page, -to eliminate programs that we can't afford and don't work. We've -already identified $20 billion in savings for next year. To help -working families, we'll extend our middle class tax cuts. But at a time -of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, -for investment fund managers, and for those making over $250,000 a year. -We just can't afford it. - -Now, even after paying for what we spent on my watch, we'll still face -the massive deficit we had when I took office. More importantly, the -cost of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will continue to -skyrocket. That's why I've called for a bipartisan fiscal commission, -modeled on a proposal by Republican Judd Gregg and Democrat Kent Conrad. -This can't be one of those Washington gimmicks that lets us pretend we -solve a problem. The commission will have to provide a specific set of -solutions by a certain deadline. - -Now, yesterday the Senate blocked a bill that would have created this -commission, so I'll issue an Executive order that will allow us to go -forward, because I refuse to pass this problem on to another generation -of Americans. And when the vote comes tomorrow, the Senate should -restore the pay-as-you-go law that was a big reason for why we had -record surpluses in the 1990s. - -Now, I know that some in my own party will argue that we can't address -the deficit or freeze Government spending when so many are still -hurting. And I agree, which is why this freeze won't take effect until -next year, when the economy is stronger. That's how budgeting works. -[Laughter] But understand, if we don't take meaningful steps to rein in -our debt, it could damage our markets, increase the cost of borrowing, -and jeopardize our recovery, all of which would have an even worse -effect on our job growth and family incomes. - -From some on the right, I expect we'll hear a different argument, that -if we just make fewer investments in our people, extend tax cuts, -including those for the wealthier Americans, eliminate more regulations, -maintain the status quo on health care, our deficits will go away. The -problem is, that's what we did for 8 years. That's what helped us into -this crisis. It's what helped lead to these deficits. We can't do it -again. - -Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington -for decades, it's time to try something new. Let's invest in our people -without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility -to the citizens who sent us here. Let's try common sense--[Laughter]--a -novel concept. - -Now, to do that, we have to recognize that we face more than a deficit -of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust, deep and corrosive -doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To -close that credibility gap, we have to take action on both ends of -Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists, to do -our work openly, to give our people the Government they deserve. - -Now, that's what I came to Washington to do. That's why, for the first -time in history, my administration posts on--our White House visitors -online. That's why we've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs or -seats on Federal boards and commissions. But we can't stop there. It's -time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf -of a client, with my administration or with Congress. It's time to put -strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates -for Federal office. - -With all due deference to separation of powers, last week, the Supreme -Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates -for special interests, including foreign corporations, to spend without -limit in our elections. I don't think American elections should be -bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign -entities. They should be decided by the American people. And I'd urge -Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps correct some of -these problems. - -I'm also calling on Congress to continue down the path of earmark -reform, Democrats and Republicans--Democrats and Republicans. Look, -you've trimmed some of this spending, you've embraced some meaningful -change, but restoring the public trust demands more. For example, some -Members of Congress post some earmark requests online. Tonight I'm -calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single web -site before there's a vote so that the American people can see how -their money is being spent. - -Of course, none of these reforms will even happen if we don't also -reform how we work with one another. Now, I'm not naive. I never -thought that the mere fact of my election would usher in peace and -harmony and--[Laughter]--some postpartisan era. I knew that both -parties have fed divisions that are deeply entrenched. And on some -issues, there are simply philosophical differences that will always -cause us to part ways. These disagreements, about the role of -government in our lives, about our national priorities and our national -security, they've been taking place for over 200 years. They're the -very essence of our democracy. - -But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day -is election day. We can't wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal -is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about the other -side, a belief that if you lose, I win. Neither party should delay or -obstruct every single bill just because they can. The confirmation of-- -I'm speaking to both parties now--the confirmation of well-qualified -public servants shouldn't be held hostage to the pet projects or -grudges of a few individual Senators. - -Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no -matter how false, no matter how malicious, is just part of the game. -But it's precisely such politics that has stopped either party from -helping the American people. Worse yet, it's sowing further division -among our citizens, further distrust in our Government. So no, I will -not give up on trying to change the tone of our politics. I know it's -an election year. And after last week, it's clear that campaign fever -has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. - -To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest -majority in decades and the people expect us to solve problems, not run -for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that -60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this -town--a supermajority--then the responsibility to govern is now yours -as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, -but it's not leadership. We were sent here to serve our citizens, not -our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it -together. - -This week, I'll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans. I'd -like to begin monthly meetings with both Democratic and Republican -leadership. I know you can't wait. [Laughter] - -Now, throughout our history, no issue has united this country more than -our security. Sadly, some of the unity we felt after 9/11 has -dissipated. And we can argue all we want about who's to blame for this, -but I'm not interested in relitigating the past. I know that all of us -love this country. All of us are committed to its defense. So let's put -aside the schoolyard taunts about who's tough. Let's reject the false -choice between protecting our people and upholding our values. Let's -leave behind the fear and division and do what it takes to defend our -Nation and forge a more hopeful future for America and for the world. - -That's the work we began last year. Since the day I took office, we've -renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our Nation. We've made -substantial investments in our homeland security and disrupted plots -that threatened to take American lives. We are filling unacceptable -gaps revealed by the failed Christmas attack, with better airline -security and swifter action on our intelligence. We've prohibited -torture and strengthened partnerships from the Pacific to South Asia to -the Arabian Peninsula. And in the last year, hundreds of Al Qaida's -fighters and affiliates, including many senior leaders, have been -captured or killed, far more than in 2008. - -And in Afghanistan, we're increasing our troops and training Afghan -security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011 and -our troops can begin to come home. We will reward good governance, work -to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans, men and -women alike. We're joined by allies and partners who have increased -their own commitments and who will come together tomorrow in London to -reaffirm our common purpose. There will be difficult days ahead, but I -am absolutely confident we will succeed. - -As we take the fight to Al Qaida, we are responsibly leaving Iraq to -its people. As a candidate, I promised that I would end this war, and -that is what I am doing as President. We will have all of our combat -troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. We will support the Iraqi -Government as they hold elections, and we will continue to partner with -the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no -mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home. - -Tonight all of our men and women in uniform, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, -and around the world, they have to know that we--that they have our -respect, our gratitude, our full support. And just as they must have -the resources they need in war, we all have a responsibility to support -them when they come home. That's why we made the largest increase in -investments for veterans in decades last year. That's why we're -building a 21st-century VA. And that's why Michelle has joined with -Jill Biden to forge a national commitment to support military families. - -Now, even as we prosecute two wars, we're also confronting perhaps the -greatest danger to the American people, the threat of nuclear weapons. -I've embraced the vision of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan through a -strategy that reverses the spread of these weapons and seeks a world -without them. To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring -our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations -on the farthest reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades. And -at April's Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring 44 nations together -here in Washington, DC, behind a clear goal: securing all vulnerable -nuclear materials around the world in 4 years so that they never fall -into the hands of terrorists. - -Now, these diplomatic efforts have also strengthened our hand in -dealing with those nations that insist on violating international -agreements in pursuit of nuclear weapons. That's why North Korea now -faces increased isolation and stronger sanctions, sanctions that are -being vigorously enforced. That's why the international community is -more united and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more isolated. And as -Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no -doubt: They too will face growing consequences. That is a promise. - -That's the leadership we are providing: engagement that advances the -common security and prosperity of all people. We're working through the -G-20 to sustain a lasting global recovery. We're working with Muslim -communities around the world to promote science and education and -innovation. We have gone from a bystander to a leader in the fight -against climate change. We're helping developing countries to feed -themselves and continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS. And we are -launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond -faster and more effectively to bioterrorism or an infectious disease, a -plan that will counter threats at home and strengthen public health -abroad. - -As we have for over 60 years, America takes these actions because our -destiny is connected to those beyond our shores. But we also do it -because it is right. That's why, as we meet here tonight, over 10,000 -Americans are working with many nations to help the people of Haiti -recover and rebuild. That's why we stand with the girl who yearns to go -to school in Afghanistan, why we support the human rights of the women -marching through the streets of Iran, why we advocate for the young man -denied a job by corruption in Guinea. For America must always stand on -the side of freedom and human dignity--always. - -Abroad, America's greatest source of strength has always been our -ideals. The same is true at home. We find unity in our incredible -diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: The -notion that we're all created equal; that no matter who you are or what -you look like, if you abide by the law, you should be protected by it; -if you adhere to our common values, you should be treated no different -than anyone else. - -We must continually renew this promise. My administration has a -Division that is once again prosecuting violations and employment -discrimination. We finally strengthened our laws to protect against -crimes driven by hate. This year, I will work with Congress and our -military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right -to serve the country they love because of who they are. It's the right -thing to do. - -We're going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws so that women -get equal pay for an equal day's work. And we should continue the work -of fixing our broken immigration system, to secure our borders and -enforce our laws and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can -contribute to our economy and enrich our Nation. - -In the end, it's our ideals, our values that built America, values that -allowed us to forge a nation made up of immigrants from every corner of -the globe, values that drive our citizens still. Every day, Americans -meet their responsibilities to their families and their employers. Time -and again, they lend a hand to their neighbors and give back to their -country. They take pride in their labor and are generous in spirit. -These aren't Republican values or Democratic values that they're living -by, business values or labor values, they're American values. - -Unfortunately, too many of our citizens have lost faith that our -biggest institutions--our corporations, our media, and, yes, our -Government--still reflect these same values. Each of these institutions -are full of honorable men and women doing important work that helps our -country prosper. But each time a CEO rewards himself for failure or a -banker puts the rest of us at risk for his own selfish gain, people's -doubts grow. Each time lobbyists game the system or politicians tear -each other down instead of lifting this country up, we lose faith. The -more that TV pundits reduce serious debates to silly arguments, big -issues into sound bites, our citizens turn away. No wonder there's so -much cynicism out there. No wonder there's so much disappointment. - -I campaigned on the promise of change. Change we can believe in, the -slogan went. And right now I know there are many Americans who aren't -sure if they still believe we can change or that I can deliver it. - -But remember this: I never suggested that change would be easy or that -I could do it alone. Democracy in a nation of 300 million people can be -noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and -make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That's just how it -is. - -Those of us in public office can respond to this reality by playing it -safe and avoid telling hard truths and pointing fingers. We can do -what's necessary to keep our poll numbers high and get through the next -election, instead of doing what's best for the next generation. - -But I also know this: If people had made that decision 50 years ago or -100 years ago or 200 years ago, we wouldn't be here tonight. The only -reason we are here is because generations of Americans were unafraid to -do what was hard, to do what was needed even when success was uncertain, -to do what it took to keep the dream of this Nation alive for their -children and their grandchildren. - -Now, our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and -some of them were deserved. But I wake up every day knowing that they -are nothing compared to the setbacks that families all across this -country have faced this year. And what keeps me going, what keeps me -fighting, is that despite all these setbacks, that spirit of -determination and optimism, that fundamental decency that has always -been at the core of the American people, that lives on. - -It lives on in the struggling small-business owner who wrote to me of -his company, "None of us," he said, ". . . are willing to consider, -even slightly, that we might fail." It lives on in the woman who said -that even though she and her neighbors have felt the pain of recession, -"We are strong. We are resilient. We are American." It lives on in the -8-year-old boy in Louisiana who just sent me his allowance and asked if -I would give it to the people of Haiti. And it lives on in all the -Americans who've dropped everything to go someplace they've never been -and pull people they've never known from the rubble, prompting chants -of "U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" when another life was saved. - -The spirit that has sustained this Nation for more than two centuries -lives on in you, its people. We have finished a difficult year. We have -come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade -stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this -moment to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our -Union once more. - -Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 25, 2011 - - -Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Tonight I want to begin by congratulating -the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, -John Boehner. And as we mark this occasion, we're also mindful of the -empty chair in this Chamber, and we pray for the health of our -colleague and our friend Gabby Giffords. - -It's no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences -over the last 2 years. The debates have been contentious; we have -fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a -robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation. - -But there's a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the -noise and passion and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us -that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part -of something greater, something more consequential than party or -political preference. - -We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where -every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound -together as one people, that we share common hopes and a common creed, -that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than -those of our own children, that they all deserve the chance to be -fulfilled. That too is what sets us apart as a nation. - -Now, by itself, this simple recognition won't usher in a new era of -cooperation. What comes of this moment is up to us. What comes of this -moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, -but whether we can work together tomorrow. - -I believe we can, and I believe we must. That's what the people who -sent us here expect of us. With their votes, they've determined that -governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties. New laws -will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans. We will -move forward together or not at all, for the challenges we face are -bigger than party and bigger than politics. - -At stake right now is not who wins the next election. After all, we -just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take -root in this country or somewhere else. It's whether the hard work and -industry of our people is rewarded. It's whether we sustain the -leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but the -light to the world. - -We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of -us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back, corporate -profits are up, the economy is growing again. - -But we have never measured progress by these yardsticks alone. We -measure progress by the success of our people, by the jobs they can -find and the quality of life those jobs offer, by the prospects of a -small-business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving -enterprise, by the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to -our children. - -That's the project the American people want us to work on--together. - -Now, we did that in December. Thanks to the tax cuts we passed, -Americans' paychecks are a little bigger today. Every business can -write off the full cost of new investments that they make this year. -And these steps, taken by Democrats and Republicans, will grow the -economy and add to the more than 1 million private sector jobs created -last year. - -But we have to do more. These steps we've taken over the last 2 years -may have broken the back of this recession, but to win the future, -we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making. - -Many people watching tonight can probably remember a time when finding -a good job meant showing up at a nearby factory or a business downtown. -You didn't always need a degree, and your competition was pretty much -limited to your neighbors. If you worked hard, chances are you'd have a -job for life, with a decent paycheck and good benefits and the -occasional promotion. Maybe you'd even have the pride of seeing your -kids work at the same company. - -That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful. I've -seen it in the shuttered windows of once booming factories and the -vacant storefronts on once busy Main Streets. I've heard it in the -frustrations of Americans who've seen their paychecks dwindle or their -jobs disappear, proud men and women who feel like the rules have been -changed in the middle of the game. - -They're right. The rules have changed. In a single generation, -revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work, and -do business. Steel mills that once needed 1,000 workers can now do the -same work with 100. Today, just about any company can set up shop, hire -workers, and sell their products wherever there's an Internet -connection. - -Meanwhile, nations like China and India realized that with some changes -of their own, they could compete in this new world. And so they started -educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on -math and science. They're investing in research and new technologies. -Just recently, China became the home to the world's largest private -solar research facility and the world's fastest computer. - -So yes, the world is changed. The competition for jobs is real. But -this shouldn't discourage us. It should challenge us. Remember, for all -the hits we've taken these last few years, for all the naysayers -predicting our decline, America still has the largest, most prosperous -economy in the world. No workers are more productive than ours. No -country has more successful companies or grants more patents to -inventors and entrepreneurs. We're the home to the world's best -colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any -place on Earth. - -What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an -idea: the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own -destiny. That's why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked -everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize -equations, but answer questions like: "What do you think of that idea? -What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you -grow up?" - -The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can't just stand still. -As Robert Kennedy told us: "The future is not a gift. It is an -achievement." Sustaining the American Dream has never been about -standing pat. It has required each generation to sacrifice and struggle -and meet the demands of a new age. - -And now it's our turn. We know what it takes to compete for the jobs -and industries of our time. We need to outinnovate, outeducate, and -outbuild the rest of the world. We have to make America the best place -on Earth to do business. We need to take responsibility for our deficit -and reform our Government. That's how our people will prosper. That's -how we'll win the future. And tonight I'd like to talk about how we get -there. - -The first step in winning the future is encouraging American innovation. -None of us can predict with certainty what the next big industry will -be or where the new jobs will come from. Thirty years ago, we couldn't -know that something called the Internet would lead to an economic -revolution. What we can do--what America does better than anyone else-- -is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We're the nation -that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of -Edison and the Wright brothers, of Google and Facebook. In America, -innovation doesn't just change our lives. It is how we make our living. - -Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation. But because it's -not always profitable for companies to invest in basic research, -throughout our history, our Government has provided cutting-edge -scientists and inventors with the support that they need. That's what -planted the seeds for the Internet. That's what helped make possible -things like computer chips and GPS. Just think of all the good jobs-- -from manufacturing to retail--that have come from these breakthroughs. - -Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch -of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to -the Moon. The science wasn't even there yet. NASA didn't exist. But -after investing in better research and education, we didn't just -surpass the Soviets, we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new -industries and millions of new jobs. - -This is our generation's Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we -needed to reach a level of research and development we haven't seen -since the height of the space race. And in a few weeks, I will be -sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal. We'll invest -in biomedical research, information technology, and especially clean -energy technology, an investment that will strengthen our security, -protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people. - -Already, we're seeing the promise of renewable energy. Robert and Gary -Allen are brothers who run a small Michigan roofing company. After -September 11, they volunteered their best roofers to help repair the -Pentagon. But half of their factory went unused, and the recession hit -them hard. Today, with the help of a Government loan, that empty space -is being used to manufacture solar shingles that are being sold all -across the country. In Robert's words, "We reinvented ourselves." - -That's what Americans have done for over 200 years: reinvented -ourselves. And to spur on more success stories like the Allen Brothers, -we've begun to reinvent our energy policy. We're not just handing out -money. We're issuing a challenge. We're telling America's scientists -and engineers that if they assemble teams of the best minds in their -fields and focus on the hardest problems in clean energy, we'll fund -the Apollo projects of our time. - -At the California Institute of Technology, they're developing a way to -turn sunlight and water into fuel for our cars. At Oak Ridge National -Laboratory, they're using supercomputers to get a lot more power out of -our nuclear facilities. With more research and incentives, we can break -our dependence on oil with biofuels and become the first country to -have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. - -We need to get behind this innovation. And to help pay for it, I'm -asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we -currently give to oil companies. I don't know if you've noticed, but -they're doing just fine on their own. [Laughter] So instead of -subsidizing yesterday's energy, let's invest in tomorrow's. - -Now, clean energy breakthroughs will only translate into clean energy -jobs if businesses know there will be a market for what they're selling. -So tonight I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, -80 percent of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources. - -Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal, and -natural gas. To meet this goal, we will need them all, and I urge -Democrats and Republicans to work together to make it happen. - -Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to -America's success. But if we want to win the future, if we want -innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas, then we also -have to win the race to educate our kids. - -Think about it. Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs -will require education that goes beyond a high school education. And -yet as many as a quarter of our students aren't even finishing high -school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many -other nations. America has fallen to ninth in the proportion of young -people with a college degree. And so the question is whether all of us, -as citizens and as parents, are willing to do what's necessary to give -every child a chance to succeed. - -That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and -communities. It's family that first instills the love of learning in a -child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework -gets done. We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of -the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the -science fair. We need to teach them that success is not a function of -fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline. - -Our schools share this responsibility. When a child walks into a -classroom, it should be a place of high expectations and high -performance. But too many schools don't meet this test. That's why -instead of just pouring money into a system that's not working, we -launched a competition called Race to the Top. To all 50 States, we -said, "If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher -quality and student achievement, we'll show you the money." - -Race to the Top is the most meaningful reform of our public schools in -a generation. For less than 1 percent of what we spend on education -each year, it has led over 40 States to raise their standards for -teaching and learning. And these standards were developed, by the way, -not by Washington, but by Republican and Democratic Governors -throughout the country. And Race to the Top should be the approach we -follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that's -more flexible and focused on what's best for our kids. - -You see, we know what's possible from our children when reform isn't -just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals, -school boards and communities. Take a school like Bruce Randolph in -Denver. Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in -Colorado, located on turf between two rival gangs. But last May, 97 -percent of the seniors received their diploma. Most will be the first -in their families to go to college. And after the first year of the -school's transformation, the principal who made it possible wiped away -tears when a student said, "Thank you, Ms. Waters, for showing that we -are smart and we can make it." That's what good schools can do, and we -want good schools all across the country. - -Let's also remember that after parents, the biggest impact on a child's -success comes from the man or woman at the front of the classroom. In -South Korea, teachers are known as nation builders. Here in America, -it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same -level of respect. We want to reward good teachers and stop making -excuses for bad ones. And over the next 10 years, with so many baby -boomers retiring from our classrooms, we want to prepare 100,000 new -teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering and -math. - -In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating -their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of -our Nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, -become a teacher. Your country needs you. - -Of course, the education race doesn't end with a high school diploma. -To compete, higher education must be within the reach of every American. -That's why we've ended the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that went to -banks and used the savings to make college affordable for millions of -students. And this year, I ask Congress to go further and make -permanent our tuition tax credit, worth $10,000 for 4 years of college. -It's the right thing to do. - -Because people need to be able to train for new jobs and careers in -today's fast-changing economy, we're also revitalizing America's -community colleges. Last month, I saw the promise of these schools at -Forsyth Tech in North Carolina. Many of the students there used to work -in the surrounding factories that have since left town. One mother of -two, a woman named Kathy Proctor, had worked in the furniture industry -since she was 18 years old. And she told me she's earning her degree in -biotechnology now, at 55 years old, not just because the furniture jobs -are gone, but because she wants to inspire her children to pursue their -dreams too. As Kathy said, "I hope it tells them to never give up." - -If we take these steps, if we raise expectations for every child and -give them the best possible chance at an education, from the day they -are born until the last job they take, we will reach the goal that I -set 2 years ago: By the end of the decade, America will once again have -the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. - -One last point about education: Today, there are hundreds of thousands -of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. -Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do -with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge -allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of -deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and -universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them -back home to compete against us. It makes no sense. - -Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the -issue of illegal immigration. And I am prepared to work with -Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws, and -address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the -shadows. I know that debate will be difficult. I know it will take time. -But tonight, let's agree to make that effort. And let's stop expelling -talented, responsible young people who could be staffing our research -labs or starting a new business, who could be further enriching this -Nation. - -The third step in winning the future is rebuilding America. To attract -new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways -to move people, goods, and information, from high-speed rail to high- -speed Internet. - -Our infrastructure used to be the best, but our lead has slipped. South -Korean homes now have greater Internet access than we do. Countries in -Europe and Russia invest more in their roads and railways than we do. -China is building faster trains and newer airports. Meanwhile, when our -own engineers graded our Nation's infrastructure, they gave us a D. - -We have to do better. America is the nation that built the -transcontinental railroad, brought electricity to rural communities, -constructed the Interstate Highway System. The jobs created by these -projects didn't just come from laying down track or pavement. They came -from businesses that opened near a town's new train station or the new -off-ramp. - -So over the last 2 years, we've begun rebuilding for the 21st century, -a project that has meant thousands of good jobs for the hard-hit -construction industry. And tonight I'm proposing that we redouble those -efforts. - -We'll put more Americans to work repairing crumbling roads and bridges. -We'll make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and -pick projects based [on]* what's best for the economy, not politicians. - -Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80 percent of Americans access to -high-speed rail. This could allow you to go places in half the time it -takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying, -without the pat-down. [Laughter] As we speak, routes in California and -the Midwest are already underway. - -Within the next 5 years, we'll make it possible for businesses to -deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98 -percent of all Americans. This isn't just about--this isn't about -faster Internet or fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every -part of America to the digital age. It's about a rural community in -Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small-business owners will be able to -sell their products all over the world. It's about a firefighter who -can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device, a -student who can take classes with a digital textbook, or a patient who -can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor. - -All these investments--in innovation, education, and infrastructure-- -will make America a better place to do business and create jobs. But to -help our companies compete, we also have to knock down barriers that -stand in the way of their success. - -For example, over the years, a parade of lobbyists has rigged the Tax -Code to benefit particular companies and industries. Those with -accountants or lawyers to work the system can end up paying no taxes at -all. But all the rest are hit with one of the highest corporate tax -rates in the world. It makes no sense, and it has to change. - -So tonight I'm asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system, -get rid of the loopholes, level the playing field, and use the savings -to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years without -adding to our deficit. It can be done. - -To help businesses sell more products abroad, we set a goal of doubling -our exports by 2014. Because the more we export, the more jobs we -create here at home. Already, our exports are up. Recently, we signed -agreements with India and China that will support more than 250,000 -jobs here in the United States. And last month, we finalized a trade -agreement with South Korea that will support at least 70,000 American -jobs. This agreement has unprecedented support from business and labor, -Democrats and Republicans, and I ask this Congress to pass it as soon -as possible. - -Now, before I took office, I made it clear that we would enforce our -trade agreements and that I would only sign deals that keep faith with -American workers and promote American jobs. That's what we did with -Korea, and that's what I intend to do as we pursue agreements with -Panama and Colombia and continue our Asia-Pacific and global trade -talks. - -To reduce barriers to growth and investment, I've ordered a review of -Government regulations. When we find rules that put an unnecessary -burden on businesses, we will fix them. But I will not hesitate to -create or enforce commonsense safeguards to protect the American people. -That's what we've done in this country for more than a century. It's -why our food is safe to eat, our water is safe to drink, and our air is -safe to breathe. It's why we have speed limits and child labor laws. -It's why last year, we put in place consumer protections against hidden -fees and penalties by credit card companies and new rules to prevent -another financial crisis. And it's why we passed reform that finally -prevents the health insurance industry from exploiting patients. - -Now, I have heard rumors that a few of you still have concerns about -our new health care law. [Laughter] So let me be the first to say that -anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this -law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with -you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation -that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses. - -What I'm not willing to do--what I'm not willing to do--is go back to -the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because -of a preexisting condition. - -I'm not willing to tell James Howard, a brain cancer patient from Texas, -that his treatment might not be covered. I'm not willing to tell Jim -Houser, a small-businessman from Oregon, that he has to go back to -paying $5,000 more to cover his employees. As we speak, this law is -making prescription drugs cheaper for seniors and giving uninsured -students a chance to stay on their patients'--parents' coverage. - -So I say to this Chamber tonight: Instead of refighting the battles of -the last 2 years, let's fix what needs fixing, and let's move forward. - -Now, the final critical step in winning the future is to make sure we -aren't buried under a mountain of debt. - -We are living with a legacy of deficit spending that began almost a -decade ago. And in the wake of the financial crisis, some of that was -necessary to keep credit flowing, save jobs, and put money in people's -pockets. - -But now that the worst of the recession is over, we have to confront -the fact that our Government spends more than it takes in. That is not -sustainable. Every day, families sacrifice to live within their means. -They deserve a Government that does the same. - -So tonight I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual -domestic spending for the next 5 years. Now, this would reduce the -deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade and will bring -discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight -Eisenhower was President. - -This freeze will require painful cuts. Already, we've frozen the -salaries of hard-working Federal employees for the next 2 years. I've -proposed cuts to things I care deeply about, like community action -programs. The Secretary of Defense has also agreed to cut tens of -billions of dollars in spending that he and his generals believe our -military can do without. - -Now, I recognize that some in this Chamber have already proposed deeper -cuts, and I'm willing to eliminate whatever we can honestly afford to -do without. But let's make sure that we're not doing it on the backs of -our most vulnerable citizens. And let's make sure that what we're -cutting is really excess weight. Cutting the deficit by gutting our -investments in innovation and education is like lightening an -overloaded airplane by removing its engine. It may make you feel like -you're flying high at first, but it won't take long before you feel the -impact. [Laughter] - -Now, most of the cuts and savings I've proposed only address annual -domestic spending, which represents a little more than 12 percent of -our budget. To make further progress, we have to stop pretending that -cutting this kind of spending alone will be enough. It won't. - -The bipartisan fiscal commission I created last year made this crystal -clear. I don't agree with all their proposals, but they made important -progress. And their conclusion is that the only way to tackle our -deficit is to cut excessive spending wherever we find it, in domestic -spending, defense spending, health care spending, and spending through -tax breaks and loopholes. - -This means further reducing health care costs, including programs like -Medicare and Medicaid, which are the single biggest contributor to our -long-term deficit. The health insurance law we passed last year will -slow these rising costs, which is part of the reason that nonpartisan -economists have said that repealing the health care law would add a -quarter of a trillion dollars to our deficit. Still, I'm willing to -look at other ideas to bring down costs, including one that Republicans -suggested last year: medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous -lawsuits. - -To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to -strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it -without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or -people with disabilities, without slashing benefits for future -generations, and without subjecting Americans' guaranteed retirement -income to the whims of the stock market. - -And if we truly care about our deficit, we simply can't afford a -permanent extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of -Americans. Before we take money away from our schools or scholarships -away from our students, we should ask millionaires to give up their tax -break. It's not a matter of punishing their success, it's about -promoting America's success. - -In fact, the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to -simplify the individual Tax Code. This will be a tough job, but members -of both parties have expressed an interest in doing this, and I am -prepared to join them. - -So now is the time to act. Now is the time for both sides and both -Houses of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, to forge a principled -compromise that gets the job done. If we make the hard choices now to -rein in our deficits, we can make the investments we need to win the -future. - -Let me take this one step further. We shouldn't just give our people a -Government that's more affordable, we should give them a Government -that's more competent and more efficient. We can't win the future with -a Government of the past. - -We live and do business in the Information Age, but the last major -reorganization of the Government happened in the age of black-and-white -TV. There are 12 different agencies that deal with exports. There are -at least five different agencies that deal with housing policy. Then -there's my favorite example: The Interior Department is in charge of -salmon while they're in fresh water, but the Commerce Department -handles them when they're in saltwater. [Laughter] I hear it gets even -more complicated once they're smoked. [Laughter] - -Now, we've made great strides over the last 2 years in using technology -and getting rid of waste. Veterans can now download their electronic -medical records with a click of the mouse. We're selling acres of -Federal office space that hasn't been used in years, and we'll cut -through redtape to get rid of more. But we need to think bigger. In the -coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, -consolidate, and reorganize the Federal Government in a way that best -serves the goal of a more competitive America. I will submit that -proposal to Congress for a vote, and we will push to get it passed. - -In the coming year, we'll also work to rebuild people's faith in the -institution of Government. Because you deserve to know exactly how and -where your tax dollars are being spent, you'll be able to go to a web -site and get that information for the very first time in history. -Because you deserve to know when your elected officials are meeting -with lobbyists, I ask Congress to do what the White House has already -done: put that information online. And because the American people -deserve to know that special interests aren't larding up legislation -with pet projects, both parties in Congress should know this: If a bill -comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it. I will veto it. - -The 21st-century Government that's open and competent, a government -that lives within its means, an economy that's driven by new skills and -new ideas--our success in this new and changing world will require -reform, responsibility, and innovation. It will also require us to -approach that world with a new level of engagement in our foreign -affairs. - -Just as jobs and businesses can now race across borders, so can new -threats and new challenges. No single wall separates East and West. No -one rival superpower is aligned against us. - -And so we must defeat determined enemies, wherever they are, and build -coalitions that cut across lines of region and race and religion. And -America's moral example must always shine for all who yearn for freedom -and justice and dignity. And because we've begun this work, tonight we -can say that American leadership has been renewed and America's -standing has been restored. - -Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left -with their heads held high. American combat patrols have ended, -violence is down, and a new Government has been formed. This year, our -civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while -we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America's -commitment has been kept. The Iraq war is coming to an end. - -Of course, as we speak, Al Qaida and their affiliates continue to plan -attacks against us. Thanks to our intelligence and law enforcement -professionals, we're disrupting plots and securing our cities and skies. -And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, -we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect -for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are -a part of our American family. - -We've also taken the fight to Al Qaida and their allies abroad. In -Afghanistan, our troops have taken Taliban strongholds and trained -Afghan security forces. Our purpose is clear: By preventing the Taliban -from reestablishing a stranglehold over the Afghan people, we will deny -Al Qaida the safe haven that served as a launching pad for 9/11. - -Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the -control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead, and the -Afghan Government will need to deliver better governance. But we are -strengthening the capacity of the Afghan people and building an -enduring partnership with them. This year, we will work with nearly 50 -countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead, and this July, we -will begin to bring our troops home. - -In Pakistan, Al Qaida's leadership is under more pressure than at any -point since 2001. Their leaders and operatives are being removed from -the battlefield. Their safe havens are shrinking. And we've sent a -message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of -the globe: We will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat -you. - -American leadership can also be seen in the effort to secure the worst -weapons of war. Because Republicans and Democrats approved the new -START Treaty, far fewer nuclear weapons and launchers will be deployed. -Because we rallied the world, nuclear materials are being locked down -on every continent so they never fall into the hands of terrorists. - -Because of a diplomatic effort to insist that Iran meet its obligations, -the Iranian Government now faces tougher sanctions, tighter sanctions -than ever before. And on the Korean Peninsula, we stand with our ally -South Korea and insist that North Korea keeps its commitment to abandon -nuclear weapons. - -This is just a part of how we're shaping a world that favors peace and -prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO and increased -our cooperation on everything from counterterrorism to missile defense. -We've reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, -built new partnerships with nations like India. - -This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge -new alliances across the Americas. Around the globe, we're standing -with those who take responsibility, helping farmers grow more food, -supporting doctors who care for the sick, and combating the corruption -that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity. - -Recent events have shown us that what sets us apart must not just be -our power; it must also be the purpose behind it. In south Sudan--with -our assistance--the people were finally able to vote for independence -after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in -the streets. One man who lost four of his brothers at war summed up the -scene around him. "This was a battlefield for most of my life," he said. -"Now we want to be free." - -And we saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of -the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And -tonight let us be clear: The United States of America stands with the -people of Tunisia and supports the democratic aspirations of all people. - -We must never forget that the things we've struggled for and fought for -live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember -that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle -are the men and women who serve our country. - -Tonight let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our Nation is -united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them -as well as they've served us, by giving them the equipment they need, -by providing them with the care and benefits that they have earned, and -by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own Nation. - -Our troops come from every corner of this country. They're Black, White, -Latino, Asian, Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish -and Muslim. And yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this -year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love -because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all our -college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and -ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It -is time to move forward as one Nation. - -We should have no illusions about the work ahead of us. Reforming our -schools, changing the way we use energy, reducing our deficit, none of -this will be easy. All of it will take time. And it will be harder -because we will argue about everything: the costs, the details, the -letter of every law. - -Of course, some countries don't have this problem. If the central -government wants a railroad, they build a railroad, no matter how many -homes get bulldozed. If they don't want a bad story in the newspaper, -it doesn't get written. - -And yet, as contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can -sometimes be, I know there isn't a person here who would trade places -with any other nation on Earth. - -We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights -enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we -believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can -make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe -in the same dream that says this is a country where anything is -possible, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from. - -That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight. That dream is -why a working class kid from Scranton can sit behind me. [Laughter] -That dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his -father's Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the -greatest nation on Earth. - -That dream--that American Dream--is what drove the Allen Brothers to -reinvent their roofing company for a new era. It's what drove those -students at Forsyth Tech to learn a new skill and work towards the -future. And that dream is the story of a small-business owner named -Brandon Fisher. - -Brandon started a company in Berlin, Pennsylvania, that specializes in -a new kind of drilling technology. And one day last summer, he saw the -news that halfway across the world, 33 men were trapped in a Chilean -mine, and no one knew how to save them. - -But Brandon thought his company could help. And so he designed a rescue -that would come to be known as Plan B. His employees worked around the -clock to manufacture the necessary drilling equipment, and Brandon left -for Chile. - -Along with others, he began drilling a 2,000-foot hole into the ground, -working 3 or 4 hour--3 or 4 days at a time without any sleep. Thirty- -seven days later, Plan B succeeded and the miners were rescued. But -because he didn't want all of the attention, Brandon wasn't there when -the miners emerged. He'd already gone back home, back to work on his -next project. - -And later, one of his employees said of the rescue, "We proved that -Center Rock is a little company, but we do big things." - -We do big things. - -From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of -ordinary people who dare to dream. That's how we win the future. - -We're a nation that says, "I might not have a lot of money, but I have -this great idea for a new company." "I might not come from a family of -college graduates, but I will be the first to get my degree." "I might -not know those people in trouble, but I think I can help them, and I -need to try." "I'm not sure how we'll reach that better place beyond -the horizon, but I know we'll get there. I know we will." - -We do big things. - -The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And -tonight, more than two centuries later, it's because of our people that -our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our -Union is strong. - -Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of -America. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 24, 2012 - - -Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, distinguished -guests, and fellow Americans: Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force -Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. -Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which -more than a million of our fellow citizens fought and several thousand -gave their lives. - -We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the -United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first -time in 9 years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first -time in two decades, Usama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. -Most of Al Qaida's top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban's -momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to -come home. - -These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and -teamwork of America's Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our -institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They're -not consumed with personal ambition. They don't obsess over their -differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together. - -Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example. Think -about the America within our reach: a country that leads the world in -educating its people; an America that attracts a new generation of -high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs; a future where we're in -control of our own energy and our security and prosperity aren't so -tied to unstable parts of the world; an economy built to last, where -hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded. - -We can do this. I know we can, because we've done it before. At the end -of World War II, when another generation of heroes returned home from -combat, they built the strongest economy and middle class the world has -ever known. My grandfather, a veteran of Patton's army, got the chance -to go to college on the GI bill. My grandmother, who worked on a bomber -assembly line, was part of a workforce that turned out the best -products on Earth. - -The two of them shared the optimism of a nation that had triumphed over -a depression and fascism. They understood they were part of something -larger, that they were contributing to a story of success that every -American had a chance to share, the basic American promise that if you -worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, -send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement. - -The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No -challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either -settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well -while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an -economy where everyone gets a fair shot and everyone does their fair -share and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What's at stake -aren't Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. And -we have to reclaim them. - -Let's remember how we got here. Long before the recession, jobs and -manufacturing began leaving our shores. Technology made businesses more -efficient, but also made some jobs obsolete. Folks at the top saw their -incomes rise like never before, but most hard-working Americans -struggled with costs that were growing, paychecks that weren't, and -personal debt that kept piling up. - -In 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We learned that mortgages had -been sold to people who couldn't afford or understand them. Banks had -made huge bets and bonuses with other people's money. Regulators had -looked the other way or didn't have the authority to stop the bad -behavior. - -It was wrong, it was irresponsible, and it plunged our economy into a -crisis that put millions out of work, saddled us with more debt, and -left innocent, hard-working Americans holding the bag. In the 6 months -before I took office, we lost nearly 4 million jobs. And we lost -another 4 million before our policies were in full effect. - -Those are the facts. But so are these: In the last 22 months, -businesses have created more than 3 million jobs. Last year, they -created the most jobs since 2005. American manufacturers are hiring -again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. Together, -we've agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion. And we've put -in place new rules to hold Wall Street accountable so a crisis like -this never happens again. - -The state of our Union is getting stronger. And we've come too far to -turn back now. As long as I'm President, I will work with anyone in -this Chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight -obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the -very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first -place. - -No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, -and phony financial profits. Tonight I want to speak about how we move -forward and lay out a blueprint for an economy that's built to last, an -economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for -American workers, and a renewal of American values. - -Now, this blueprint begins with American manufacturing. - -On the day I took office, our auto industry was on the verge of -collapse. Some even said we should let it die. With a million jobs at -stake, I refused to let that happen. In exchange for help, we demanded -responsibility. We got workers and automakers to settle their -differences. We got the industry to retool and restructure. Today, -General Motors is back on top as the world's number-one automaker. -Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford -is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the -entire industry added nearly a hundred and sixty thousand jobs. - -We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, -the American auto industry is back. - -What's happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can -happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can't bring every -job back that's left our shore. But right now it's getting more -expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is -more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that -it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for -the first time in 15 years, Master Lock's unionized plant in Milwaukee -is running at full capacity. - - -So we have a huge opportunity at this moment to bring manufacturing -back. But we have to seize it. Tonight my message to business leaders -is simple: Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your -country, and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed. - -We should start with our Tax Code. Right now companies get tax breaks -for moving jobs and profits overseas. Meanwhile, companies that choose -to stay in America get hit with one of the highest tax rates in the -world. It makes no sense, and everyone knows it. So let's change it. - -First, if you're a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn't -get a tax deduction for doing it. That money should be used to cover -moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring -jobs home. - -Second, no American company should be able to avoid paying its fair -share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every -multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every -penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to -stay here and hire here in America. - -Third, if you're an American manufacturer, you should get a bigger tax -cut. If you're a high-tech manufacturer, we should double the tax -deduction you get for making your products here. And if you want to -relocate in a community that was hit hard when a factory left town, you -should get help financing a new plant, equipment, or training for new -workers. - -So my message is simple: It is time to stop rewarding businesses that -ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs -right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I will sign them -right away. - -We're also making it easier for American businesses to sell products -all over the world. Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S. -exports over 5 years. With the bipartisan trade agreements we signed -into law, we're on track to meet that goal ahead of schedule. And soon -there will be millions of new customers for American goods in Panama, -Colombia, and South Korea. Soon there will be new cars on the streets -of Seoul imported from Detroit and Toledo and Chicago. - -I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American -products. And I will not stand by when our competitors don't play by -the rules. We've brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the -rate as the last administration, and it's made a difference. Over a -thousand Americans are working today because we stopped a surge in -Chinese tires. But we need to do more. It's not right when another -country lets our movies, music, and software be pirated. It's not fair -when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they're -heavily subsidized. - -Tonight I'm announcing the creation of a trade enforcement unit that -will be charged with investigating unfair trading practices in -countries like China. There will be more inspections to prevent -counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this -Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over -American manufacturing when it comes to accessing financing or new -markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and -if the playing field is level, I promise you, America will always win. - -I also hear from many business leaders who want to hire in the United -States, but can't find workers with the right skills. Growing -industries in science and technology have twice as many openings as we -have workers who can do the job. Think about that: openings at a time -when millions of Americans are looking for work. It's inexcusable, and -we know how to fix it. - -Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from -her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in -Charlotte and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community -College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and -robotics training. It paid Jackie's tuition, then hired her to help -operate their plant. - -I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as -Jackie did. Join me in a national commitment to train 2 million -Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My -administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. -Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community -colleges in places like Charlotte and Orlando and Louisville are up and -running. Now you need to give more community colleges the resources -they need to become community career centers, places that teach people -skills that businesses are looking for right now, from data management -to high-tech manufacturing. - -And I want to cut through the maze of confusing training programs so -that from now on, people like Jackie have one program, one web site, -and one place to go for all the information and help that they need. It -is time to turn our unemployment system into a reemployment system that -puts people to work. - -These reforms will help people get jobs that are open today. But to -prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and -education has to start earlier. - -For less than 1 percent of what our Nation spends on education each -year, we've convinced nearly every State in the country to raise their -standards for teaching and learning, the first time that's happened in -a generation. But challenges remain, and we know how to solve them. - -At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight -budgets have forced States to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a -good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over -$250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child -who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this Chamber can -point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most -teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their -own pocket for school supplies, just to make a difference. - -Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them or defending the status quo, -let's offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good -teachers on the job and reward the best ones. And in return, grant -schools flexibility to teach with creativity and passion, to stop -teaching to the test, and to replace teachers who just aren't helping -kids learn. That's a bargain worth making. - -We also know that when students don't walk away from their education, -more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. When students are not -allowed to drop out, they do better. So tonight I am proposing that -every State--every State--requires that all students stay in high school -until they graduate or turn 18. - -When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of -college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit -card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student -loans from doubling in July. - -Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves millions of middle -class families thousands of dollars and give more young people the -chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of -work-study jobs in the next 5 years. - -Of course, it's not enough for us to increase student aid. We can't -just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we'll run out of money. -States also need to do their part by making higher education a higher -priority in their budgets. And colleges and universities have to do -their part by working to keep costs down. - -Recently, I spoke with a group of college presidents who have done just -that. Some schools redesign courses to help students finish more -quickly. Some use better technology. The point is, it's possible. So -let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can't stop -tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. -Higher education can't be a luxury. It is an economic imperative that -every family in America should be able to afford. - -Let's also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hard- -working students in this country face another challenge: the fact that -they aren't yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small -children, are American through and through, yet they live every day -with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study -business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their -degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs -somewhere else. That doesn't make sense. - -I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal -immigration. That's why my administration has put more boots on the -border than ever before. That's why there are fewer illegal crossings -than when I took office. The opponents of action are out of excuses. We -should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. - -But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a -comprehensive plan, let's at least agree to stop expelling responsible -young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, defend -this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their -citizenship. I will sign it right away. - -You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent -and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should -earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone -who's willing to work and every risk taker and entrepreneur who aspires -to become the next Steve Jobs. - -After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new -jobs are created in startups and small businesses. So let's pass an -agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent -aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax -relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good -jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill and get -it on my desk this year. - -Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking -place in our federally financed labs and universities could lead to new -treatments that kill cancer cells, but leave healthy ones untouched, -new lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. -Don't gut these investments in our budget. Don't let other countries -win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and -innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet, to new -American jobs and new American industries. - -And nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made -energy. Over the last 3 years, we've opened millions of new acres for -oil and gas exploration, and tonight I'm directing my administration to -open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas -resources. Right now--right now--American oil production is the highest -that it's been in 8 years. That's right, 8 years. Not only that, last -year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past 16 years. - -But with only 2 percent of the world's oil reserves, oil isn't enough. -This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops -every available source of American energy, a strategy that's cleaner, -cheaper, and full of new jobs. - -We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years. -And my administration will take every possible action to safely develop -this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs -by the end of the decade. And I'm requiring all companies that drill -for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. Because -America will develop this resource without putting the health and -safety of our citizens at risk. - -The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and -factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don't have to -choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was -public research dollars, over the course of 30 years, that helped -develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale -rock, reminding us that Government support is critical in helping -businesses get new energy ideas off the ground. - -Now, what's true for natural gas is just as true for clean energy. In 3 -years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned -America to be the world's leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. -Because of Federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled, -and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it. - -When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said -he worried that at 55 no one would give him a second chance. But he -found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before -the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it's hiring -workers like Bryan, who said, "I'm proud to be working in the industry -of the future." - -Our experience with shale gas, our experience with natural gas, shows -us that the payoffs on these public investments don't always come right -away. Some technologies don't pan out, some companies fail. But I will -not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away -from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery -industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same -commitment here. - -We've subsidized oil companies for a century. That's long enough. It's -time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that rarely has been -more profitable and double down on a clean energy industry that never -has been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits. Create these -jobs. - -We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences -in this Chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan -to fight climate change. But there's no reason why Congress shouldn't -at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for -innovation. So far, you haven't acted. Well, tonight I will. I'm -directing my administration to allow the development of clean energy on -enough public land to power 3 million homes. And I'm proud to announce -that the Department of Defense, working with us, the world's largest -consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean -energy in history, with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a -quarter of a million homes a year. - -Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So -here's a proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their -factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. -Their energy bills will be a hundred billion dollars lower over the -next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, -more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that -creates these jobs. - -Building this new energy future should be just one part of a broader -agenda to repair America's infrastructure. So much of America needs to -be rebuilt. We've got crumbling roads and bridges, a power grid that -wastes too much energy, an incomplete high-speed broadband network that -prevents a small-business owner in rural America from selling her -products all over the world. - -During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the -Golden Gate Bridge. After World War II, we connected our States with a -system of highways. Democratic and Republican administrations invested -in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built -them to the businesses that still use them today. - -In the next few weeks, I will sign an Executive order clearing away the -redtape that slows down too many construction projects. But you need to -fund these projects. Take the money we're no longer spending at war, -use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some -nation-building right here at home. - -There's never been a better time to build, especially since the -construction industry was one of the hardest hit when the housing -bubble burst. Of course, construction workers weren't the only ones who -were hurt. So were millions of innocent Americans who've seen their -home values decline. And while Government can't fix the problem on its -own, responsible homeowners shouldn't have to sit and wait for the -housing market to hit bottom to get some relief. - -And that's why I'm sending this Congress a plan that gives every -responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their -mortgage by refinancing at historically low rates. No more redtape. No -more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial -institutions will ensure that it won't add to the deficit and will give -those banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit -of trust. - -Let's never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the -rules every day deserve a Government and a financial system that do the -same. It's time to apply the same rules from top to bottom. No bailouts, -no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on -responsibility from everybody. - -We've all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who -couldn't afford them and buyers who knew they couldn't afford them. -That's why we need smart regulations to prevent irresponsible behavior. -Rules to prevent financial fraud or toxic dumping or faulty medical -devices, these don't destroy the free market. They make the free market -work better. - -There's no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary, or -too costly. In fact, I've approved fewer regulations in the first 3 -years of my Presidency than my Republican predecessor did in his. I've -ordered every Federal agency to eliminate rules that don't make sense. -We've already announced over 500 reforms, and just a fraction of them -will save business and citizens more than $10 billion over the next 5 -years. We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced -some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they could -contain a spill, because milk was somehow classified as an oil. With a -rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk. -[Laughter] - -Now, I'm confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a Federal -agency looking over his shoulder. Absolutely. But I will not back down -from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we -saw in the Gulf 2 years ago. I will not back down from protecting our -kids from mercury poisoning or making sure that our food is safe and -our water is clean. I will not go back to the days when health -insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny -your coverage, or charge women differently than men. - -And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play -by its own set of rules. The new rules we passed restore what should be -any financial system's core purpose: getting funding to entrepreneurs -with the best ideas and getting loans to responsible families who want -to buy a home or start a business or send their kids to college. - -So if you are a big bank or financial institution, you're no longer -allowed to make risky bets with your customers' deposits. You're -required to write out a "living will" that details exactly how you'll -pay the bills if you fail, because the rest of us are not bailing you -out ever again. And if you're a mortgage lender or a payday lender or a -credit card company, the days of signing people up for products they -can't afford with confusing forms and deceptive practices, those days -are over. Today, American consumers finally have a watchdog in Richard -Cordray, with one job: to look out for them. - -We'll also establish a financial crimes unit of highly trained -investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people's -investments. Some financial firms violate major antifraud laws because -there's no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That's bad for -consumers, and it's bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial -service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that -makes the penalties for fraud count. - -And tonight I'm asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of -Federal prosecutors and leading State attorney general to expand our -investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky -mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold -accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, -and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many -Americans. - -Now, a return to the American values of fair play and shared -responsibility will help protect our people and our economy. But it -should also guide us as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our -future. - -Right now our most immediate priority is stopping a tax hike on a -hundred and sixty million working Americans while the recovery is still -fragile. People cannot afford losing $40 out of each paycheck this year. -There are plenty of ways to get this done. So let's agree right here, -right now. No side issues. No drama. Pass the payroll tax cut without -delay. Let's get it done. - -When it comes to the deficit, we've already agreed to more than $2 -trillion in cuts and savings. But we need to do more, and that means -making choices. Right now we're poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more -on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 -percent of Americans. Right now because of loopholes and shelters in -the Tax Code, a quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than -millions of middle class households. Right now Warren Buffett pays a -lower tax rate than his secretary. - -Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do -we want to keep our investments in everything else, like education and -medical research, a strong military and care for our veterans? Because -if we're serious about paying down our debt, we can't do both. - -The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told -the Speaker this summer, I'm prepared to make more reforms that rein in -the long-term costs of Medicare and Medicaid and strengthen Social -Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for -seniors. But in return, we need to change our Tax Code so that people -like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of -taxes. - -Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule. If you make more than a -million dollars a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in -taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should -stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you're earning a million -dollars a year, you shouldn't get special tax subsidies or deductions. -On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent -of American families, your taxes shouldn't go up. You're the ones -struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You're the ones who -need relief. - -Now, you can call this class warfare all you want. But asking a -billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most -Americans would call that common sense. - -We don't begrudge financial success in this country. We admire it. When -Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it's -not because they envy the rich. It's because they understand that when -I get a tax break I don't need and the country can't afford, it either -adds to the deficit or somebody else has to make up the difference, -like a senior on a fixed income or a student trying to get through -school or a family trying to make ends meet. That's not right. -Americans know that's not right. They know that this generation's -success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility -to each other and to the future of their country, and they know our way -of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared -responsibility. That's how we'll reduce our deficit. That's an America -built to last. - -Now, I recognize that people watching tonight have differing views -about taxes and debt, energy and health care. But no matter what party -they belong to, I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right -about now: Nothing will get done in Washington this year or next year -or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken. - -Can you blame them for feeling a little cynical? - -The greatest blow to our confidence in our economy last year didn't -come from events beyond our control. It came from a debate in -Washington over whether the United States would pay its bills or not. -Who benefited from that fiasco? - -I've talked tonight about the deficit of trust between Main Street and -Wall Street. But the divide between this city and the rest of the -country is at least as bad, and it seems to get worse every year. - -Now, some of this has to do with the corrosive influence of money in -politics. So together, let's take some steps to fix that. Send me a -bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress. I will sign it -tomorrow. Let's limit any elected official from owning stocks in -industries they impact. Let's make sure people who bundle campaign -contributions for Congress can't lobby Congress and vice versa, an idea -that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington. - -Some of what's broken has to do with the way Congress does its business -these days. A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything--even -routine business--passed through the Senate. Neither party has been -blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it. -For starters, I ask the Senate to pass a simple rule that all judicial -and public service nominations receive a simple up-or-down vote within -90 days. - -The executive branch also needs to change. Too often, it's inefficient, -outdated, and remote. That's why I've asked this Congress to grant me -the authority to consolidate the Federal bureaucracy so that our -Government is leaner, quicker, and more responsive to the needs of the -American people. - -Finally, none of this can happen unless we also lower the temperature -in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be -locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction, that politics is -about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around -commonsense ideas. - -I'm a Democrat, but I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: -That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by -themselves and no more. That's why my education reform offers more -competition and more control for schools and States. That's why we're -getting rid of regulations that don't work. That's why our health care -law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program. - -On the other hand, even my Republican friends who complain the most -about Government spending have supported federally financed roads and -clean energy projects and Federal offices for the folks back home. - -The point is, we should all want a smarter, more effective Government. -And while we may not be able to bridge our biggest philosophical -differences this year, we can make real progress. With or without this -Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow. But I -can do a whole lot more with your help. Because when we act together, -there's nothing the United States of America can't achieve. - -That's the lesson we've learned from our actions abroad over the last -few years. Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows -against our enemies. From Pakistan to Yemen, the Al Qaida operatives -who remain are scrambling, knowing that they can't escape the reach of -the United States of America. - -From this position of strength, we've begun to wind down the war in -Afghanistan. Ten thousand of our troops have come home. Twenty-three -thousand more will leave by the end of this summer. This transition to -Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership -with Afghanistan so that it is never again a source of attacks against -America. - -As the tide of war recedes, a wave of change has washed across the -Middle East and North Africa, from Tunis to Cairo, from Sana'a to -Tripoli. A year ago, Qadhafi was one of the world's longest serving -dictators, a murderer with American blood on his hands. Today, he is -gone. And in Syria, I have no doubt that the Asad regime will soon -discover that the forces of change cannot be reversed and that human -dignity cannot be denied. - -How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we -have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it's ultimately up to the -people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those -values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against -violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of -all human beings: men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews. We will -support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open -markets, because tyranny is no match for liberty. - -And we will safeguard America's own security against those who threaten -our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the -power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal -with Iran's nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more -isolated than ever before. Its leaders are faced with crippling -sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this -pressure will not relent. - -Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from -getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to -achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still -possible, and far better. And if Iran changes course and meets its -obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations. - -The renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe. Our -oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever. Our ties to -the Americas are deeper. Our ironclad commitment--and I mean ironclad--to -Israel's security has meant the closest military cooperation between -our two countries in history. - -We've made it clear that America is a Pacific power, and a new -beginning in Burma has lit a new hope. From the coalitions we've built -to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we've led against hunger -and disease, from the blows we've dealt to our enemies, to the enduring -power of our moral example, America is back. - -Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in -decline or that our influence has waned, doesn't know what they're -talking about. That's not the message we get from leaders around the -world who are eager to work with us. That's not how people feel from -Tokyo to Berlin, from Cape Town to Rio, where opinions of America are -higher than they've been in years. Yes, the world is changing. No, we -can't control every event. But America remains the one indispensable -nation in world affairs, and as long as I'm President, I intend to keep -it that way. - -That's why, working with our military leaders, I've proposed a new -defense strategy that ensures we maintain the finest military in the -world, while saving nearly half a trillion dollars in our budget. To -stay one step ahead of our adversaries, I've already sent this Congress -legislation that will secure our country from the growing dangers of -cyber threats. - -Above all, our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform -who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they've -served us. That includes giving them the care and the benefits they -have earned, which is why we've increased annual VA spending every year -I've been President. And it means enlisting our veterans in the work of -rebuilding our Nation. - -With the bipartisan support of this Congress, we're providing new tax -credits to companies that hire vets. Michelle and Jill Biden have -worked with American businesses to secure a pledge of 135,000 jobs for -veterans and their families. And tonight I'm proposing a veterans jobs -corps that will help our communities hire veterans as cops and -firefighters, so that America is as strong as those who defend her. - -Which brings me back to where I began. Those of us who've been sent -here to serve can learn a thing or two from the service of our troops. -When you put on that uniform, it doesn't matter if you're Black or -White, Asian, Latino, Native American; conservative, liberal; rich, -poor; gay, straight. When you're marching into battle, you look out for -the person next to you or the mission fails. When you're in the thick -of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one nation, leaving -no one behind. - -You know, one of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL team -took with them on the mission to get bin Laden. On it are each of their -names. Some may be Democrats, some may be Republicans, but that doesn't -matter. Just like it didn't matter that day in the Situation Room, when -I sat next to Bob Gates, a man who was George Bush's Defense Secretary, -and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for President. - -All that mattered that day was the mission. No one thought about -politics. No one thought about themselves. One of the young men -involved in the raid later told me that he didn't deserve credit for -the mission. It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of -that unit did their job: the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun -out of control, the translator who kept others from entering the -compound, the troops who separated the women and children from the -fight, the SEALs who charged up the stairs. More than that, the mission -only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other, -because you can't charge up those stairs into darkness and danger -unless you know that there's somebody behind you, watching your back. - -So it is with America. Each time I look at that flag, I'm reminded that -our destiny is stitched together like those 50 stars and those 13 -stripes. No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great -because we built it together. This Nation is great because we worked as -a team. This Nation is great because we get each other's backs. And if -we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no -challenge too great, no mission too hard. As long as we are joined in -common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey -moves forward, and our future is hopeful, and the state of our Union -will always be strong. - -Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -February 12, 2013 - - -Please, everybody, have a seat. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, -Members of Congress, fellow Americans: Fifty-one years ago, John F. -Kennedy declared to this Chamber that "the Constitution makes us not -rivals for power, but partners for progress." "It is my task," he said, -"to report the state of the Union; to improve it is the task of us -all." - -Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination of the American people, -there is much progress to report. After a decade of grinding war, our -brave men and women in uniform are coming home. After years of grueling -recession, our businesses have created over 6 million new jobs. We buy -more American cars than we have in 5 years and less foreign oil than we -have in 20. Our housing market is healing, our stock market is -rebounding, and consumers, patients, and homeowners enjoy stronger -protections than ever before. - -So together, we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we can say -with renewed confidence that the state of our Union is stronger. - -But we gather here knowing that there are millions of Americans whose -hard work and dedication have not yet been rewarded. Our economy is -adding jobs, but too many people still can't find full-time employment. -Corporate profits have skyrocketed to alltime highs, but for more than -a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged. - -It is our generation's task, then, to reignite the true engine of -America's economic growth: a rising, thriving middle class. - -It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this -country: the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, -you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, no matter what you -look like or who you love. - -It is our unfinished task to make sure that this Government works on -behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free -enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of -opportunity to every child across this great Nation. - -The American people don't expect government to solve every problem. -They don't expect those of us in this Chamber to agree on every issue. -But they do expect us to put the Nation's interests before party. They -do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can. For they know -that America moves forward only when we do so together and that the -responsibility of improving this Union remains the task of us all. - -Now, our work must begin by making some basic decisions about our -budget, decisions that will have a huge impact on the strength of our -recovery. - -Over the last few years, both parties have worked together to reduce -the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion, mostly through spending cuts, -but also by raising tax rates on the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. -As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $4 trillion -in deficit reduction that economists say we need to stabilize our -finances. - -Now we need to finish the job. And the question is, how? - -In 2011, Congress passed a law saying that if both parties couldn't -agree on a plan to reach our deficit goal, about a trillion dollars' -worth of budget cuts would automatically go into effect this year. -These sudden, harsh, arbitrary cuts would jeopardize our military -readiness. They'd devastate priorities like education and energy and -medical research. They would certainly slow our recovery and cost us -hundreds of thousands of jobs. And that's why Democrats, Republicans, -business leaders, and economists have already said that these cuts-- -known here in Washington as the sequester--are a really bad idea. - -Now, some in Congress have proposed preventing only the defense cuts by -making even bigger cuts to things like education and job training, -Medicare, and Social Security benefits. That idea is even worse. - -Yes, the biggest driver of our long-term debt is the rising cost of -health care for an aging population. And those of us who care deeply -about programs like Medicare must embrace the need for modest reforms; -otherwise, our retirement programs will crowd out the investments we -need for our children and jeopardize the promise of a secure retirement -for future generations. - -But we can't ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the -entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the -wealthiest and the most powerful. We won't grow the middle class simply -by shifting the cost of health care or college onto families that are -already struggling or by forcing communities to lay off more teachers -and more cops and more firefighters. Most Americans--Democrats, -Republicans, and Independents--understand that we can't just cut our way -to prosperity. They know that broad-based economic growth requires a -balanced approach to deficit reduction, with spending cuts and revenue -and with everybody doing their fair share. And that's the approach I -offer tonight. - -On Medicare, I'm prepared to enact reforms that will achieve the same -amount of health care savings by the beginning of the next decade as -the reforms proposed by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles Commission. - -Already, the Affordable Care Act is helping to slow the growth of -health care costs. And the reforms I'm proposing go even further. We'll -reduce taxpayer subsidies to prescription drug companies and ask more -from the wealthiest seniors. We'll bring down costs by changing the way -our Government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn't -be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital; -they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive. -And I am open to additional reforms from both parties, so long as they -don't violate the guarantee of a secure retirement. Our Government -shouldn't make promises we cannot keep, but we must keep the promises -we've already made. - -To hit the rest of our deficit reduction target, we should do what -leaders in both parties have already suggested and save hundreds of -billions of dollars by getting rid of tax loopholes and deductions for -the well-off and the well-connected. After all, why would we choose to -make deeper cuts to education and Medicare just to protect special -interest tax breaks? How is that fair? Why is it that deficit reduction -is a big emergency justifying making cuts in Social Security benefits, -but not closing some loopholes? How does that promote growth? - -Now is our best chance for bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform that -encourages job creation and helps bring down the deficit. We can get -this done. The American people deserve a Tax Code that helps small -businesses spend less time filling out complicated forms and more time -expanding and hiring; a Tax Code that ensures billionaires with high- -powered accountants can't work the system and pay a lower rate than -their hard-working secretaries; a Tax Code that lowers incentives to -move jobs overseas and lowers tax rates for businesses and -manufacturers that are creating jobs right here in the United States of -America. That's what tax reform can deliver. That's what we can do -together. - -I realize that tax reform and entitlement reform will not be easy. The -politics will be hard for both sides. None of us will get a hundred -percent of what we want. But the alternative will cost us jobs, hurt -our economy, visit hardship on millions of hard-working Americans. So -let's set party interests aside and work to pass a budget that replaces -reckless cuts with smart savings and wise investments in our future. -And let's do it without the brinksmanship that stresses consumers and -scares off investors. The greatest nation on Earth cannot keep -conducting its business by drifting from one manufactured crisis to the -next. We can't do it. - -Let's agree right here, right now to keep the people's Government open -and pay our bills on time and always uphold the full faith and credit -of the United States of America. The American people have worked too -hard, for too long, rebuilding from one crisis to see their elected -officials cause another. - -Now, most of us agree that a plan to reduce the deficit must be part of -our agenda. But let's be clear: Deficit reduction alone is not an -economic plan. A growing economy that creates good, middle class jobs, -that must be the north star that guides our efforts. Every day, we -should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: How do we attract -more jobs to our shores? How do we equip our people with the skills -they need to get those jobs? And how do we make sure that hard work -leads to a decent living? - -Now, a year and a half ago, I put forward an American Jobs Act that -independent economists said would create more than 1 million new jobs. -And I thank the last Congress for passing some of that agenda. I urge -this Congress to pass the rest. But tonight I'll lay out additional -proposals that are fully paid for and fully consistent with the budget -framework both parties agreed to just 18 months ago. Let me repeat: -Nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single -dime. It is not a bigger Government we need, but a smarter Government -that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth. That's what we -should be looking for. - -Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and -manufacturing. After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, our -manufacturers have added about 500,000 jobs over the past 3. -Caterpillar is bringing jobs back from Japan. Ford is bringing jobs -back from Mexico. And this year, Apple will start making Macs in -America again. - -There are things we can do right now to accelerate this trend. Last -year, we created our first manufacturing innovation institute in -Youngstown, Ohio. A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the-art -lab where new workers are mastering the 3-D printing that has the -potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. There's -no reason this can't happen in other towns. - -So tonight I'm announcing the launch of three more of these -manufacturing hubs, where businesses will partner with the Department -of Defense and Energy to turn regions left behind by globalization into -global centers of high-tech jobs. And I ask this Congress to help -create a network of 15 of these hubs and guarantee that the next -revolution in manufacturing is made right here in America. We can get -that done. - -Now, if we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in -the best ideas. Every dollar we invested to map the human genome -returned $140 to our economy--every dollar. Today, our scientists are -mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer's. They're -developing drugs to regenerate damaged organs, devising new materials -to make batteries 10 times more powerful. Now is not the time to gut -these job-creating investments in science and innovation, now is the -time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the -height of the space race. We need to make those investments. - -Today, no area holds more promise than our investments in American -energy. After years of talking about it, we're finally poised to -control our own energy future. We produce more oil at home than we have -in 15 years. We have doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon -of gas and the amount of renewable energy we generate from sources like -wind and solar, with tens of thousands of good American jobs to show -for it. We produce more natural gas than ever before, and nearly -everyone's energy bill is lower because of it. And over the last 4 -years, our emissions of the dangerous carbon pollution that threatens -our planet have actually fallen. - -But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to -combat climate change. Now, it's true that no single event makes a -trend. But the fact is, the 12 hottest years on record have all come in -the last 15. Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, floods--all are now more -frequent and more intense. We can choose to believe that Superstorm -Sandy and the most severe drought in decades and the worst wildfires -some States have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can -choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science and act -before it's too late. - -Now, the good news is we can make meaningful progress on this issue -while driving strong economic growth. I urge this Congress to get -together, pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, -like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few -years ago. But if Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, -I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we -can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our -communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the -transition to more sustainable sources of energy. - -And 4 years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market and -the jobs that came with it. And we've begun to change that. Last year, -wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America. So -let's generate even more. Solar energy gets cheaper by the year; let's -drive down costs even further. As long as countries like China keep -going all in on clean energy, so must we. - -Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and -greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. And that's why -my administration will keep cutting redtape and speeding up new oil and -gas permits. That's got to be part of an all-of-the-above plan. But I -also want to work with this Congress to encourage the research and -technology that helps natural gas burn even cleaner and protects our -air and our water. - -In fact, much of our new-found energy is drawn from lands and waters -that we, the public, own together. So tonight I propose we use some of -our oil and gas revenues to fund an energy security trust that will -drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil -for good. If a nonpartisan coalition of CEOs and retired generals and -admirals can get behind this idea, then so can we. Let's take their -advice and free our families and businesses from the painful spikes in -gas prices we've put up with for far too long. - -I'm also issuing a new goal for America: Let's cut in half the energy -wasted by our homes and businesses over the next 20 years. We'll work -with the States to do it. Those States with the best ideas to create -jobs and lower energy bills by constructing more efficient buildings -will receive Federal support to help make that happen. - -America's energy sector is just one part of an aging infrastructure -badly in need of repair. Ask any CEO where they'd rather locate and -hire, a country with deteriorating roads and bridges or one with high- -speed rail and Internet, high-tech schools, self-healing power grids. -The CEO of Siemens America--a company that brought hundreds of new jobs -to North Carolina--said that if we upgrade our infrastructure, they'll -bring even more jobs. And that's the attitude of a lot of companies all -around the world. And I know you want these job-creating projects in -your district. I've seen all those ribbon-cuttings. [Laughter] - -So tonight I propose a Fix-It-First program to put people to work as -soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 -structurally deficient bridges across the country. And to make sure -taxpayers don't shoulder the whole burden, I'm also proposing a -partnership to rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade -what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods, modern -pipelines to withstand a storm, modern schools worthy of our children. -Let's prove there's no better place to do business than here in the -United States of America, and let's start right away. We can get this -done. - -And part of our rebuilding effort must also involve our housing sector. -The good news is, our housing market is finally healing from the -collapse of 2007. Home prices are rising at the fastest pace in 6 years. -Home purchases are up nearly 50 percent, and construction is expanding -again. - -But even with mortgage rates near a 50-year low, too many families with -solid credit who want to buy a home are being rejected. Too many -families who never missed a payment and want to refinance are being -told no. That's holding our entire economy back. We need to fix it. - -Right now there's a bill in this Congress that would give every -responsible homeowner in America the chance to save $3,000 a year by -refinancing at today's rates. Democrats and Republicans have supported -it before, so what are we waiting for? Take a vote and send me that -bill. Why are--why would we be against that? Why would that be a -partisan issue, helping folks refinance? Right now overlapping -regulations keep responsible young families from buying their first -home. What's holding us back? Let's streamline the process and help our -economy grow. - -These initiatives in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, housing, -all these things will help entrepreneurs and small-business owners -expand and create new jobs. But none of it will matter unless we also -equip our citizens with the skills and training to fill those jobs. - -And that has to start at the earliest possible age. Study after study -shows that the sooner a child begins learning, the better he or she -does down the road. But today, fewer than 3 in 10 4-year-olds are -enrolled in a high-quality preschool program. Most middle class parents -can't afford a few hundred bucks a week for a private preschool. And -for poor kids who need help the most, this lack of access to preschool -education can shadow them for the rest of their lives. So tonight I -propose working with States to make high-quality preschool available to -every single child in America. That's something we should be able to do. - -Every dollar we invest in high-quality early childhood education can -save more than 7 dollars later on: by boosting graduation rates, -reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime. In States that -make it a priority to educate our youngest children, like Georgia or -Oklahoma, studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math -at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable -families of their own. We know this works. So let's do what works and -make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind. -Let's give our kids that chance. - -Let's also make sure that a high school diploma puts our kids on a path -to a good job. Right now countries like Germany focus on graduating -their high school students with the equivalent of a technical degree -from one of our community colleges. So those German kids, they're ready -for a job when they graduate high school. They've been trained for the -jobs that are there. Now at schools like P-TECH in Brooklyn, a -collaboration between New York Public Schools and City University of -New York and IBM, students will graduate with a high school diploma and -an associate's degree in computers or engineering. We need to give -every American student opportunities like this. - -And 4 years ago, we started Race to the Top, a competition that -convinced almost every State to develop smarter curricula and higher -standards, all for about 1 percent of what we spend on education each -year. Tonight I'm announcing a new challenge to redesign America's high -schools so they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech -economy. And we'll reward schools that develop new partnerships with -colleges and employers and create classes that focus on science, -technology, engineering, and math: the skills today's employers are -looking for to fill the jobs that are there right now and will be there -in the future. - -Now, even with better high schools, most young people will need some -higher education. It's a simple fact: The more education you've got, -the more likely you are to have a good job and work your way into the -middle class. But today, skyrocketing costs price too many young people -out of a higher education or saddle them with unsustainable debt. - -Through tax credits, grants, and better loans, we've made college more -affordable for millions of students and families over the last few -years. But taxpayers can't keep on subsidizing higher and higher and -higher costs for higher education. Colleges must do their part to keep -costs down, and it's our job to make sure that they do. - -So tonight I ask Congress to change the Higher Education Act so that -affordability and value are included in determining which colleges -receive certain types of Federal aid. And tomorrow my administration -will release a new college scorecard that parents and students can use -to compare schools based on a simple criterion: where you can get the -most bang for your educational buck. - -Now, to grow our middle class, our citizens have to have access to the -education and training that today's jobs require. But we also have to -make sure that America remains a place where everyone who's willing to -work--everybody who's willing to work hard--has the chance to get ahead. - -Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of -striving, hopeful immigrants. And right now leaders from the business, -labor, law enforcement, faith communities, they all agree that the time -has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Now is the time to -do it. Now is the time to get it done. [Applause] Now is the time to -get it done. - -Real reform means stronger border security, and we can build on the -progress my administration has already made: putting more boots on the -southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal -crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years. - -Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned -citizenship, a path that includes passing a background check, paying -taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back -of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally. - -And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut -waiting periods and attract the highly skilled entrepreneurs and -engineers that will help create jobs and grow our economy. - -In other words, we know what needs to be done. And as we speak, -bipartisan groups in both Chambers are working diligently to draft a -bill, and I applaud their efforts. So let's get this done. Send me a -comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I -will sign it right away. And America will be better for it. Let's get -it done. [Applause] Let's get it done. - -But we can't stop there. We know our economy is stronger when our wives, -our mothers, our daughters can live their lives free from -discrimination in the workplace and free from the fear of domestic -violence. Today the Senate passed the "Violence Against Women's Act" -that Joe Biden originally wrote almost 20 years ago. And I now urge the -House to do the same. Good job, Joe. And I ask this Congress to declare -that women should earn a living equal to their efforts, and finally -pass the "Paycheck Fairness Act" this year. - -We know our economy is stronger when we reward an honest day's work -with honest wages. But today, a full-time worker making the minimum -wage earns $14,500 a year. Even with the tax relief we put in place, a -family with two kids that earns the minimum wage still lives below the -poverty line. That's wrong. That's why, since the last time this -Congress raised the minimum wage, 19 States have chosen to bump theirs -even higher. - -Tonight let's declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one -who works full-time should have to live in poverty and raise the -Federal minimum wage to $9 an hour. We should be able to get that done. - -This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working -families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food -bank, rent or eviction, scraping by or finally getting ahead. For -businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money -in their pockets. And a whole lot of folks out there would probably -need less help from government. In fact, working folks shouldn't have -to wait year after year for the minimum wage to go up while CEO pay has -never been higher. So here's an idea that Governor Romney and I -actually agreed on last year: Let's tie the minimum wage to the cost of -living so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on. - -Tonight let's also recognize that there are communities in this country -where no matter how hard you work, it is virtually impossible to get -ahead: factory towns decimated from years of plants packing up; -inescapable pockets of poverty, urban and rural, where young adults are -still fighting for their first job. America is not a place where the -chance of birth or circumstance should decide our destiny. And that's -why we need to build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class -for all who are willing to climb them. - -Let's offer incentives to companies that hire Americans who've got what -it takes to fill that job opening, but have been out of work so long -that no one will give them a chance anymore. Let's put people back to -work rebuilding vacant homes in rundown neighborhoods. And this year, -my administration will begin to partner with 20 of the hardest hit -towns in America to get these communities back on their feet. Now, -we'll work with local leaders to target resources at public safety and -education and housing. - -We'll give new tax credits to businesses that hire and invest. And -we'll work to strengthen families by removing the financial deterrents -to marriage for low-income couples and do more to encourage fatherhood, -because what makes you a man isn't the ability to conceive a child, -it's having the courage to raise one. And we want to encourage that. We -want to help that. - -Stronger families. Stronger communities. A stronger America. It is this -kind of prosperity--broad, shared, built on a thriving middle class--that -has always been the source of our progress at home. It's also the -foundation of our power and influence throughout the world. - -Tonight we stand united in saluting the troops and civilians who -sacrifice every day to protect us. Because of them, we can say with -confidence that America will complete its mission in Afghanistan and -achieve our objective of defeating the core of Al Qaida. - -Already, we have brought home 33,000 of our brave service men and women. -This spring, our forces will move into a support role, while Afghan -security forces take the lead. Tonight I can announce that over the -next year, another 34,000 American troops will come home from -Afghanistan. This drawdown will continue, and by the end of next year, -our war in Afghanistan will be over. - -Beyond 2014, America's commitment to a unified and sovereign -Afghanistan will endure, but the nature of our commitment will change. -We're negotiating an agreement with the Afghan Government that focuses -on two missions: training and equipping Afghan forces so that the -country does not again slip into chaos and counterterrorism efforts -that allow us to pursue the remnants of Al Qaida and their affiliates. - -Today, the organization that attacked us on 9/11 is a shadow of its -former self. It's true, different Al Qaida affiliates and extremist -groups have emerged, from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa. The threat -these groups pose is evolving. But to meet this threat, we don't need -to send tens of thousands of our sons and daughters abroad or occupy -other nations. Instead, we'll need to help countries like Yemen and -Libya and Somalia provide for their own security and help allies who -take the fight to terrorists, as we have in Mali. And where necessary, -through a range of capabilities, we will continue to take direct action -against those terrorists who pose the gravest threat to Americans. - -Now, as we do, we must enlist our values in the fight. That's why my -administration has worked tirelessly to forge a durable legal and -policy framework to guide our counterterrorism efforts. Throughout, we -have kept Congress fully informed of our efforts. I recognize that in -our democracy, no one should just take my word for it that we're doing -things the right way. So, in the months ahead, I will continue to -engage Congress to ensure not only that our targeting, detention, and -prosecution of terrorists remains consistent with our laws and system -of checks and balances, but that our efforts are even more transparent -to the American people and to the world. - -Of course, our challenges don't end with Al Qaida. America will -continue to lead the effort to prevent the spread of the world's most -dangerous weapons. The regime in North Korea must know they will only -achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international -obligations. Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only -further isolate them, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own -missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response -to these threats. - -Likewise, the leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a -diplomatic solution, because a coalition stands united in demanding -that they meet their obligations, and we will do what is necessary to -prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon. - -At the same time, we'll engage Russia to seek further reductions in our -nuclear arsenals and continue leading the global effort to secure -nuclear materials that could fall into the wrong hands, because our -ability to influence others depends on our willingness to lead and meet -our obligations. - -America must also face the rapidly growing threat from cyber attacks. -Now, we know hackers steal people's identities and infiltrate private -e-mails. We know foreign countries and companies swipe our corporate -secrets. Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our -power grid, our financial institutions, our air traffic control systems. -We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the -face of real threats to our security and our economy. - -And that's why, earlier today, I signed a new Executive order that will -strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing information sharing and -developing standards to protect our national security, our jobs, and -our privacy. - -But now Congress must act as well, by passing legislation to give our -Government a greater capacity to secure our networks and deter attacks. -This is something we should be able to get done on a bipartisan basis. - -Now, even as we protect our people, we should remember that today's -world presents not just dangers, not just threats, it presents -opportunities. To boost American exports, support American jobs and -level the playing field in the growing markets of Asia, we intend to -complete negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership. And tonight I'm -announcing that we will launch talks on a comprehensive transatlantic -trade and investment partnership with the European Union, because trade -that is fair and free across the Atlantic supports millions of good- -paying American jobs. - -We also know that progress in the most impoverished parts of our world -enriches us all, not only because it creates new markets, more stable -order in certain regions of the world, but also because it's the right -thing to do. In many places, people live on little more than a dollar a -day. So the United States will join with our allies to eradicate such -extreme poverty in the next two decades by connecting more people to -the global economy, by empowering women, by giving our young and -brightest minds new opportunities to serve and helping communities to -feed and power and educate themselves, by saving the world's children -from preventable deaths, and by realizing the promise of an AIDS-free -generation, which is within our reach. - -You see, America must remain a beacon to all who seek freedom during -this period of historic change. I saw the power of hope last year in -Rangoon, in Burma, when Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed an American President -into the home where she had been imprisoned for years; when thousands -of Burmese lined the streets, waving American flags, including a man -who said: "There is justice and law in the United States. I want our -country to be like that." - -In defense of freedom, we'll remain the anchor of strong alliances from -the Americas to Africa, from Europe to Asia. In the Middle East, we -will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights and -support stable transitions to democracy. - -We know the process will be messy, and we cannot presume to dictate the -course of change in countries like Egypt, but we can and will insist on -respect for the fundamental rights of all people. We'll keep the -pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people and -support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian. And -we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a -lasting peace. - -These are the messages I'll deliver when I travel to the Middle East -next month. And all this work depends on the courage and sacrifice of -those who serve in dangerous places at great personal risk: our -diplomats, our intelligence officers, and the men and women of the -United States Armed Forces. As long as I'm Commander in Chief, we will -do whatever we must to protect those who serve their country abroad, -and we will maintain the best military the world has ever known. - -We'll invest in new capabilities, even as we reduce waste and wartime -spending. We will ensure equal treatment for all servicemembers and -equal benefits for their families, gay and straight. We will draw upon -the courage and skills of our sisters and daughters and moms, because -women have proven under fire that they are ready for combat. - -We will keep faith with our veterans, investing in world-class care-- -including mental health care--for our wounded warriors, supporting our -military families, giving our veterans the benefits and education and -job opportunities that they have earned. And I want to thank my wife -Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden for their continued dedication to serving -our military families as well as they have served us. Thank you, honey. -Thank you, Jill. - -Defending our freedom, though, is not just the job of our military -alone. We must all do our part to make sure our God-given rights are -protected here at home. That includes one of the most fundamental -rights of a democracy: the right to vote. Now, when any American, no -matter where they live or what their party, are denied that right -because they can't afford to wait for 5 or 6 or 7 hours just to cast -their ballot, we are betraying our ideals. - -So tonight I'm announcing a nonpartisan commission to improve the -voting experience in America. And it definitely needs improvement. I'm -asking two long-time experts in the field--who, by the way, recently -served as the top attorneys for my campaign and for Governor Romney's -campaign--to lead it. We can fix this, and we will. The American people -demand it, and so does our democracy. - -Of course, what I've said tonight matters little if we don't come -together to protect our most precious resource: our children. It has -been 2 months since Newtown. I know this is not the first time this -country has debated how to reduce gun violence. But this time is -different. Overwhelming majorities of Americans--Americans who believe -in the Second Amendment--have come together around commonsense reform, -like background checks that will make it harder for criminals to get -their hands on a gun. Senators of both parties are working together on -tough new laws to prevent anyone from buying guns for resale to -criminals. Police chiefs are asking our help to get weapons of war and -massive ammunition magazines off our streets, because these police -chiefs, they're tired of seeing their guys and gals being outgunned. - -Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress. Now, if you want -to vote no, that's your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote. -Because in the 2 months since Newtown, more than a thousand birthdays, -graduations, anniversaries have been stolen from our lives by a bullet -from a gun--more than a thousand. - -One of those we lost was a young girl named Hadiya Pendleton. She was -15 years old. She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. She was a majorette. -She was so good to her friends, they all thought they were her best -friend. Just 3 weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her -classmates, performing for her country at my Inauguration. And a week -later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, just a -mile away from my house. - -Hadiya's parents, Nate and Cleo, are in this Chamber tonight, along -with more than two dozen Americans whose lives have been torn apart by -gun violence. They deserve a vote. They deserve a vote. [Applause] They -deserve a vote. Gabby Giffords deserves a vote. The families of Newtown -deserve a vote. The families of Aurora deserve a vote. The families of -Oak Creek and Tucson and Blacksburg, and the countless other -communities ripped open by gun violence, they deserve a simple vote. -They deserve a simple vote. - -Our actions will not prevent every senseless act of violence in this -country. In fact, no laws, no initiatives, no administrative acts will -perfectly solve all the challenges I've outlined tonight. But we were -never sent here to be perfect. We were sent here to make what -difference we can, to secure this Nation, expand opportunity, uphold -our ideals through the hard, often frustrating, but absolutely -necessary work of self-government. - -We were sent here to look out for our fellow Americans the same way -they look out for one another, every single day, usually without -fanfare, all across this country. We should follow their example. - -We should follow the example of a New York City nurse named Menchu -Sanchez. When Hurricane Sandy plunged her hospital into darkness, she -wasn't thinking about how her own home was faring. Her mind was on the -20 precious newborns in her care and the rescue plan she devised that -kept them all safe. - -We should follow the example of a North Miami woman named Desiline -Victor. When Desiline arrived at her polling place, she was told the -wait to vote might be 6 hours. And as time ticked by, her concern was -not with her tired body or aching feet, but whether folks like her -would get to have their say. And hour after hour, a throng of people -stayed in line to support her, because Desiline is 102 years old. And -they erupted in cheers when she finally put on a sticker that read, "I -voted." [Applause] There's Desiline. - -We should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. -When a gunman opened fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin and Brian was -the first to arrive--and he did not consider his own safety. He fought -back until help arrived and ordered his fellow officers to protect the -safety of the Americans worshiping inside, even as he lay bleeding from -12 bullet wounds. And when asked how he did that, Brian said, "That's -just the way we're made." - -That's just the way we're made. We may do different jobs and wear -different uniforms and hold different views than the person beside us. -But as Americans, we all share the same proud title: We are citizens. -It's a word that doesn't just describe our nationality or legal status. -It describes the way we're made. It describes what we believe. It -captures the enduring idea that this country only works when we accept -certain obligations to one another and to future generations; that our -rights are wrapped up in the rights of others; and that well into our -third century as a nation, it remains the task of us all, as citizens -of these United States, to be the authors of the next great chapter of -our American story. - -Thank you. God bless you, and God bless these United States of America. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 28, 2014 - - -The President. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a -student who needed it and did her part to lift America's graduation -rate to its highest levels in more than three decades. An entrepreneur -flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to -the more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the -past 4 years. An autoworker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuel- -efficient cars in the world and did his part to help America wean -itself off foreign oil. - -A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest 5-year stretch of -farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the -first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man -took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired, but dreaming -big dreams for his son. And in tight-knit communities all across -America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around -their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home -from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end. - -Tonight this Chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: -It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our Union strong. - -And here are the results of your efforts: the lowest unemployment rate -in over 5 years; a rebounding housing market; a manufacturing sector -that's adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s; more oil -produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world, the first time -that's happened in nearly 20 years; our deficits cut by more than half. -And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the -world have declared that China is no longer the world's number-one -place to invest, America is. - -That's why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After -5 years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better -positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth. - -The question for everyone in this Chamber, running through every -decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder -this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a -rancorous argument over the proper size of the Federal Government. It's -an important debate, one that dates back to our very founding. But when -that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions -of our democracy--when our differences shut down Government or threaten -the full faith and credit of the United States--then we are not doing -right by the American people. - -Now, as President, I'm committed to making Washington work better and -rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. And I believe most -of you are too. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and -Republicans, Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of -last year's severe cuts to priorities like education. Nobody got -everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this -country's future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way, but -the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new -jobs, not creating new crises. - -And in the coming months, let's see where else we can make progress -together. Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans -want: for all of us in this Chamber to focus on their lives, their -hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this -Nation--regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or -poor--is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all: the notion -that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead in -America. - -Now, let's face it, that belief has suffered some serious blows. Over -more than three decades, even before the great recession hit, massive -shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of -good, middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that -families depend on. - -Today, after 4 years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock -prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done -better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. -Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the -midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just -to get by, let alone to get ahead. And too many still aren't working at -all. - -So our job is to reverse these trends. It won't happen right away, and -we won't agree on everything. But what I offer tonight is a set of -concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle -class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some -require congressional action, and I am eager to work with all of you. -But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and -whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for -more American families, that's what I'm going to do. - -As usual, our First Lady sets a good example. [Applause] Well-- -[applause]. Michelle's "Let's Move!" partnership with schools, -businesses, local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates -for the first time in 30 years. And that's an achievement that will -improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come. The -Joining Forces alliance that Michelle and Jill Biden launched has -already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans -and military spouses. - -Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a -College Opportunity Summit, where already, 150 universities, businesses, -nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in -access to higher education and to help every hard-working kid go to -college and succeed when they get to campus. And across the country, -we're partnering with mayors, Governors, and State legislatures on -issues from homelessness to marriage equality. - -The point is, there are millions of Americans outside of Washington who -are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country -forward. They believe--and I believe--that here in America, our success -should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work -ethic and the scope of our dreams. That's what drew our forebears here. -That's how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America's largest -automaker; how the son of a barkeep is Speaker of the House; how the -son of a single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth. - -Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our generation -must be to restore that promise. We know where to start: The best -measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy -picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this -year. And over half of big manufacturers say they're thinking of -insourcing jobs from abroad. - -So let's make that decision easier for more companies. Both Democrats -and Republicans have argued that our Tax Code is riddled with wasteful, -complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward -companies that keep profits abroad. Let's flip that equation. Let's -work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship -jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs -right here at home. - -Moreover, we can take the money we save from this transition to tax -reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, -unclogging our commutes, because in today's global economy, first-class -jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure. We'll need Congress to -protect more than 3 million jobs by finishing transportation and -waterways bills this summer. That can happen. But I'll act on my own to -slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key -projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as -possible. - -We also have the chance, right now, to beat other countries in the race -for the next wave of high-tech manufacturing jobs. My administration -has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North -Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio, where we've connected businesses to -research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced -technologies. Tonight I'm announcing, we'll launch six more this year. -Bipartisan bills in both Houses could double the number of these hubs -and the jobs they create. So get those bills to my desk. Put more -Americans back to work. - -Let's do more to help the entrepreneurs and small-business owners who -create most new jobs in America. Over the past 5 years, my -administration has made more loans to small-business owners than any -other. And when 98 percent of our exporters are small businesses, new -trade partnerships with Europe and Asia--the Asia-Pacific will help them -create more jobs. We need to work together on tools like bipartisan -trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our -environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped "Made in the -U.S.A." - -Listen, China and Europe aren't standing on the sidelines, and neither -should we. We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today -will own the global economy tomorrow. This is an edge America cannot -surrender. Federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and -inventions behind Google and smartphones. And that's why Congress -should undo the damage done by last year's cuts to basic research so we -can unleash the next great American discovery. There are entire -industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of drug- -resistant bacteria or paper-thin material that's stronger than steel. -And let's pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay -focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation. - -Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our -commitment to American energy. The all-of-the-above energy strategy I -announced a few years ago is working, and today, America is closer to -energy independence than we have been in decades. - -One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it's the -bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon -pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost -$100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. I'll cut redtape to -help States get those factories built and put folks to work, and this -Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations -that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural -gas. - -Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to -sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of -our air, our water, our communities. And while we're at it, I'll use my -authority to protect more of our pristine Federal lands for future -generations. - -Well, it's not just oil and natural gas production that's booming, -we're becoming a global leader in solar too. Every 4 minutes, another -American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by -a worker whose job cannot be outsourced. Let's continue that progress -with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil -fuel industries that don't need it so we can invest more in fuels of -the future that do. - -And even as we've increased energy production, we've partnered with -businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we -consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with -them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the -coming months, I'll build on that success by setting new standards for -our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at -the pump. - -And taken together, our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a -cleaner, safer planet. Over the past 8 years, the United States has -reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. -But we have to act with more urgency, because a changing climate is -already harming Western communities struggling with drought and coastal -cities dealing with floods. That's why I directed my administration to -work with States, utilities, and others to set new standards on the -amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into -the air. - -The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it -will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is -settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children -look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, -more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to -say, yes, we did. - -Finally, if we're serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the -call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, law enforcement -and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the -Senate have acted, and I know that members of both parties in the House -want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will -grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the -next two decades. And for good reason: When people come here to fulfill -their dreams--to study, invent, contribute to our culture--they make our -country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create -jobs for everybody. So let's get immigration reform done this year. -[Applause] Let's get it done. It's time. - -The ideas I've outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs. -But in this rapidly changing economy, we have to make sure that every -American has the skills to fill those jobs. The good news is, we know -how to do it. - -Two years ago, as the auto industry came roaring back, Andra Rush -opened up a manufacturing firm in Detroit. She knew that Ford needed -parts for the best selling truck in America, and she knew how to make -those parts. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we -call an American Job Center, places where folks can walk in to get the -help or training they need to find a new job or a better job. She was -flooded with new workers. And today, Detroit Manufacturing Systems has -more than 700 employees. And what Andra and her employees experienced -is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker. - -So tonight I've asked Vice President Biden to lead an across-the-board -reform of America's training programs to make sure they have one -mission: train Americans with the skills employers need and match them -to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more on-the- -job training and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an -upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to community -colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs. -And if Congress wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven -programs that connect more ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be- -filled jobs. - -I'm also convinced we can help Americans return to the workforce faster -by reforming unemployment insurance so that it's more effective in -today's economy. But first, this Congress needs to restore the -unemployment insurance you just let expire for 1.6 million people. - -Let me tell you why. Misty DeMars is a mother of two young boys. She'd -been steadily employed since she was a teenager, put herself through -college. She'd never collected unemployment benefits, but she'd been -paying taxes. In May, she and her husband used their life savings to -buy their first home. A week later, budget cuts claimed the job she -loved. Last month, when their unemployment insurance was cut off, she -sat down and wrote me a letter, the kind I get every day. "We are the -face of the unemployment crisis," she wrote. "I'm not dependent on the -government. Our country depends on people like us who build careers, -contribute to society, care about our neighbors. I'm confident that in -time, I will find a job, I will pay my taxes, and we will raise our -children in their own home in the community we love. Please give us -this chance." - -Congress, give these hard-working, responsible Americans that chance. -Give them that chance. [Applause] Give them the chance. They need our -help right now. But more important, this country needs them in the game. -That's why I've been asking CEOs to give more long-term unemployed -workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. -And in fact, this week, many will come to the White House to make that -commitment real. Tonight I ask every business leader in America to join -us and to do the same, because we are stronger when America fields a -full team. - -Of course, it's not enough to train today's workforce. We also have to -prepare tomorrow's workforce, by guaranteeing every child access to a -world-class education. Estiven Rodriguez couldn't speak a word of -English when he moved to New York City at age 9. But last month, thanks -to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he -led a march of his classmates through a crowd of cheering parents and -neighbors from their high school to the post office, where they mailed -off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just -found out, he's going to college this fall. - -Five years ago, we set out to change the odds for all our kids. We -worked with lenders to reform student loans, and today, more young -people are earning college degrees than ever before. Race to the Top, -with the help of Governors from both parties, has helped States raise -expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from -Tennessee to Washington, DC, are making big strides in preparing -students with the skills for the new economy: problem solving, critical -thinking, science, technology, engineering, math. - -Now, some of this change is hard. It requires everything from more -challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support -for teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think, not how -well they can fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it, and it is -working. The problem is, we're still not reaching enough kids, and -we're not reaching them in time. And that has to change. - -Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a -child's life is high-quality early education. Last year, I asked this -Congress to help States make high-quality pre-K available to every 4- -year-old. And as a parent as well as a President, I repeat that request -tonight. But in the meantime, 30 States have raised pre-K funding on -their own. They know we can't wait. So just as we worked with States to -reform our schools, this year, we'll invest in new partnerships with -States and communities across the country in a Race to the Top for our -youngest children. And as Congress decides what it's going to do, I'm -going to pull together a coalition of elected officials, business -leaders, and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the high- -quality pre-K that they need. It is right for America. We need to get -this done. - -Last year, I also pledged to connect 99 percent of our students to -high-speed broadband over the next 4 years. Tonight I can announce that -with the support of the FCC and companies like Apple, Microsoft, Sprint, -and Verizon, we've got a down payment to start connecting more than -15,000 schools and 20 million students over the next 2 years, without -adding a dime to the deficit. - -We're working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges -and employers that offer the real-world education and hands-on training -that can lead directly to a job and career. We're shaking up our system -of higher education to give parents more information and colleges more -incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced -out of a college education. - -We're offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student -loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with -Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by -student loan debt. And I'm reaching out to some of America's leading -foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men -of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their -full potential. - -The bottom line is, Michelle and I want every child to have the same -chance this country gave us. But we know our opportunity agenda won't -be complete, and too many young people entering the workforce today -will see the American Dream as an empty promise, unless we also do more -to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work and hard work pays -off for every single American. - -Today, women make up about half our workforce, but they still make 77 -cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it's an -embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. She deserves to -have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to -care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship. -And you know what, a father does too. It is time to do away with -workplace policies