President Biden on Tuesday delivered his first State of the Union address under the cloud of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for an alliance between US lawmakers and overseas allies and calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Six days ago, Russia's Vladimir Putin tried to shake the foundations of a free world by thinking that he could bend it in his dangerous ways. But he miscalculated," Biden said.
"Putin's war was premeditated and unprovoked. He rejected diplomacy. He thought the West and NATO would not respond. And, he thought he would divide us here at home." Maybe, "said Biden. "Putin was wrong. We were ready."
Biden spent the first 10 minutes of his 62-minute address to Congress talking about the emerging crisis in Europe, before turning to domestic priorities such as inflation and the COVID-19 epidemic.
It used the address to announce plans to ban Russian aircraft from US airspace, the European Union and Canada's involvement in such a move, and energy solutions from the United States and 30 countries. Highlights the move to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves. Rising prices due to conflict.
"We are committed to working with our allies to do more than needed," Biden said. "I want you to know, we'll be fine."
"When the history of this era is written, Putin's war against Ukraine will have weakened Russia and strengthened the rest of the world," Biden said.
Biden's rhetoric on Ukraine, and in particular his recognition of the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States sitting next to the first lady, was widely applauded as he vowed to take a hard line against Putin. Members of both parties donated blue and yellow, indicating the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Other parts of the speech were more biased.
Democrats ridiculed Biden when he condemned tax cuts for wealthy Americans during the Trump administration. Republican applause was low when Biden launched his domestic agenda for the coming year, and some Republicans chanted "Build that wall" when Biden talked about immigration.
The president has sought to dispel Republican criticism in recent days that Biden has pushed the economy backwards, pointing to record high inflation, especially among consumers and middle-class families. Was hurting
Biden noted the 6.5 million jobs gains last year and highlighted the passage of the bilateral infrastructure law last fall, announcing plans to begin repairing 65,000 miles of highways and 1,500 bridges this year. When repairs are required after the implementation of this law.
He introduced Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who was a guest of First Lady Jill Biden, to note the growing investment in US manufacturing.
And, in an effort to revive his stalled agenda in Congress, Biden re-branded his Build Back Better proposal as part of his "Build a Better America." It renewed its economic plan as a way to fight inflation, calling on Congress to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, reduce energy costs by investing in climate-friendly technologies, and reduce child labor. Reduce maintenance costs.
"Let's do this," Biden said. "We all know we have to make a difference."
Biden also called on the Senate to confirm its nominees for the Federal Reserve, who have been barred by Republicans from contesting some elections, noting that most of the power to deal with inflation is in place. The feed has.
Biden made a fresh but familiar call for unity, urging Democrats and Republicans not to see each other as "enemies" but as "fellow Americans." It offered some agenda items that members of both parties could work on together, including fighting the opioid epidemic and enforcing privacy protections for children on social media.
Much of his speech echoes the themes of his address to supporters when he travels, urging corporations to pay their taxes, promoting the middle class, remember the roots, and when it works, the nation is strong. Together
"As difficult as it has been, I am more optimistic about the United States today than I have ever been," Biden said.
Some Democrats are frustrated with their prospects in November, citing historical trends, inflation and persistent COVID-19 epidemics. But Tuesday marked a turning point in the government's approach to the virus.
Masks were not needed in the chamber, and most legislators went without masks to signal that it was time to turn the page on a new phase of the epidemic. Last year, COVID-19 set us apart. This year, we are finally back together, "Biden said as he entered the chamber without covering his face.
During his speech, Biden pointed to the availability of large-scale vaccinations, booster shots and treatments, and more widely available testing as reasons for his hope that the nation could return to normalcy safely.
"We will continue to fight the virus as we fight other diseases. And as the virus changes and spreads, we have to be careful," Biden said.
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