[House Document 118-1]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



118th Congress, 1st Session--------------------HOUSE DOCUMENT 118-1
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        PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS BEFORE A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

                               __________

                                MESSAGE

                                  from

                     THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

  A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING THE 
         PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS BEFORE A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


  February 8, 2023.--Message and accompanying papers referred to the 
 Committee on the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to 
                               be printed
To the Congress of the United States:
    Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Our First Lady and 
Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Leaders 
of our military. Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and 
retired Justices of the Supreme Court. And you, my fellow 
Americans.
    I start tonight by congratulating the members of the 118th 
Congress and the new Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. Mr. 
Speaker, I look forward to working together.
    I also want to congratulate the new leader of the House 
Democrats and the first Black House Minority Leader in history, 
Hakeem Jeffries.
    Congratulations to the longest serving Senate leader in 
history, Mitch McConnell.
    And congratulations to Chuck Schumer for another term as 
Senate Majority Leader, this time with an even bigger majority.
    And I want to give special recognition to someone who I 
think will be considered the greatest Speaker in the history of 
this country, Nancy Pelosi.
    The story of America is a story of progress and resilience. 
Of always moving forward. Of never giving up. A story that is 
unique among all nations.
    We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis 
stronger than when we entered it. That is what we are doing 
again.
    Two years ago, our economy was reeling. As I stand here 
tonight--we have created a record 12 million new jobs--more 
jobs created in 2 years than any President has ever created in 
4 years.
    Two years ago, COVID had shut down our businesses, closed 
our schools and robbed us of so much. Today, COVID no longer 
controls our lives.
    And 2 years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat 
since the Civil War. Today--though bruised--our democracy 
remains unbowed and unbroken.
    As we gather here tonight--we are writing the next chapter 
in the great American story--a story of progress and 
resilience. When world leaders ask me to define America--I 
define our country in one word--Possibilities.
    You know, we're often told that Democrats and Republicans 
can't work together. But over these past 2 years we proved the 
cynics and the naysayers wrong. Yes, we disagreed plenty. And 
yes, there were times when Democrats had to go it alone.
    But time and again, Democrats and Republicans came 
together. Came together to defend a stronger and safer Europe. 
Came together to pass a once-in-a-generation infrastructure 
law--building bridges to connect our Nation and people. Came 
together to pass one of the most significant laws ever--helping 
veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
    In fact--I signed over 300 bipartisan laws since becoming 
President--from reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act to 
the Electoral Count Reform Act to the Respect For Marriage 
Act--that protects the right to marry the person you love.
    To my Republican friends--if we could work together in the 
last Congress--there is no reason we can't work together in 
this new Congress. The people sent us a clear message.
    Fighting for the sake of fighting--power for the sake of 
power--conflict for the sake of conflict--gets us nowhere.
    And that's always been my vision for our country. To 
restore the soul of the Nation. To rebuild the backbone of 
America--the middle class. To unite the country. We've been 
sent here to--finish the job!
    For decades the middle class was hollowed out. Too many 
good-paying manufacturing jobs moved overseas. Factories at 
home closed down. Once-thriving cities and towns became shadows 
of what they used to be. And along the way something else was 
lost. Pride. That sense of self-worth.
    I ran for President to fundamentally change things--to make 
sure the economy works for everyone so we can all feel pride in 
what we do. To build an economy from the bottom up--and the 
middle out--not from the top down. Because when the middle 
class does well--the poor have a ladder up--and the wealthy 
still do very well. We all do well.
    As my Dad used to say--a job is about a lot more than a 
paycheck. It's about your dignity. It's about respect. It's 
about being able to look your kid in the eye and say ``Honey--
it's going to be OK''--and mean it.
    So--let's look at the results. Unemployment rate at 3.4 
percent--a 50-year low. Near record low unemployment--for Black 
and Hispanic workers.
    We've already created 800,000 good-paying manufacturing 
jobs--the fastest growth in 40 years. Where is it written--that 
America can't lead the world in manufacturing again?
    For too many decades we imported products and exported 
jobs. Now--thanks to all we've done--we're exporting American 
products and creating American jobs.
    Inflation has been a global problem because of the pandemic 
that disrupted supply chains and Putin's war that disrupted 
energy and food supplies. But we're better positioned than any 
country on Earth. We have more to do--but here at home--
inflation is coming down! Here at home--gas prices are down 
$1.50 a gallon since their peak. Food inflation is coming down. 
Inflation has fallen every month for the last 6 months while 
take home pay has gone up.