that belong in a "Mad Men" episode. [Laughter] This -year, let's all come together--Congress, the White House, businesses -from Wall Street to Main Street--to give every woman the opportunity she -deserves. Because I believe when women succeed, America succeeds. - -Now, women hold a majority of lower wage jobs, but they're not the only -ones stifled by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people -will earn more money than others, and we don't resent those who, by -virtue of their efforts, achieve incredible success. That's what -America is all about. But Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one -who works full-time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. - -In the year since I asked this Congress to raise the minimum wage, five -States have passed laws to raise theirs. Many businesses have done it -on their own. Nick Chute is here today with his boss, John Soranno. -John's an owner of Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, and Nick helps make the -dough. [Laughter] Only now he makes more of it. [Laughter] John just -gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour, and that's a decision -that has eased their financial stress and boosted their morale. - -Tonight I ask more of America's business leaders to follow John's lead: -Do what you can to raise your employees' wages. It's good for the -economy. It's good for America. To every mayor, Governor, State -legislator in America, I say: You don't have to wait for Congress to -act; Americans will support you if you take this on. - -And as a chief executive, I intend to lead by example. Profitable -corporations like Costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost -productivity and reduce turnover. We should too. In the coming weeks, I -will issue an Executive order requiring Federal contractors to pay -their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10 dollars and -10 cents an hour. Because if you cook our troops' meals or wash their -dishes, you should not have to live in poverty. - -Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board. -Today, the Federal minimum wage is worth about 20 percent less than it -was when Ronald Reagan first stood here. And Tom Harkin and George -Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10 -dollars and 10 cents. It's easy to remember: 10-10. This will help -families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend. -It does not involve any new bureaucratic program. So join the rest of -the country. Say yes. Give America a raise. Give them a raise. - -There are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet, and -few are more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull -themselves up through hard work than the earned-income tax credit. -Right now it helps about half of all parents at some point. Think about -that: It helps about half of all parents in America at some point in -their lives. But I agree with Republicans like Senator Rubio that it -doesn't do enough for single workers who don't have kids. So let's work -together to strengthen the credit, reward work, help more Americans get -ahead. - -Let's do more to help Americans save for retirement. Today, most -workers don't have a pension. A Social Security check often isn't -enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the last -5 years, that doesn't help folks who don't have 401(k)s. That's why, -tomorrow, I will direct the Treasury to create a new way for working -Americans to start their own retirement savings: MyI--MyRA. - -It's a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg. MyRA -guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in. And -if this Congress wants to help, work with me to fix an upside-down Tax -Code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save, but does -little or nothing for middle class Americans. Offer every American -access to an automatic IRA on the job so they can save at work just -like everybody in this Chamber can. - -And since the most important investment many families make is their -home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill -for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of homeownership -alive for future generations. - -One last point on financial security: For decades, few things exposed -hard-working families to economic hardship more than a broken health -care system. And in case you haven't heard, we're in the process of -fixing that. Now, a preexisting condition used to mean that someone -like Amanda Shelley, a physician's assistant and single mom from -Arizona, couldn't get health insurance. But on January 1, she got -covered. On January 3, she felt a sharp pain. On January 6, she had -emergency surgery. Just one week earlier, Amanda said, and that surgery -would have meant bankruptcy. - -That's what health insurance reform is all about: the peace of mind -that if misfortune strikes, you don't have to lose everything. Already, -because of the Affordable Care Act, more than 3 million Americans under -age 26 have gained coverage under their parent's plan. More than 9 -million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or -Medicaid coverage. Nine million. - -And here's another number: zero. Because of this law, no American--none, -zero--can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting -condition like asthma or back pain or cancer. No woman can ever be -charged more just because she's a woman. And we did all this while -adding years to Medicare's finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, -and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors. - -Now, I do not expect to convince my Republican friends on the merits of -this law. [Laughter] But I know that the American people are not -interested in refighting old battles. So again, if you have specific -plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell America -what you'd do differently. Let's see if the numbers add up. But let's -not have another 40-something votes to repeal a law that's already -helping millions of Americans like Amanda. The first 40 were plenty. -[Laughter] - -We all owe it to the American people to say what we're for, not just -what we're against. And if you want to know the real impact this law is -having, just talk to Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky, who's here -tonight. Now, Kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country. -That's not where I got my highest vote totals. [Laughter] But he's like -a man possessed when it comes to covering his Commonwealth's families. -They're our neighbors and our friends, he said: "They're people we shop -and go to church with, farmers out on the tractor, grocery clerks. -They're people who go to work every morning praying they don't get sick. -No one deserves to live that way." - -Steve's right. That's why tonight I ask every American who knows -someone without health insurance to help them get covered by March 31. -[Applause] Help them get covered. Moms, get on your kids to sign up. -Kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will give -her some peace of mind, and plus, she'll appreciate hearing from you. -[Laughter] - -After all, that's the spirit that has always moved this Nation forward. -It's the spirit of citizenship, the recognition that through hard work -and responsibility, we can pursue our individual dreams, but still come -together as one American family to make sure the next generation can -pursue its dreams as well. - -Citizenship means standing up for everyone's right to vote. Last year, -part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened, but conservative -Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it. -And the bipartisan Commission I appointed, chaired by my campaign -lawyer and Governor Romney's campaign lawyer, came together and have -offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to -vote. Let's support these efforts. It should be the power of our vote, -not the size of our bank accounts, that drives our democracy. - -Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals -from us each day. I've seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, -police officers all over this country who say, "We are not afraid." And -I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more -tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, in -our shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook. - -Citizenship demands a sense of common purpose, participation in the -hard work of self-government, an obligation to serve our communities. -And I know this Chamber agrees that few Americans give more to their -country than our diplomats and the men and women of the United States -Armed Forces. Thank you. Tonight, because of the extraordinary troops -and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free, the -United States is more secure. When I took office, nearly 180,000 -Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, all our troops -are out of Iraq. More than 60,000 of our troops have already come home -from Afghanistan. With Afghan forces now in the lead for their own -security, our troops have moved to a support role. Together with our -allies, we will complete our mission there by the end of this year, and -America's longest war will finally be over. - -After 2014, we will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes -responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan Government signs a -security agreement that we have negotiated, a small force of Americans -could remain in Afghanistan with NATO allies to carry out two narrow -missions: training and assisting Afghan forces and counterterrorism -operations to pursue any remnants of Al Qaida. For while our -relationship with Afghanistan will change, one thing will not: our -resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. - -The fact is, that danger remains. While we've put Al Qaida's core -leadership on a path to defeat, the threat has evolved as Al Qaida -affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the -world. In Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Mali, we have to keep working with -partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In Syria, we'll support -the opposition that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks. Here at -home, we'll keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like -cyber attacks. And as we reform our defense budget, we will have to -keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the -capabilities they need to succeed in future missions. - -We have to remain vigilant. But I strongly believe our leadership and -our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. As -Commander in Chief, I have used force when needed to protect the -American people, and I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold -this office. But I will not send our troops into harm's way unless it -is truly necessary, nor will I allow our sons and daughters to be mired -in open-ended conflicts. We must fight the battles that need to be -fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us: large-scale -deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism. - -So even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks -through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our -foreign partners, America must move off a permanent war footing. That's -why I've imposed prudent limits on the use of drones. For we will not -be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries -without regard for the consequence. - -That's why, working with this Congress, I will reform our surveillance -programs, because the vital work of our intelligence community depends -on public confidence, here and abroad, that privacy of ordinary people -is not being violated. - -And with the Afghan war ending, this needs to be the year Congress -lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the -prison at Guantanamo Bay. Because we counter terrorism not just through -intelligence and military actions, but by remaining true to our -constitutional ideals and setting an example for the rest of the world. - -You see, in a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership, -depends on all elements of our power, including strong and principled -diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to -prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands and allowed -us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles. American -diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria's chemical -weapons are being eliminated. - -And we will continue to work with the international community to usher -in the future the Syrian people deserve, a future free of dictatorship, -terror, and fear. As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting -Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary -talks to end the conflict there, to achieve dignity and an independent -state for Palestinians and lasting peace and security for the State of -Israel, a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side. - -And it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the -progress of Iran's nuclear program and rolled back parts of that -program for the very first time in a decade. As we gather here tonight, -Iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched -uranium. It's not installing advanced centrifuges. Unprecedented -inspections help the world verify every day that Iran is not building a -bomb. And with our allies and partners, we're engaged in negotiations -to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share: preventing -Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. - -These negotiations will be difficult. They may not succeed. We are -clear eyed about Iran's support for terrorist organizations like -Hizballah, which threatens our allies. And we're clear about the -mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away. But -these negotiations don't rely on trust. Any long-term deal we agree to -must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the -international community that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb. If -John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate with the Soviet Union, -then surely a strong and confident America can negotiate with less -powerful adversaries today. - -The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity -possible. But let me be clear: If this Congress sends me a new -sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it. -For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance -to succeed. If Iran's leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I -will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to -exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon. -But if Iran's leaders do seize the chance--and we'll know soon enough-- -then Iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of -nations, and we will have resolved one of the leading security -challenges of our time without the risks of war. - -Now, finally, let's remember that our leadership is defined not just by -our defense against threats, but by the enormous opportunities to do -good and promote understanding around the globe: to forge greater -cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. -And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those -opportunities than America. - -Our alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. -From Tunisia to Burma, we're supporting those who are willing to do the -hard work of building democracy. In Ukraine, we stand for the principle -that all people have the right to express themselves freely and -peacefully and to have a say in their country's future. Across Africa, -we're bringing together businesses and governments to double access to -electricity and help end extreme poverty. In the Americas, we're -building new ties of commerce, but we're also expanding cultural and -educational exchanges among young people. And we will continue to focus -on the Asia-Pacific, where we support our allies, shape a future of -greater security and prosperity, and extend a hand to those devastated -by disaster, as we did in the Philippines, when our Marines and -civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon, and who were -greeted with words like, "We will never forget your kindness" and "God -bless America." - -We do these things because they help promote our long-term security, -and we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality -of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual -orientation. And next week, the world will see one expression of that -commitment, when Team U.S.A. marches the red, white, and blue into the -Olympic Stadium and brings home the gold. [Laughter] - -Audience members. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.! - -The President. My fellow Americans, no other country in the world does -what we do. On every issue, the world turns to us, not simply because -of the size of our economy or our military might, but because of the -ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them. No one -knows this better than those who serve in uniform. - -As this time of war draws to a close, a new generation of heroes -returns to civilian life. We'll keep slashing that backlog so our -veterans receive the benefits they've earned and our wounded warriors -receive the health care--including the mental health care--that they need. -We'll keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and -leadership into jobs here at home. And we will all continue to join -forces to honor and support our remarkable military families. - -Let me tell you about one of those families I've come to know. I first -met Cory Remsburg, a proud Army Ranger, at Omaha Beach on the 65th -anniversary of D-day. Along with some of his fellow Rangers, he walked -me through the program and the ceremony. He was a strong, impressive -young man, had an easy manner, he was sharp as a tack. And we joked -around and took pictures, and I told him to stay in touch. - -A few months later, on his 10th deployment, Cory was nearly killed by a -massive roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His comrades found him in a canal, -face down, underwater, shrapnel in his brain. For months, he lay in a -coma. And the next time I met him, in the hospital, he couldn't speak, -could barely move. Over the years, he's endured dozens of surgeries and -procedures, hours of grueling rehab every day. - -Even now, Cory is still blind in one eye, still struggles on his left -side. But slowly, steadily, with the support of caregivers like his dad -Craig and the community around him, Cory has grown stronger. And day by -day, he's learned to speak again and stand again and walk again. And -he's working toward the day when he can serve his country again. "My -recovery has not been easy," he says. "Nothing in life that's worth -anything is easy." Cory is here tonight. And like the Army he loves, -like the America he serves, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg never -gives up, and he does not quit. Cory. - -My fellow Americans, men and women like Cory remind us that America has -never come easy. Our freedom, our democracy, has never been easy. -Sometimes, we stumble, we make mistakes; we get frustrated or -discouraged. But for more than 200 years, we have put those things -aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress: to -create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement, -to free other nations from tyranny and fear, to promote justice and -fairness and equality under the law so that the words set to paper by -our Founders are made real for every citizen. The America we want for -our kids--a rising America where honest work is plentiful and -communities are strong, where prosperity is widely shared and -opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and toil will take -us--none of it is easy. But if we work together--if we summon what is -best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him--with our feet -planted firmly in today, but our eyes cast toward tomorrow, I know it -is within our reach. Believe it. - -God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 20, 2015 - - -The President. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: We are 15 years into this new century. Fifteen years -that dawned with terror touching our shores, that unfolded with a new -generation fighting two long and costly wars, that saw a vicious -recession spread across our Nation and the world. It has been and still -is a hard time for many. - -But tonight we turn the page. Tonight, after a breakthrough year for -America, our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace -since 1999. Our unemployment rate is now lower than it was before the -financial crisis. More of our kids are graduating than ever before. -More of our people are insured than ever before. And we are as free -from the grip of foreign oil as we've been in almost 30 years. - -Tonight, for the first time since 9/11, our combat mission in -Afghanistan is over. Six years ago, nearly 180,000 American troops -served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, fewer than 15,000 remain. And we -salute the courage and sacrifice of every man and woman in this 9/11 -generation who has served to keep us safe. We are humbled and grateful -for your service. - -America, for all that we have endured, for all the grit and hard work -required to come back, for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The -shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong. - -At this moment--with a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling -industry, booming energy production--we have risen from recession freer -to write our own future than any other nation on Earth. It's now up to -us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years and for decades -to come. - -Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? -Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes -and chances for everyone who makes the effort? - -Will we approach the world fearful and reactive, dragged into costly -conflicts that strain our military and set back our standing? Or will -we lead wisely, using all elements of our power to defeat new threats -and protect our planet? - -Will we allow ourselves to be sorted into factions and turned against -one another? Or will we recapture the sense of common purpose that has -always propelled America forward? - -In 2 weeks, I will send this Congress a budget filled with ideas that -are practical, not partisan. And in the months ahead, I'll crisscross -the country making a case for those ideas. So tonight I want to focus -less on a checklist of proposals and focus more on the values at stake -in the choices before us. - -It begins with our economy. Seven years ago, Rebekah and Ben Erler of -Minneapolis were newlyweds. [Laughter] She waited tables. He worked -construction. Their first child Jack was on the way. They were young -and in love in America. And it doesn't get much better than that. "If -only we had known," Rebekah wrote to me last spring, "what was about to -happen to the housing and construction market." As the crisis worsened, -Ben's business dried up, so he took what jobs he could find, even if -they kept him on the road for long stretches of time. Rebekah took out -student loans and enrolled in community college and retrained for a new -career. They sacrificed for each other. And slowly, it paid off. They -bought their first home. They had a second son Henry. Rebekah got a -better job and then a raise. Ben is back in construction and home for -dinner every night. - -"It is amazing," Rebekah wrote, "what you can bounce back from when you -have to. . . . We are a strong, tight-knit family who has made it -through some very, very hard times." We are a strong, tight-knit family -who has made it through some very, very hard times. - -America, Rebekah and Ben's story is our story. They represent the -millions who have worked hard and scrimped and sacrificed and retooled. -You are the reason that I ran for this office. You are the people I was -thinking of 6 years ago today, in the darkest months of the crisis, -when I stood on the steps of this Capitol and promised we would rebuild -our economy on a new foundation. And it has been your resilience, your -effort that has made it possible for our country to emerge stronger. - -We believed we could reverse the tide of outsourcing and draw new jobs -to our shores. And over the past 5 years, our businesses have created -more than 11 million new jobs. - -We believed we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect -our planet. And today, America is number one in oil and gas. America is -number one in wind power. Every 3 weeks, we bring online as much solar -power as we did in all of 2008. And thanks to lower gas prices and -higher fuel standards, the typical family this year should save about -$750 at the pump. - -We believed we could prepare our kids for a more competitive world. And -today, our younger students have earned the highest math and reading -scores on record. Our high school graduation rate has hit an alltime -high. More Americans finish college than ever before. - -We believed that sensible regulations could prevent another crisis, -shield families from ruin, and encourage fair competition. Today, we -have new tools to stop taxpayer-funded bailouts and a new consumer -watchdog to protect us from predatory lending and abusive credit card -practices. And in the past year alone, about 10 million uninsured -Americans finally gained the security of health coverage. - -At every step, we were told our goals were misguided or too ambitious, -that we would crush jobs and explode deficits. Instead, we've seen the -fastest economic growth in over a decade, our deficits cut by two- -thirds, a stock market that has doubled, and health care inflation at -its lowest rate in 50 years. This is good news, people. [Laughter] - -So the verdict is clear. Middle class economics works. Expanding -opportunity works. And these policies will continue to work as long as -politics don't get in the way. We can't slow down businesses or put our -economy at risk with Government shutdowns or fiscal showdowns. We can't -put the security of families at risk by taking away their health -insurance or unraveling the new rules on Wall Street or refighting past -battles on immigration when we've got to fix a broken system. And if a -bill comes to my desk that tries to do any of these things, I will veto -it. It will have earned my veto. - -Today, thanks to a growing economy, the recovery is touching more and -more lives. Wages are finally starting to rise again. We know that more -small-business owners plan to raise their employees' pay than at any -time since 2007. But here's the thing: Those of us here tonight, we -need to set our sights higher than just making sure Government doesn't -screw things up--[laughter]--that Government doesn't halt the progress -we're making. We need to do more than just do no harm. Tonight, -together, let's do more to restore the link between hard work and -growing opportunity for every American. - -Because families like Rebekah's still need our help. She and Ben are -working as hard as ever, but they've had to forego vacations and a new -car so that they can pay off student loans and save for retirement. -Friday night pizza, that's a big splurge. Basic childcare for Jack and -Henry costs more than their mortgage and almost as much as a year at -the University of Minnesota. Like millions of hard-working Americans, -Rebekah isn't asking for a handout, but she is asking that we look for -more ways to help families get ahead. - -And in fact, at every moment of economic change throughout our history, -this country has taken bold action to adapt to new circumstances and to -make sure everyone gets a fair shot. We set up worker protections, -Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid to protect ourselves from the -harshest adversity. We gave our citizens schools and colleges, -infrastructure and the Internet, tools they needed to go as far as -their efforts and their dreams will take them. - -That's what middle class economics is: the idea that this country does -best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, -everyone plays by the same set of rules. We don't just want everyone to -share in America's success, we want everyone to contribute to our -success. - -So what does middle class economics require in our time? First, middle -class economics means helping working families feel more secure in a -world of constant change. That means helping folks afford childcare, -college, health care, a home, retirement. And my budget will address -each of these issues, lowering the taxes of working families and -putting thousands of dollars back into their pockets each year. - -Here's one example. During World War II, when men like my grandfather -went off to war, having women like my grandmother in the workforce was -a national security priority, so this country provided universal -childcare. In today's economy, when having both parents in the -workforce is an economic necessity for many families, we need -affordable, high-quality childcare more than ever. - -It's not a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. So it's time we stop -treating childcare as a side issue, or as a women's issue, and treat it -like the national economic priority that it is for all of us. And -that's why my plan will make quality childcare more available and more -affordable for every middle class and low-income family with young -children in America, by creating more slots and a new tax cut of up to -$3,000 per child, per year. - -Here's another example. Today, we are the only advanced country on -Earth that doesn't guarantee paid sick leave or paid maternity leave to -our workers. Forty-three million workers have no paid sick leave--43 -million. Think about that. And that forces too many parents to make the -gut-wrenching choice between a paycheck and a sick kid at home. So I'll -be taking new action to help States adopt paid leave laws of their own. -And since paid sick leave won where it was on the ballot last November, -let's put it to a vote right here in Washington. Send me a bill that -gives every worker in America the opportunity to earn 7 days of paid -sick leave. It's the right thing to do. [Applause] It's the right thing -to do. - -Of course, nothing helps families make ends meet like higher wages. -That's why this Congress still needs to pass a law that makes sure a -woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work. I mean, it's -2015. [Laughter] It's time. We still need to make sure employees get -the overtime they've earned. And to everyone in this Congress who still -refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you -could work full time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, -try it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest working people in -America a raise. - -Now, these ideas won't make everybody rich, won't relieve every -hardship. That's not the job of government. To give working families a -fair shot, we still need more employers to see beyond next quarter's -earnings and recognize that investing in their workforce is in their -company's long-term interest. We still need laws that strengthen rather -than weaken unions, and give American workers a voice. - -But you know, things like childcare and sick leave and equal pay, -things like lower mortgage premiums and a higher minimum