    Additionally--over the last 2 years--a record 10 million 
Americans applied to start a new small business. Every time 
somebody starts a small business--it's an act of hope.
    And the Vice President will continue her work to ensure 
more small businesses can access capital and the historic laws 
we enacted.
    Standing here last year--I shared with you a story of--
American genius and possibility. Semiconductors--the small 
computer chips the size of your fingertip that power everything 
from cellphones to automobiles and so much more. These chips 
were invented right here in America. America used to make 
nearly 40 percent of the world's chips. But in the last few 
decades we lost our edge and we're down to producing only 10 
percent.
    We all saw what happened during the pandemic when chip 
factories overseas shut down. Today's automobiles need up to 
3,000 chips each--but American automakers couldn't make enough 
cars because there weren't enough chips. Car prices went up. So 
did everything from refrigerators to cellphones. We can never 
let that happen again!
    That's why we came together to pass the bipartisan CHIPS 
and Science Act. We're making sure the supply chain for America 
begins in America!
    We've already created 800,000 manufacturing jobs even 
without this law. With this new law--we will create hundreds of 
thousands of new jobs across the country. That's going to come 
from companies that have announced more than $300 billion in 
investments in American manufacturing in the last 2 years.
    Outside of Columbus, Ohio--Intel is building semiconductor 
factories on a thousand acres--a literal field of dreams. 
That'll create 10,000 jobs. 7,000 construction jobs. 3,000 jobs 
once the factories are finished. Jobs paying $130,000 a year--
and many don't require a college degree. Jobs where people 
don't have to leave home in search of opportunity.
    And it's just getting started. Think about the new homes--
new small businesses--and so much more that will come to life. 
Talk to mayors and Governors--Democrats and Republicans--and 
they'll tell you what this means to their communities. We're 
seeing these fields of dreams--transform the heartland!
    But to maintain the strongest economy in the world--we also 
need the best infrastructure in the world. We used to be #1 in 
the world in infrastructure--then we fell to 13th.
    Now we're coming back because we came together to pass the 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--the largest investment in 
infrastructure since President Eisenhower's Interstate Highway 
system.
    Already--we've funded over 20,000 projects--including at 
major airports from Boston to Atlanta to Portland. These 
projects will put hundreds of thousands of people to work 
rebuilding our highways--bridges--railroads--tunnels--ports and 
airports--clean water--and high-speed internet--across America. 
Urban. Suburban. Rural. Tribal.
    And we're just getting started. I sincerely thank my 
Republican friends who voted for the law. And to my Republican 
friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in 
their districts--don't worry. I promised to be the President 
for all Americans. We'll fund your projects. And--I'll see you 
at the ground-breaking.
    This law will help further unite all of America. Major 
projects like the Brent Spence bridge between Kentucky and 
Ohio--over the Ohio River. Built 60 years ago. Badly in need of 
repairs. One of the Nation's most congested freight routes--
carrying $2 billion worth of freight every day. Folks have been 
talking about fixing it for decades but we're finally going to 
get it done.
    I went there last month with Democrats and Republicans from 
both States to deliver $1.6 billion for this project. While I 
was there I met an ironworker named Saria--who is here tonight. 
For 30 years she's been a proud member of Iron Workers Local 
44--known as the ``cowboys of the sky''--who built the 
Cincinnati skyline. Saria said she can't wait to be ten stories 
above the Ohio River building that new bridge. That's pride. 
That's what we're also building--pride.
    We're also replacing poisonous lead pipes that go into 10 
million home--and 400,000 schools and childcare centers--so 
every child in America can drink clean water!
    We're making sure that every community has access to 
affordable high-speed Internet. No parent should have to drive 
to a McDonald's parking lot so their kid can do their homework 
online.
    And when we do these projects--we're going to Buy American. 
Buy American has been the law of the land since 1933. But for 
too long past administrations have found ways to get around it. 
Not anymore.
    Tonight--I'm also announcing new standards to require all 
construction materials used in Federal infrastructure projects 
to be made in America. American-made--lumber--glass--drywall--
fiber optic cables. And on my watch--American roads--American 
bridges--and American highways will be made with American 
products.
    My economic plan is about investing in places and people 
that have been forgotten. Amid the economic upheaval of the 
past four decades--too many people have been left behind--or 
treated like they're invisible. Maybe that's you watching at 
home. You remember the jobs that went away. And you wonder 
whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to 
get ahead--without moving away. I get it. That's why we're 
building an economy where no one is left behind.
    Jobs are coming back--pride is coming back--because of the 
choices we made in the last 2 years. This is a blue-collar blue 
print--to rebuild America--and make a real difference in your 
lives.
    For example--too many of you lay in bed at night staring at 
the ceiling wondering what will happen if your spouse gets 
cancer--your child gets sick--or if something happens to you. 
Will you have the money to pay your medical bills? Will you 
have to sell the house? I get it.
    With the Inflation Reduction Act that I signed into law--
we're taking on powerful interests to bring your health care 
costs down so you can sleep better at night.
    You know--we pay more for prescription drugs than any major 
country on Earth. For example--1 in 10 Americans has diabetes. 
Every day--millions need insulin to control their diabetes so 
they can stay alive. Insulin has been around for 100 years. It 
costs drug companies just $10 a vial to make. But--Big Pharma 
has been unfairly charging people hundreds of dollars and 
making record profits. Not anymore. We capped the cost of 
insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare.
    But there are millions of other Americans who are not on 
Medicare--including 200,000 young people with Type I diabetes 
who need insulin to save their lives. Let's finish the job this 
time. Let's cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month--for every 
American who needs it!
    This law also caps out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on 
Medicare at a maximum $2,000 per year when there are in fact 
many drugs--like expensive cancer drugs--that can cost up to 
$10,000-$12,000--and $14,000 a year. If drug prices rise faster 
than inflation--drug companies will have to pay Medicare back 
the difference.
    And we're finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate 
drug prices. Bringing down prescription drug costs doesn't just 
save seniors money. It will cut the Federal deficit saving tax 
payers hundreds of billions of dollars on the prescription 
drugs the Government buys for Medicare.
    Why wouldn't we want to do that? Now--some members here are 
threatening to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act. Make no 
mistake--if you try to do anything to raise the cost of 
prescription drugs--I will veto it!
    I'm pleased to say that more Americans have health 
insurance now than ever in history. A record 16 million people 
are enrolled under the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the law I 
signed last year--millions are saving $800 a year on their 
premiums. But the way that law was written--that benefit 
expires after 2025. Let's finish the job--make those savings 
permanent--and expand coverage to those left off Medicaid.
    Look--the Inflation Reduction Act--is also the most 
significant investment ever--to tackle the climate crisis 
Lowering utility bills--creating American jobs--and leading the 
world to a clean energy future.
    I've visited the devastating aftermaths of record floods 
and droughts--storms and wildfires. In addition to emergency 
recovery--from Puerto Rico to Florida to Idaho--we are 
rebuilding for the long term. New electric grids--able to 
weather the next major storm. Roads and water systems--to 
withstand the next big flood. Clean energy--to cut pollution 
and create jobs in communities too often left behind.
    We're building 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations--
installed across the country--by tens of thousands of IBEW 
workers. And helping families save more than $1,000 a year--
with tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles--and 
energy-efficient appliances.
    Historic conservation efforts--to be responsible stewards 
of our lands. Let's face reality. The climate crisis doesn't 
care if your State is red or blue. It is an existential threat. 
We have an obligation--to our children and grandchildren--to 
confront it.
    I'm proud of how America is at last--stepping up to the 
challenge. But there's so much more to do. We will finish the 
job!
    And we pay for these investments in our future by finally 
making the wealthiest and the biggest corporations begin to pay 
their fair share. I'm a capitalist. But just pay your fair 
share.
    And I think a lot of you at home agree with me--that our 
present tax system is simply unfair. The idea that in 2020--55 
of the biggest companies in America made $40 billion in profits 
and paid zero in Federal income taxes? That's simply not fair.
    But now--because of the law I signed--billion-dollar 
companies have to pay a minimum of 15 percent. Just 15 percent. 
That's less than a nurse pays.
    Let me be clear. Under my plan--nobody earning less than 
$400,000 a year--will pay an additional penny in taxes. nobody. 
Not one penny.
    But there's more to do. Let's finish the job. Reward work--
not just wealth. Pass my proposal for a billionaire minimum 
tax. Because no billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a 
school teacher or a firefighter.
    You may have noticed that Big Oil just reported record 
profits. Last year they made $200 billion--in the midst of a 
global energy crisis. It's outrageous. They invested too little 
of that profit to increase domestic production and keep gas 
prices down.
    Instead--they used those record profits to buy back their 
own stock--rewarding their CEOs and shareholders. Corporations 
ought to do the right thing. That's why I propose that we 
quadruple the tax on corporate stock buybacks--to encourage 
long term investments instead. They will still make a 
considerable profit.