wage--these -ideas will make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of -families. That's a fact. And that's what all of us, Republicans and -Democrats alike, were sent here to do. - -Now, second, to make sure folks keep earning higher wages down the road, -we have to do more to help Americans upgrade their skills. America -thrived in the 20th century because we made high school free, sent a -generation of GIs to college, trained the best workforce in the world. -We were ahead of the curve. But other countries caught on. And in a -21st-century economy that rewards knowledge like never before, we need -to up our game. We need to do more. - -By the end of this decade, two in three job openings will require some -higher education--two in three. And yet we still live in a country where -too many bright, striving Americans are priced out of the education -they need. It's not fair to them, and it's sure not smart for our -future. And that's why I'm sending this Congress a bold new plan to -lower the cost of community college to zero. - -Keep in mind, 40 percent of our college students choose community -college. Some are young and starting out. Some are older and looking -for a better job. Some are veterans and single parents trying to -transition back into the job market. Whoever you are, this plan is your -chance to graduate ready for the new economy without a load of debt. -Understand, you've got to earn it. You've got to keep your grades up -and graduate on time. - -Tennessee, a State with Republican leadership, and Chicago, a city with -Democratic leadership, are showing that free community college is -possible. I want to spread that idea all across America so that 2 years -of college becomes as free and universal in America as high school is -today. Let's stay ahead of the curve. And I want to work with this -Congress to make sure those already burdened with student loans can -reduce their monthly payments so that student debt doesn't derail -anyone's dreams. - -Thanks to Vice President Biden's great work to update our job training -system, we're connecting community colleges with local employers to -train workers to fill high-paying jobs like coding and nursing and -robotics. Tonight I'm also asking more businesses to follow the lead of -companies like CVS and UPS and offer more educational benefits and paid -apprenticeships, opportunities that give workers the chance to earn -higher paying jobs even if they don't have a higher education. - -And as a new generation of veterans comes home, we owe them every -opportunity to live the American Dream they helped defend. Already, -we've made strides towards ensuring that every veteran has access to -the highest quality care. We're slashing the backlog that had too many -veterans waiting years to get the benefits they need. And we're making -it easier for vets to translate their training and experience into -civilian jobs. And Joining Forces, the national campaign launched by -Michelle and Jill Biden--[applause]--thank you, Michelle; thank you, -Jill--has helped nearly 700,000 veterans and military spouses get a new -job. So to every CEO in America, let me repeat: If you want somebody -who's going to get the job done and done right, hire a veteran. - -Finally, as we better train our workers, we need the new economy to -keep churning out high-wage jobs for our workers to fill. Since 2010, -America has put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and all -advanced economies combined. - -Our manufacturers have added almost 800,000 new jobs. Some of our -bedrock sectors, like our auto industry, are booming. But there are -also millions of Americans who work in jobs that didn't even exist 10 -or 20 years ago, jobs at companies like Google and eBay and Tesla. - -So no one knows for certain which industries will generate the jobs of -the future. But we do know we want them here in America. We know that. -And that's why the third part of middle class economics is all about -building the most competitive economy anywhere, the place where -businesses want to locate and hire. - -Twenty-first century businesses need 21st-century infrastructure: -modern ports and stronger bridges, faster trains and the fastest -Internet. Democrats and Republicans used to agree on this. So let's set -our sights higher than a single oil pipeline. Let's pass a bipartisan -infrastructure plan that could create more than 30 times as many jobs -per year and make this country stronger for decades to come. Let's do -it. Let's get it done. [Applause] Let's get it done. - -Twenty-first century businesses, including small businesses, need to -sell more American products overseas. Today, our businesses export more -than ever, and exporters tend to pay their workers higher wages. But as -we speak, China wants to write the rules for the world's fastest -growing region. That would put our workers and our businesses at a -disadvantage. Why would we let that happen? We should write those rules. -We should level the playing field. And that's why I'm asking both -parties to give me trade promotion authority to protect American -workers, with strong new trade deals from Asia to Europe that aren't -just free, but are also fair. It's the right thing to do. - -Look, I'm the first one to admit that past trade deals haven't always -lived up to the hype, and that's why we've gone after countries that -break the rules at our expense. But 95 percent of the world's customers -live outside our borders. We can't close ourselves off from those -opportunities. More than half of manufacturing executives have said -they're actively looking to bring jobs back from China. So let's give -them one more reason to get it done. - -Twenty-first century businesses will rely on American science and -technology, research and development. I want the country that -eliminated polio and mapped the human genome to lead a new era of -medicine, one that delivers the right treatment at the right time. - -In some patients with cystic fibrosis, this approach has reversed a -disease once thought unstoppable. So tonight I'm launching a new -precision medicine initiative to bring us closer to curing diseases -like cancer and diabetes and to give all of us access to the -personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families -healthier. We can do this. - -I intend to protect a free and open Internet, extend its reach to every -classroom and every community and help folks build the fastest networks -so that the next generation of digital innovators and entrepreneurs -have the platform to keep reshaping our world. I want Americans to win -the race for the kinds of discoveries that unleash new jobs: converting -sunlight into liquid fuel; creating revolutionary prosthetics so that a -veteran who gave his arms for his country can play catch with his kids -again; pushing out into the solar system not just to visit, but to stay. -Last month, we launched a new spacecraft as part of a reenergized space -program that will send American astronauts to Mars. And in 2 months, to -prepare us for those missions, Scott Kelly will begin a year-long stay -in space. So good luck, Captain. Make sure to Instagram it. We're proud -of you. - -Now, the truth is, when it comes to issues like infrastructure and -basic research, I know there's bipartisan support in this Chamber. -Members of both parties have told me so. Where we too often run onto -the rocks is how to pay for these investments. As Americans, we don't -mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as everybody else does too. -But for far too long, lobbyists have rigged the Tax Code with loopholes -that let some corporations pay nothing while others pay full freight. -They've riddled it with giveaways that the super-rich don't need, while -denying a break to middle class families who do. - -This year, we have an opportunity to change that. Let's close loopholes -so we stop rewarding companies that keep profits abroad and reward -those that invest here in America. Let's use those savings to rebuild -our infrastructure and to make it more attractive for companies to -bring jobs home. Let's simplify the system and let a small-business -owner file based on her actual bank statement, instead of the number of -accountants she can afford. And let's close the loopholes that lead to -inequality by allowing the top 1 percent to avoid paying taxes on their -accumulated wealth. We can use that money to help more families pay for -childcare and send their kids to college. We need a Tax Code that truly -helps working Americans trying to get a leg up in the new economy, and -we can achieve that together. [Applause] We can achieve it together. - -Helping hard-working families make ends meet, giving them the tools -they need for good-paying jobs in this new economy, maintaining the -conditions of growth and competitiveness--this is where America needs to -go. I believe it's where the American people want to go. It will make -our economy stronger a year from now, 15 years from now, and deep into -the century ahead. - -Of course, if there's one thing this new century has taught us, it's -that we cannot separate our work here at home from challenges beyond -our shores. My first duty as Commander in Chief is to defend the United -States of America. In doing so, the question is not whether America -leads in the world, but how. When we make rash decisions, reacting to -the headlines instead of using our heads, when the first response to a -challenge is to send in our military, then we risk getting drawn into -unnecessary conflicts and neglect the broader strategy we need for a -safer, more prosperous world. That's what our enemies want us to do. - -I believe in a smarter kind of American leadership. We lead best when -we combine military power with strong diplomacy, when we leverage our -power with coalition building, when we don't let our fears blind us to -the opportunities that this new century presents. That's exactly what -we're doing right now. And around the globe, it is making a difference. - -First, we stand united with people around the world who have been -targeted by terrorists, from a school in Pakistan to the streets of -Paris. We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their -networks, and we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we have done -relentlessly since I took office, to take out terrorists who pose a -direct threat to us and our allies. At the same time, we've learned -some costly lessons over the last 13 years. Instead of Americans -patrolling the valleys of Afghanistan, we've trained their security -forces, who have now taken the lead, and we've honored our troops' -sacrifice by supporting that country's first democratic transition. -Instead of sending large ground forces overseas, we're partnering with -nations from South Asia to North Africa to deny safe haven to -terrorists who threaten America. - -In Iraq and Syria, American leadership--including our military power--is -stopping ISIL's advance. Instead of getting dragged into another ground -war in the Middle East, we are leading a broad coalition, including -Arab nations, to degrade and ultimately destroy this terrorist group. -We're also supporting a moderate opposition in Syria that can help us -in this effort and assisting people everywhere who stand up to the -bankrupt ideology of violent extremism. - -Now, this effort will take time. It will require focus. But we will -succeed. And tonight I call on this Congress to show the world that we -are united in this mission by passing a resolution to authorize the use -of force against ISIL. We need that authority. - -Second, we're demonstrating the power of American strength and -diplomacy. We're upholding the principle that bigger nations can't -bully the small, by opposing Russian aggression and supporting -Ukraine's democracy and reassuring our NATO allies. - -Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along -with our allies, as we were reinforcing our presence with frontline -states, Mr. Putin's aggression, it was suggested, was a masterful -display of strategy and strength. That's what I heard from some folks. -[Laughter] Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united -with our allies, while Russia is isolated with its economy in tatters. -That's how America leads: not with bluster, but with persistent, steady -resolve. - -In Cuba, we are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date. -When what you're doing doesn't work for 50 years, it's time to try -something new. [Laughter] And our shift in Cuba policy has the -potential to end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere. It removes a -phony excuse for restrictions in Cuba. It stands up for democratic -values and extends the hand of friendship to the Cuban people. And this -year, Congress should begin the work of ending the embargo. - -As His Holiness Pope Francis has said, diplomacy is the work of "small -steps." And these small steps have added up to new hope for the future -in Cuba. And after years in prison, we are overjoyed that Alan Gross is -back where he belongs. Welcome home, Alan. We're glad you're here. - -Our diplomacy is at work with respect to Iran, where, for the first -time in a decade, we've halted the progress of its nuclear program and -reduced its stockpile of nuclear material. Between now and this spring, -we have a chance to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that prevents a -nuclear-armed Iran, secures America and our allies, including Israel, -while avoiding yet another Middle East conflict. There are no -guarantees that negotiations will succeed, and I keep all options on -the table to prevent a nuclear Iran. - -But new sanctions passed by this Congress, at this moment in time, will -all but guarantee that diplomacy fails: alienating America from its -allies, making it harder to maintain sanctions, and ensuring that Iran -starts up its nuclear program again. It doesn't make sense. And that's -why I will veto any new sanctions bill that threatens to undo this -progress. The American people expect us only to go to war as a last -resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom. Third, we're looking -beyond the issues that have consumed us in the past to shape the coming -century. No foreign nation, no hacker, should be able to shut down our -networks, steal our trade secrets, or invade the privacy of American -families, especially our kids. So we're making sure our Government -integrates intelligence to combat cyber threats, just as we have done -to combat terrorism. - -And tonight I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we -need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber attacks, combat -identity theft, and protect our children's information. That should be -a bipartisan effort. If we don't act, we'll leave our Nation and our -economy vulnerable. If we do, we can continue to protect the -technologies that have unleashed untold opportunities for people around -the globe. - -In West Africa, our troops, our scientists, our doctors, our nurses, -our health care workers are rolling back Ebola, saving countless lives -and stopping the spread of disease. I could not be prouder of them, and -I thank this Congress for your bipartisan support of their efforts. But -the job is not yet done, and the world needs to use this lesson to -build a more effective global effort to prevent the spread of future -pandemics, invest in smart development, and eradicate extreme poverty. - -In the Asia-Pacific, we are modernizing alliances while making sure -that other nations play by the rules: in how they trade, how they -resolve maritime disputes, how they participate in meeting common -international challenges like nonproliferation and disaster relief. And -no challenge--no challenge--poses a greater threat to future generations -than climate change. - -Two thousand fourteen was the planet's warmest year on record. Now, 1 -year doesn't make a trend, but this does: 14 of the 15 warmest years on -record have all fallen in the first 15 years of this century. - -Now, I've heard some folks try to dodge the evidence by saying they're -not scientists, that we don't have enough information to act. Well, I'm -not a scientist, either. But you know what, I know a lot of really good -scientists--[laughter]--at NASA and at NOAA and at our major universities. -And the best scientists in the world are all telling us that our -activities are changing the climate, and if we don't act forcefully, -we'll continue to see rising oceans, longer, hotter heat waves, -dangerous droughts and floods, and massive disruptions that can trigger -greater migration and conflict and hunger around the globe. The -Pentagon says that climate change poses immediate risks to our national -security. We should act like it. - -And that's why, over the past 6 years, we've done more than ever to -combat climate change, from the way we produce energy to the way we use -it. That's why we've set aside more public lands and waters than any -administration in history. And that's why I will not let this Congress -endanger the health of our children by turning back the clock on our -efforts. I am determined to make sure that American leadership drives -international action. - -In Beijing, we made a historic announcement: The United States will -double the pace at which we cut carbon pollution. And China committed, -for the first time, to limiting their emissions. And because the -world's two largest economies came together, other nations are now -stepping up and offering hope that this year the world will finally -reach an agreement to protect the one planet we've got. - -And there's one last pillar of our leadership, and that's the example -of our values. As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we're -threatened, which is why I have prohibited torture and worked to make -sure our use of new technology like drones is properly constrained. -It's why we speak out against the deplorable anti-Semitism that has -resurfaced in certain parts of the world. It's why we continue to -reject offensive stereotypes of Muslims, the vast majority of whom -share our commitment to peace. That's why we defend free speech and -advocate for political prisoners and condemn the persecution of women -or religious minorities or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or -transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right -thing to do, but because ultimately, they will make us safer. - -As Americans, we have a profound commitment to justice. So it makes no -sense to spend $3 million per prisoner to keep open a prison that the -world condemns and terrorists use to recruit. Since I've been President, -we've worked responsibly to cut the population of Gitmo in half. Now it -is time to finish the job. And I will not relent in my determination to -shut it down. It is not who we are. It's time to close Gitmo. - -As Americans, we cherish our civil liberties, and we need to uphold -that commitment if we want maximum cooperation from other countries and -industry in our fight against terrorist networks. So while some have -moved on from the debates over our surveillance programs, I have not. -As promised, our intelligence agencies have worked hard, with the -recommendations of privacy advocates, to increase transparency and -build more safeguards against potential abuse. And next month, we'll -issue a report on how we're keeping our promise to keep our country -safe while strengthening privacy. - -Looking to the future instead of the past, making sure we match our -power with diplomacy and use force wisely, building coalitions to meet -new challenges and opportunities, leading always with the example of -our values--that's what makes us exceptional. That's what keeps us -strong. That's why we have to keep striving to hold ourselves to the -highest of standards: our own. - -You know, just over a decade ago, I gave a speech in Boston where I -said there wasn't a liberal America or a conservative America, a Black -America or a White America, but a United States of America. I said this -because I had seen it in my own life, in a nation that gave someone -like me a chance; because I grew up in Hawaii, a melting pot of races -and customs; because I made Illinois my home, a State of small towns, -rich farmland, one of the world's great cities, a microcosm of the -country where Democrats and Republicans and Independents, good people -of every ethnicity and every faith, share certain bedrock values. - -Over the past 6 years, the pundits have pointed out more than once that -my Presidency hasn't delivered on this vision. How ironic, they say, -that our politics seems more divided than ever. It's held up as proof -not just of my own flaws--of which there are many--but also as proof that -the vision itself is misguided, naive, that there are too many people -in this town who actually benefit from partisanship and gridlock for us -to ever do anything about it. - -I know how tempting such cynicism may be. But I still think the cynics -are wrong. I still believe that we are one people. I still believe that -together, we can do great things, even when the odds are long. - -I believe this because over and over in my 6 years in office, I have -seen America at its best. I've seen the hopeful faces of young -graduates from New York to California and our newest officers at West -Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs, New London. I've mourned with -grieving families in Tucson and Newtown, in Boston, in West, Texas, and -West Virginia. I've watched Americans beat back adversity from the Gulf -Coast to the Great Plains, from Midwest assembly lines to the Mid- -Atlantic seaboard. I've seen something like gay marriage go from a -wedge issue used to drive us apart to a story of freedom across our -country, a civil right now legal in States that 7 in 10 Americans call -home. So I know the good and optimistic and big-hearted generosity of -the American people who every day live the idea that we are our -brother's keeper and our sister's keeper. And I know they expect those -of us who serve here to set a better example. - -So the question for those of us here tonight is how we, all of us, can -better reflect America's hopes. I've served in Congress with many of -you. I know many of you well. There are a lot of good people here on -both sides of the aisle. And many of you have told me that this isn't -what you signed up for: arguing past each other on cable shows, the -constant fundraising, always looking over your shoulder at how the base -will react to every decision. - -Imagine if we broke out of these tired old patterns. Imagine if we did -something different. Understand, a better politics isn't one where -Democrats abandon their agenda or Republicans simply embrace mine. A -better politics is one where we appeal to each other's basic decency -instead of our basest fears. A better politics is one where we debate -without demonizing each other, where we talk issues and values and -principles and facts rather than "gotcha" moments or trivial gaffes or -fake controversies that have nothing to do with people's daily lives. - -A politics--a better politics is one where we spend less time drowning -in dark money for ads that pull us into the gutter and spend more time -lifting young people up with a sense of purpose and possibility, asking -them to join in the great mission of building America. - -If we're going to have arguments, let's have arguments, but let's make -them debates worthy of this body and worthy of this country. We still -may not agree on a woman's right to choose, but surely we can agree -it's a good thing that teen pregnancies and abortions are nearing -alltime lows and that every woman should have access to the health care -that she needs. - -Yes, passions still fly on immigration, but surely we can all see -something of ourselves in the striving young student and agree that no -one benefits when a hard-working mom is snatched from her child and -that it's possible to shape a law that upholds our tradition as a -nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. I've talked to Republicans -and Democrats about that. That's something that we can share. - -We may go at it in campaign season, but surely we can agree that the -right to vote is sacred, that it's being denied to too many, and that -on this 50th anniversary of the great march from Selma to Montgomery -and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, we can come together, -Democrats and Republicans, to make voting easier for every single -American. - -We may have different takes on the events of Ferguson and New York. But -surely we can understand a father who fears his son can't walk home -without being harassed. And surely we can understand the wife who won't -rest until the police officer she married walks through the front door -at the end of his shift. And surely we can agree that it's a good thing -that for the first time in 40 years, the crime rate and the -incarceration rate have come down together, and use that as a starting -point for Democrats and Republicans, community leaders and law -enforcement, to reform America's criminal justice system so that it -protects and serves all of us. - -That's a better politics. That's how we start rebuilding trust. That's -how we move this country forward. That's what the American people want. -And that's what they deserve. - -I have no more campaigns to run. - -[At this point, some audience members applauded.] - -My only agenda--[laughter]. Audience member. [Inaudible] - -The President. I know because I won both of them. [Laughter] My only -agenda for the next 2 years is the same as the one I've had since the -day I swore an oath on the steps of this Capitol: to do what I believe -is best for America. If you share the broad vision I outlined tonight, -I ask you to join me in the work at hand. If you disagree with parts of -it, I hope you'll at least work with me where you do agree. And I -commit to every Republican here tonight that I will not only seek out -your ideas, I will seek to work with you to make this country stronger. - -Because I want this Chamber, I want this city to reflect the truth: -that for all our blind spots and shortcomings, we are a people with the -strength and generosity of spirit to bridge divides, to unite in common -effort, to help our neighbors, whether down the street or on the other -side of the world. - -I want our actions to tell every child in every neighborhood, your life -matters, and we are committed to improving your life chances, as -committed as we are to working on behalf of our own kids. I want future -generations to know that we are a people who see our differences as a -great gift, that we're a people who value the dignity and worth of -every citizen: man and woman, young and old, Black and White, Latino, -Asian, immigrant, Native American, gay, straight, Americans with mental -illness or physical disability. Everybody matters. I want them to grow -up in a country that shows the world what we still know to be true: -that we are still more than a collection of red States and blue States, -that we are the United States of America. - -I want them to grow up in a country where a young mom can sit down and -write a letter to her President with a story that sums up these past 6 -years: "It's amazing what you can bounce back from when you have -to. . . . We are a strong, tight-knit family who's made it through some -very, very hard times." - -My fellow Americans, we too are a strong, tight-knit family. We too -have made it through some hard times. Fifteen years into this new -century, we have picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and begun -again the work of remaking America. We have laid a new foundation. A -brighter future is ours to write. Let's begin this new chapter together, -and let's start the work right now. - -Thank you. God bless you. God bless this country we love. Thank you. - - -*** - - -Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union -Barack Obama -January 12, 2016 - - -Thank you. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my -fellow Americans: Tonight marks the eighth year that I've come here to -report on the State of the Union. And for this final one, I'm going to -try to make it a little shorter. I know some of you are antsy to get -back to Iowa. [Laughter] I've been there. I'll be shaking hands -afterwards if you want some tips. [Laughter] - -Now, I understand that because it's an election season, expectations -for what we will achieve this year are low. But, Mr. Speaker, I -appreciate the constructive approach that you and other leaders took at -the end of last year to pass a budget and make tax cuts permanent for -working families. So I hope we can work together this year on some -bipartisan priorities like criminal justice reform and helping people -who are battling prescription drug abuse and heroin abuse. So, who -knows, we might surprise the cynics again. - -But tonight I want to go easy on the traditional list of proposals for -the year ahead. Don't worry, I've got plenty--[laughter]--from helping -students learn to write computer code to personalizing medical -treatments for patients. And I will keep pushing for progress on the -work that I believe still needs to be done: fixing a broken immigration -system, protecting our kids from gun violence, equal pay for equal work, -paid leave, raising the minimum wage. All these things still matter to -hard-working families. They're still the right thing to do. And I won't -let up until they get done. - -But for my final address to this Chamber, I don't want to just talk -about next year. I want to focus on the next 5 years, the next 10 years, -and beyond. I want to focus on our future. - -We live in a time of extraordinary change, change that's reshaping the -way we live, the way we work, our planet, our place in the world. It's -change that promises amazing medical breakthroughs, but also economic -disruptions that strain working families. It promises this education -for girls in the most remote villages, but also connects terrorists -plotting an ocean away. It's change that can broaden opportunity or -widen inequality. And whether we like it or not, the pace of this -change will only accelerate. - -America has been through big changes before: wars and depression, the -influx of new immigrants, workers fighting for a fair deal, movements -to expand civil rights. Each time, there have been those who told us to -fear the future; who claimed we could slam the brakes on change; who -promised to restore past glory if we just got some group or idea that -was threatening America under control. And each time, we overcame those -fears. We did not, in the words of Lincoln, adhere to the "dogmas of -the quiet past." Instead, we thought anew and acted anew. We made -change work for us, always extending America's promise outward, to the -next frontier, to more people. And because we did, because we saw -opportunity with a--where others saw peril, we emerged stronger and -better than before. - -What was true then can be true now. Our unique strengths as a nation-- -our optimism and work ethic, our spirit of discovery, our diversity, -our commitment to rule of law--these things give us everything we need -to ensure prosperity and security for generations to come. - -In fact, it's in that spirit that we have made progress these past 7 -years. That's how we recovered from the worst economic crisis in -generations. That's how we reformed our health care system and -reinvented our energy sector. That's how we delivered more care and -benefits to our troops coming home and our veterans. That's how we -secured the freedom in every State to marry the person we love. - -But such progress is not inevitable. It's the result of choices we make -together. And we face such choices right now. Will we respond to the -changes of our time with fear, turning inward as a nation, turning -against each other as a people? Or will we face the future with -confidence in who we are, in what we stand for, in the incredible -things that we can do together? - -So let's talk about the future and four big questions that I believe we -as a country have to answer, regardless of who the next President is or -who controls the next Congress. First, how do we give everyone a fair -shot at opportunity and security in this new economy? Second, how do we -make technology work for us and not against us, especially when it -comes to solving urgent challenges like climate change? Third, how do -we keep America safe and lead the world without becoming its policeman? -And finally, how can we make our politics reflect what's best in us and -not what's worst? - -Let me start with the economy and a basic fact: The United States of -America right now has the strongest, most durable economy in the world. -We're in the middle of the longest streak of private sector job -creation in history. More than 14 million new jobs, the strongest 2 -years of job growth since the 1990s, an unemployment rate cut in half. -Our auto industry just had its best year ever. That's just part of a -manufacturing surge that's created nearly 900,000 new jobs in the past -6 years. And we've done all this while cutting our deficits by almost -three-quarters. - -Anyone claiming that America's economy is in decline is peddling -fiction. Now, what is true--and the reason that a lot of Americans feel -anxious--is that the economy has been changing in profound ways, changes -that started long before the great recession hit, changes that have not -let up. - -Today, technology doesn't just replace jobs on the assembly line, but -any job where work can be automated. Companies in a global economy can -locate anywhere, and they face tougher competition. As a result, -workers have less leverage for a raise. Companies have less loyalty to -their communities. And more and more wealth and income is concentrated -at the very top. - -All these trends have squeezed workers, even when they have jobs, even -when the economy is growing. It's made it harder for a hard-working -family to pull itself out of poverty, harder for young people to start -their careers, tougher for workers to retire when they want to. And -although none of these trends are unique to America, they do offend our -uniquely American belief that everybody who works hard should get a -fair shot. - -For the past 7 years, our goal has been a growing economy that also -works better for everybody. We've made progress, but we need to make -more. And despite all the political arguments that we've had these past -few years, there are actually some areas where Americans broadly agree. - -We agree that real opportunity requires every American to get the -education and training they need to land a good-paying job. The -bipartisan reform of No Child Left Behind was an important start, and -together, we've increased early childhood education, lifted high school -graduation rates to new highs, boosted graduates in fields like -engineering. In the coming years, we should build on that progress, by -providing pre-K for all and offering every student the hands-on -computer science and math classes that make them job-ready on day one. -We should recruit and support more great teachers for our kids. - -And we have to make college affordable for every American. No hard- -working student should be stuck in the red. We've already reduced -student loan payments by--to 10 percent of a borrower's income. And -that's good. But now we've actually got to cut the cost of college. -Providing 2 years of community college at no cost for every responsible -student is one of the best ways to do that, and I'm going to keep -fighting to get that started this year. It's the right thing to do. - -But a great education isn't all we need in this new economy. We also -need benefits and protections that provide a basic measure of security. -It's not too much of a stretch to say that some of the only people in -America who are going to work the same job, in the same place, with a -health and retirement package for 30 years are sitting in this Chamber. -[Laughter] For everyone else, especially folks in their forties and -fifties, saving for retirement or bouncing back from job loss has -gotten a lot tougher. Americans understand that at some point in their -careers, in this new economy, they may have to retool, they may have to -retrain. But they shouldn't lose what they've already worked so hard to -build in the process. - -That's why Social Security and Medicare are more important than ever. -We shouldn't weaken them, we should strengthen them. And for Americans -short of retirement, basic benefits should be just as mobile as -everything else is today. That, by the way, is what the Affordable Care -Act is all about. It's about filling the gaps in employer-based care so -that when you lose a job or you go back to school or you strike out and -launch that new business, you'll still have coverage. Nearly 18 million -people have gained coverage so far. And in the process, health care -inflation has slowed. And our businesses have created jobs every single -month since it became law. - -Now, I'm guessing we won't agree on health care anytime soon, but-- -[laughter]--a little applause back there. [Laughter] Just a guess. But -there should be other ways parties can work together to improve -economic security. Say a hard-working American loses his job. We -shouldn't just make sure that he can get unemployment insurance, we -should make sure that program encourages him to retrain for a business -that's ready to hire him. If that new job doesn't pay as much, there -should be a system of wage insurance in place so that he can still pay -his bills. And even if he's going from job to job, he should still be -able to save for retirement and take his savings with him. That's the -way we make the new economy work better for everybody. - -I also know Speaker Ryan has talked about his interest in tackling -poverty. America is about giving everybody willing to work a chance, a -hand up. And I'd welcome a serious discussion about strategies we can -all support, like expanding tax cuts for low-income workers who don't -have children. - -But there are some areas where--we just have to be honest--it has been -difficult to find agreement over the last 7 years. And a lot of them -fall under the category of what role the Government should play in -making sure the system's not rigged in favor of the wealthiest and -biggest corporations. And it's an honest disagreement, and the American -people have a choice to make. - -I believe a thriving private sector is the lifeblood of our economy. I -think there are outdated regulations that need to be changed. There is -redtape that needs to be cut. [Applause] There you go! Yes! See? But -after years now of record corporate profits, working families won't get -more opportunity or bigger paychecks just by letting big banks or big -oil or hedge funds make their own rules at everybody else's expense. -Middle class families are not going to feel more secure because we -allowed attacks on collective bargaining to go unanswered. Food stamp -recipients did not cause the financial crisis; recklessness on Wall -Street did. Immigrants aren't the principal reason wages haven't gone -up; those decisions are made in the boardrooms that all too often put -quarterly earnings over long-term returns. It's sure not the average -family watching tonight that avoids paying taxes through offshore -accounts. [Laughter] - -The point is, I believe that in this new economy, workers and startups -and small businesses need more of a voice, not less. The rules should -work for them. And I'm not alone in this. This year, I plan to lift up -the many businesses who have figured out that doing right by their -workers or their customers or their communities ends up being good for -their shareholders. And I want to spread those best practices across -America. That's part of a brighter future. - -In fact, it turns, out many of our best corporate citizens are also our -most creative. And this brings me to the second big question we as a -country have to answer: How do we reignite that spirit of innovation to -meet our biggest challenges? - -Sixty years ago, when the Russians beat us into space, we didn't deny -Sputnik was up there. [Laughter] We didn't argue about the science or -shrink our research and development budget. We built a space program -almost overnight. And 12 years later, we were walking on the Moon. - -Now, that spirit of discovery is in our DNA. America is Thomas Edison -and the Wright Brothers and George Washington Carver. America is Grace -Hopper and Katherine Johnson and Sally Ride. America is every immigrant -and entrepreneur from Boston to Austin to Silicon Valley, racing to -shape a better future. That's who we are. - -And over the past 7 years, we've nurtured that spirit. We've protected -an open Internet and taken bold new steps to get more students and low- -income Americans online. We've launched next-generation manufacturing -hubs and online tools that give an entrepreneur everything he or she -needs to start a business in a single day. But we can do so much more. - -Last year, Vice President Biden said that with a new moonshot, America -can cure cancer. Last month, he worked with this Congress to give -scientists at the National Institutes of Health the strongest resources -that they've had in over a decade. Well--so tonight I'm announcing a new -national effort to get it done. And because he's gone to the mat for -all of us on so many issues over the past 40 years, I'm putting Joe in -charge of mission control. For the loved ones we've all lost, for the -families that we can still save, let's make America the country that -cures cancer once and for all. What do you say, Joe? Let's make it -happen. - -Now, medical research is critical. We need the same level of commitment -when it comes to developing clean energy sources. Look, if anybody -still wants to dispute the science around climate change, have at it. -[Laughter] You will be pretty lonely, because you'll be debating our -military, most of America's business leaders, the majority of the -American people, almost the entire scientific community, and 200 -nations around the world who agree it's a problem and intend to solve -it. But even if the planet wasn't at stake, even if 2014 wasn't the -warmest year on record--until 2015 turned out to be even hotter--why -would we want to pass up the chance for American businesses to produce -and sell the energy of the future? Listen, 7 years ago, we made the -single biggest investment in clean energy in our history. Here are the -results. In fields from Iowa to Texas, wind power is now cheaper than -dirtier, conventional power. On rooftops from Arizona to New York, -solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars a year on their -energy bills and employs more Americans than coal in jobs that pay -better than average. We're taking steps to give homeowners the freedom -to generate and store their own energy, something, by the way, that -environmentalists and Tea Partiers have teamed up to support. And -meanwhile, we've cut our imports of foreign oil by nearly 60 percent -and cut carbon pollution more than any other country on Earth. Gas -under 2 bucks a gallon ain't bad either. [Laughter] - -Now we've got to accelerate the transition away from old, dirtier -energy sources. Rather than subsidize the past, we should invest in the -future, especially in communities that rely on fossil fuels. We do them -no favor when we don't show them where the trends are going. And that's -why I'm going to push to change the way we manage our oil and coal -resources so that they better reflect the costs they impose on -taxpayers and our planet. And that way, we put money back into those -communities and put tens of thousands of Americans to work building a -21st-century transportation system. - -Now, none of this is going to happen overnight. And yes, there are -plenty of entrenched interests who want to protect the status quo. But -the jobs we'll create, the money we'll save, the planet we'll preserve-- -that is the kind of future our kids and our grandkids deserve. And it's -within our grasp. - -Now, climate change is just one of many issues where our security is -linked to the rest of the world. And that's why the third big question -that we have to answer together is how to keep America safe and strong -without either isolating ourselves or trying to nation-build everywhere -there's a problem. - -Now, I told you earlier all the talk of America's economic decline is -political hot air. Well, so is all the rhetoric you hear about our -enemies getting stronger and America getting weaker. Let me tell you -something: The United States of America is the most powerful nation on -Earth. Period. [Applause] Period. It's not even close. [Applause] It's -not even close. It's not even close. We spend more on our military than -the next eight nations combined. Our troops are the finest fighting -force in the history of the world. [Applause] All right. No nation -attacks us directly, or our allies, because they know that's the path -to ruin. Surveys show our standing around the world is higher than when -I was elected to this office, and when it comes to every important -international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or -Moscow to lead. They call us. So I think it's useful to level set here, -because when we don't, we don't make good decisions. - -Now, as someone who begins every day with an intelligence briefing, I -know this is a dangerous time. But that's not primarily because of some -looming superpower out there, and it's certainly not because of -diminished American strength. In today's world, we're threatened less -by evil empires and more by failing states. - -The Middle East is going through a transformation that will play out -for a generation, rooted in conflicts that date back millennia. -Economic headwinds are blowing in from a Chinese economy that is in -significant transition. Even as their economy severely contracts, -Russia is pouring resources in to prop up Ukraine and Syria, client -states that they saw slipping away from their orbit. And the -international system we built after World War II is now struggling to -keep pace with this new reality. It's up to us, the United States of -America, to help remake that system. And to do that well, it means that -we've got to set priorities. Priority number one is protecting the -American people and going after terrorist networks. Both Al Qaida and -now ISIL pose a direct threat to our people, because in today's world, -even a handful of terrorists who place no value on human life, -including their own, can do a lot of damage. They use the Internet to -poison the minds of individuals inside our country. Their actions -undermine and destabilize our allies. We have to take them out. - -But as we focus on destroying ISIL, over-the-top claims that this is -world war III just play into their hands. Masses of fighters on the -back of pickup trucks, twisted souls plotting in apartments or garages, -they pose an enormous danger to civilians; they have to be stopped. But -they do not threaten our national existence. That is the story ISIL -wants to tell. That's the kind of propaganda they use to recruit. We -don't need to build them up to show that we're serious, and we sure -don't need to push away vital allies in this fight by echoing the lie -that ISIL is somehow representative of one of the world's largest -religions. We just need to call them what they are: killers and -fanatics who have to be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed. - -And that's exactly what we're doing. For more than a year, America has -led a coalition of more than 60 countries to cut off ISIL's financing, -disrupt their plots, stop the flow of terrorist fighters, and stamp out -their vicious ideology. With nearly 10,000 airstrikes, we're taking out -their leadership, their oil, their training camps, their weapons. We're -training, arming, and supporting forces who are steadily reclaiming -territory in Iraq and Syria. - -If this Congress is serious about winning this war and wants to send a -message to our troops and the world, authorize the use of military -force against ISIL. Take a vote. [Applause] Take a vote. But the -American people should know that with or without congressional action, -ISIL will learn the same lessons as terrorists before them. If you -doubt America's commitment--or mine--to see that justice is done, just -ask Usama bin Laden. Ask the leader of Al Qaida in Yemen, who was taken -out last year, or the perpetrator of the Benghazi attacks, who sits in -a prison cell. When you come after Americans, we go after you. And it -may take time, but we have long memories, and our reach has no limits. - -Our foreign policy has to be focused on the threat from ISIL and Al -Qaida, but it can't stop there. For even without ISIL, even without Al -Qaida, instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world: -in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, in parts of -Central America, in Africa and Asia. Some of these places may become -safe havens for new terrorist networks. Others will just fall victim to -ethnic conflict or famine, feeding the next wave of refugees. The world -will look to us to help solve these problems, and our answer needs to -be more than tough talk or calls to carpet-bomb civilians. That may -work as a TV sound bite, but it doesn't pass muster on the world stage. - -We also can't try to take over and rebuild every country that falls -into crisis, even if it's done with the best of intentions. That's not -leadership; that's a recipe for quagmire, spilling American blood and -treasure that ultimately will weaken us. It's the lesson of Vietnam; -it's the lesson of Iraq. And we should have learned it by now. - -Now, fortunately there is a smarter approach: a patient and disciplined -strategy that uses every element of our national power. It says America -will always act, alone if necessary, to protect our people and our -allies, but on issues of global concern, we will mobilize the world to -work with us and make sure other countries pull their own weight. -That's our approach to conflicts like Syria, where we're partnering -with local forces and leading international efforts to help that broken -society pursue a lasting peace. That's why we built a global coalition, -with sanctions and principled diplomacy, to prevent a nuclear-armed -Iran. And as we speak, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program, -shipped out its uranium stockpile, and the world has avoided another -war. - - -That's how we stopped the spread of Ebola in West Africa. Our military, -our doctors, our development workers--they were heroic; they set up the -platform that then allowed other countries to join in behind us and -stamp out that epidemic. Hundreds of thousands, maybe a couple million, -lives were saved. - -That's how we forged a Trans-Pacific Partnership to open markets and -protect workers and the environment and advance American leadership in -Asia. It cuts 18,000 taxes on products made in America, which will then -support more good jobs here in America. With TPP, China does not set -the rules in that region, we do. You want to show our strength in this -new century? Approve this agreement. Give us the tools to enforce it. -It's the right thing to do. - -Let me give you another example. Fifty years of isolating Cuba had -failed to promote democracy. It set us back in Latin America. That's -why we restored diplomatic relations, opened the door to travel and -commerce, positioned ourselves to improve the lives of the Cuban people. -So if you want to consolidate our leadership and credibility in the -hemisphere, recognize that the cold war is over. Lift the embargo. - -The point is, American leadership in the 21st century is not a choice -between ignoring the rest of the world--except when we kill terrorists-- -or occupying and rebuilding whatever society is unraveling. Leadership -means a wise application of military power and rallying the world -behind causes that are right. It means seeing our foreign assistance as -a part of our national security, not something separate, not charity. - -When we lead nearly 200 nations to the most ambitious agreement in -history to fight climate change, yes, that helps vulnerable countries, -but it also protects our kids. When we help Ukraine defend its -democracy or Colombia resolve a decades-long war, that strengthens the -international order we depend on. When we help African countries feed -their people and care for the sick, it's the right thing to do, and it -prevents the next pandemic from reaching our shores. Right now we're on -track to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS. That's within our grasp. And we -have the chance to accomplish the same thing with malaria, something -I'll be pushing this Congress to fund this year. - -That's American strength. That's American leadership. And that kind of -leadership depends on the power of our example. That's why I will keep -working to shut down the prison at Guantanamo. It is expensive, it is -unnecessary, and it only serves as a recruitment brochure for our -enemies. There's a better way. - -And that's why we need to reject any politics--any politics--that targets -people because of race or religion. Let me just say this. This is not a -matter of political correctness, this is a matter of understanding just -what it is that makes us strong. The world respects us not just for our -arsenal, it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way -we respect every faith. - -His Holiness Pope Francis told this body from the very spot that I'm -standing on tonight that "to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants -and murderers is the best way to take their place." When politicians -insult Muslims, whether abroad or our fellow citizens, when a mosque is -vandalized or a kid is called names, that doesn't make us safer. That's -not telling it what--telling it like it is. It's just wrong. It -diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve -our goals. It betrays who we are as a country. "We the People." Our -Constitution begins with those three simple words, words we've come to -recognize mean all the people, not just some; words that insist we rise -and fall together, that that's how we might perfect our Union. And that -brings me to the fourth and maybe most important thing that I want to -say tonight. - -The future we want--all of us want--opportunity and security for our -families, a rising standard of living, a sustainable, peaceful planet -for our kids--all that is within our reach. But it will only happen if -we work together. It will only happen if we can have rational, -constructive debates. It will only happen if we fix our politics. - -A better politics doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. This is -a big country: different regions, different attitudes, different -interests. That's one of our strengths too. Our Founders distributed -power between States and branches of government and expected us to -argue, just as they did, fiercely, over the size and shape of -government, over commerce and foreign relations, over the meaning of -liberty and the imperatives of security. - -But democracy does require basic bonds of trust between its citizens. -It doesn't work if we think the people who disagree with us are all -motivated by malice. It doesn't work if we think that our political -opponents are unpatriotic or trying to weaken America. Democracy grinds -to a halt without a willingness to compromise or when even basic facts -are contested or when we listen only to those who agree with us. Our -public life withers when only the most extreme voices get all the -attention. And most of all, democracy breaks down when the average -person feels their voice doesn't matter, that the system is rigged in -favor of the rich or the powerful or some special interest. - -Too many Americans feel that way right now. It's one of the few regrets -of my Presidency: that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has -gotten worse instead of better. I have no doubt, a President with the -gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide, and -I guarantee, I'll keep trying to be better so long as I hold this -office. - -But, my fellow Americans, this cannot be my task--or any President's-- -alone. There are a whole lot of folks in this Chamber, good people, who -would like to see more cooperation, would like to see a more elevated -debate in Washington, but feel trapped by the imperatives of getting -elected, by the noise coming out of your base. I know; you've told me. -It's the worst kept secret in Washington. And a lot of you aren't -enjoying being trapped in that kind of rancor. - -But that means if we want a better politics--and I'm addressing the -American people now--if we want a better politics, it's not enough just -to change a Congressman or change a Senator or even change a President. -We have to change the system to reflect our better selves. - -I think we've got to end the practice of drawing our congressional -districts so that politicians can pick their voters and not the other -way around. Let a bipartisan group do it. - -I believe we've got to reduce the influence of money in our politics so -that a handful of families or hidden interests can't bankroll our -elections. And if our existing approach to campaign finance reform -can't pass muster in the courts, we need to work together to find a -real solution. Because it's a problem. And most of you don't like -raising money. [Laughter] I know. I've done it. - -We've got to make it easier to vote, not harder. We need to modernize -it for the way we live now. This is America: We want to make it easier -for people to participate. And over the course of this year, I intend -to travel the country to push for reforms that do just that. But I -can't do these things on my own. Changes in our political process--in -not just who gets elected, but how they get elected--that will only -happen when the American people demand it. It depends on you. That's -what's meant by a government of, by, and for the people. - -What I'm suggesting is hard. It's a lot easier to be cynical; to accept -that change is not possible and politics is hopeless and the problem is, -all the folks who are elected don't care; and to believe that our -voices and our actions don't matter. But if we give up now, then we -forsake a better future. Those with money and power will gain greater -control over the decisions that could send a young soldier to war or -allow another economic disaster or roll back the equal rights and -voting rights that generations of Americans have fought, even died, to -secure. And then, as frustration grows, there will be voices urging us -to fall back into our respective tribes, to scapegoat fellow citizens -who don't look like us or pray like us or vote like we do or share the -same background. - -We can't afford to go down that path. It won't deliver the economy we -want. It will not produce the security we want. But most of all, it -contradicts everything that makes us the envy of the world. - -So, my fellow Americans, whatever you may believe, whether you prefer -one party or no party, whether you supported my agenda or fought as -hard as you could against it, our collective futures depends on your -willingness to uphold your duties as a citizen. To vote. To speak out. -To stand up for others, especially the weak, especially the vulnerable, -knowing that each of us is only here because somebody, somewhere, stood -up for us. We need every American to stay active in our public life--and -not just during election time--so that our public life reflects the -goodness and the decency that I see in the American people every single -day. - -It is not easy. Our brand of democracy is hard. But I can promise that -a little over a year from now, when I no longer hold this office, I -will be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by those voices of -fairness and vision, of grit and good humor and kindness, that have -helped America travel so far. Voices that help us see ourselves not, -first and foremost, as Black or White or Asian or Latino, not as gay or -straight, immigrant or native born, not Democrat or Republican, but as -Americans first, bound by a common creed. Voices Dr. King believed -would have the final word: voices of "unarmed truth and unconditional -love." - -And they're out there, those voices. They don't get a lot of attention; -they don't seek a lot of fanfare; but they're busy doing the work this -country needs doing. I see them everywhere I travel in this incredible -country of ours. I see you, the American people. And in your daily acts -of citizenship, I see our future unfolding. - -I see it in the worker on the assembly line who clocked extra shifts to -keep his company open and the boss who pays him higher wages instead of -laying him off. I see it in the dreamer who stays up late at night to -finish her science project and the teacher who comes in early, maybe -with some extra supplies that she bought because she knows that that -young girl might someday cure a disease. - -I see it in the American who served his time, made bad mistakes as a -child, but now is dreaming of starting over. And I see it in the -business owner who gives him that second chance. The protester -determined to prove that justice matters and the young cop walking the -beat, treating everybody with respect, doing the brave, quiet work of -keeping us safe. - -I see it in the soldier who gives almost everything to save his -brothers, the nurse who tends to him till he can run a marathon, the -community that lines up to cheer him on. It's the son who finds the -courage to come out as who he is and the father whose love for that son -overrides everything he's been taught. - -I see it in the elderly woman who will wait in line to cast her vote as -long as she has to, the new citizen who casts his vote for the first -time, the volunteers at the polls who believe every vote should count. -Because each of them, in different ways, know how much that precious -right is worth. - -That's the America I know. That's the country we love: clear eyed, big -hearted, undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and -unconditional love will have the final word. That's what makes me so -hopeful about our future. I believe in change because I believe in you, -the American people. And that's why I stand here as confident as I have -ever been that the state of our Union is strong. - -Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. Thank -you. - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of Barack -Obama, by Barack Obama - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE UNION ADDRESSES BARACK OBAMA *** - -***** This file should be named 50950.txt or 50950.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/9/5/50950/ - -Produced by Al Haines -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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