    Let's finish the job and close the loopholes that allow the 
very wealthy to avoid paying their taxes. Instead of cutting 
the number of audits of wealthy tax payers--I signed a law that 
will reduce the deficit by $114 billion--by cracking down on 
wealthy tax cheats. That's being fiscally responsible.
    In the last 2 years--my Administration cut the deficit by 
no more than $1.7 trillion--the largest deficit reduction--in 
American history. Under the previous administration--America's 
deficit went up 4 years in a row.
    Because of those record deficits--no President added more 
to the national debt in any 4 years than my predecessor. Nearly 
25 percent of the entire national debt--a debt that took 200 
years to accumulate--was added by that administration alone.
    How did Congress respond to all that debt? They lifted the 
debt ceiling three times without preconditions or crisis. They 
paid America's bills to prevent economic disaster for our 
country. Tonight--I'm asking this Congress--to follow suit.
    Let us commit here tonight--that the full faith and credit 
of the United States of America will never--ever--be 
questioned!
    Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy 
hostage--unless I agree to their economic plans. All of you at 
home should know what their plans are. Instead of making the 
wealthy pay their fair share--some Republicans want Medicare 
and Social Security to sunset every 5 years. That means if 
Congress doesn't vote to keep them--those programs will go 
away.
    Other Republicans say if we don't cut Social Security and 
Medicare they'll let America default on its debt for the first 
time in our history. I won't let that happen. Social Security 
and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. Americans 
have been paying into them with every single paycheck since 
they started working.
    So tonight--let's all agree to stand up for seniors. Stand 
up and show them--we will not cut Social Security! We will not 
cut Medicare!
    Those benefits belong to the American people. They earned 
them. If anyone tries to cut Social Security--I will stop them. 
And if anyone tries to cut Medicare--I will stop them. I will 
not allow them to be taken away. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not 
ever.
    Next month--when I offer my fiscal plan--I ask my 
Republican friends to offer their plan. We can sit down 
together and discuss both plans together. My plan will lower 
the deficit by $2 trillion. I won't cut a single Social 
Security or Medicare benefit. In fact--I will extend the 
Medicare Trust Fund by at least two decades.
    I will not raise taxes on anyone making under $400,000 a 
year. And I will pay for the ideas I've talked about tonight by 
making the wealthy and big corporations begin to pay their fair 
share.
    Look--here's the deal. Big corporations aren't just taking 
advantage of the tax code. They're taking advantage of you--the 
American consumer. Here's my message to all of you out there--I 
have your back.
    We're already preventing insurance companies from sending 
surprise medical bills--stopping 1 million surprise bills a 
month. We're protecting seniors' lives--and life savings--by 
cracking down on nursing homes that commit fraud--endanger 
patient safety--or prescribe drugs they don't need.
    Millions of Americans can now save thousands of dollars 
because they can finally get hearing aids over-the-counter 
without a prescription.
    Capitalism without competition is not capitalism. It is 
exploitation.
    Last year I cracked down on foreign shipping companies that 
were making you pay higher prices for everyday goods coming 
into our country. I signed a bipartisan bill that cut shipping 
costs by 90 percent--helping American farmers--businesses--and 
consumers. Let's finish the job.
    Pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen antitrust 
enforcement and prevent big online platforms from giving their 
own products an unfair advantage. My Administration is also 
taking on ``junk'' fees--those hidden surcharges too many 
businesses use to make you pay more. For example--we're making 
airlines show you the full ticket price upfront and refund your 
money if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
    We've reduced exorbitant bank overdraft fees--saving 
consumers more than $1 billion a year. We're cutting credit 
card late fees by 75 percent--from $30 to $8. Junk fees may not 
matter to the very wealthy--but they matter to most folks in 
homes like the one I grew up in. They add up to hundreds of 
dollars a month. They make it harder for you to pay the bills 
or afford that family trip. I know how unfair it feels when a 
company overcharges you and gets away with it.
    Not anymore. We've written a bill to stop all that. It's 
called the Junk Fee Prevention Act. We'll ban surprise ``resort 
fees'' that hotels tack on to your bill. These fees can cost 
you up to $90 a night--at hotels that aren't even resorts. 
We'll make--cable--internet--and cellphone companies--stop 
charging you up to $200 or more when you decide to switch to 
another provider. We'll cap service fees on tickets to concerts 
and sporting events and make companies disclose all fees 
upfront.
    And we'll prohibit airlines from charging up to $50 
roundtrip for families just to sit together. Baggage fees are 
bad enough--they can't just treat your child like a piece of 
luggage. Americans are tired of being played for suckers. Pass 
the Junk Fee Prevention Act so companies stop ripping us off!
    For too long--workers have been getting stiffed. Not 
anymore. We're beginning to restore the dignity of work.
    For example--30 million workers had to sign non-compete 
agreements when they took a job. So--a cashier at a burger 
place can't cross the street to take the same job at another 
burger place to make a couple bucks more. Not anymore. We're 
banning those agreements so companies have to compete for 
workers and pay them what they're worth.
    I'm so sick and tired of companies breaking the law by 
preventing workers from organizing. Pass the PRO Act--because 
workers have a right to form a union.
    And let's guarantee all workers a living wage. Let's also 
make sure working parents can afford to raise a family with 
sick days--paid family and medical leave--and affordable child 
care--that will enable millions more people to go to work. 
Let's also restore the full Child Tax Credit--which gave tens 
of millions of parents some breathing room and cut child 
poverty in half--to the lowest level in history.
    And by the way--when we do all of these things--we increase 
productivity--we increase economic growth.
    Let's also finish the job--and get more families access to 
affordable and quality housing. Let's get seniors who want to 
stay in their homes the care they need to do so. And give a 
little more breathing room to millions of family caregivers 
looking after their loved ones.
    Pass my plan so we get seniors and people with disabilities 
the home care services they need and support the workers who 
are doing God's work. These plans are fully paid for and we can 
afford to do them.
    Restoring the dignity of work also means making education 
an affordable ticket to the middle class. When we made 12 years 
of public education universal in the last century--it made us 
the best-educated--best-prepared Nation in the world. But the 
world has caught up.
    Jill--who teaches full-time--has an expression--``Any 
nation that out-educates us--will out-compete us.''
    Folks--you all know--12 years is not enough to win the 
economic competition for the 21st Century. If you want America 
to have the best-educated workforce--let's finish the job by 
providing access to pre-school for 3- and 4-year-olds.
    Studies show that children who go to pre-school are nearly 
50 percent more likely to finish high school and go on to earn 
a 2- or 4-year degree--no matter their background. Let's give 
public school teachers a raise.
    And--we're making progress by reducing student debt and 
increasing Pell Grants for working and middle-class families.
    Let's finish the job--connect students to career 
opportunities starting in high school--and provide 2 years of 
community college--some of the best career training in America 
in addition to being a pathway to a 4-year degree. Let's offer 
every American the path to a good career--whether they go to 
college or not!
    And folks--in the midst of the COVID crisis--when schools 
were closed--let's also recognize how far we've come in the 
fight against the pandemic itself. While the virus is not 
gone--thanks to the resilience of the American people--we have 
broken COVID's grip on us.
    COVID deaths are down nearly 90 percent. We've saved 
millions of lives and opened our country back up. And soon--
we'll end the public health emergency.
    But we will remember the toll and pain that will never go 
away for so many. More than 1 million Americans have lost their 
lives to COVID. Families grieving. Children orphaned. Empty 
chairs at the dining room table. We remember them--and we 
remain vigilant.
    We still need to monitor dozens of variants and support new 
vaccines and treatments. So--Congress needs to fund these 
efforts and keep America safe!
    And as we emerge from this crisis stronger--I'm also 
doubling down on prosecuting criminals who stole relief money 
meant to keep workers and small businesses afloat during the 
pandemic.
    Before I came to office--many inspectors general--who 
protect taxpayer dollars--were sidelined. Fraud was rampant.
    Last year--I told you the watchdogs are back. Since then--
we've recovered billions of taxpayer dollars.
    Now--let's triple our anti-fraud strike forces going after 
these criminals--double the statute of limitations on these 
crimes--and crack down on identity fraud by criminal syndicates 
stealing billions of dollars from the American people. For 
every dollar we put into fighting fraud--taxpayers get back at 
least 10 times as much.
    COVID left other scars--like the spike in violent crime in 
2020--the first year of the pandemic. We have an obligation to 
make sure all our people are safe. Public safety depends on 
public trust. But too often--that trust is violated.
    Joining us tonight are the parents of Tyre Nichols--who had 
to bury him just last week. There are no words to describe the 
heartbreak and grief of losing a child. But--imagine what it's 
like to lose a child at the hands of the law. Imagine having to 
worry whether your son or daughter will come home from walking 
down the street--or playing in the park--or just driving their 
car.
    I've never had to have the talk with my children--Beau, 
Hunter, and Ashley--that so many Black and Brown families have 
had with their children. If a police officer pulls you over--
turn on your interior lights. Don't reach for your license. 
Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
    Imagine having to worry like that every day--in America.
    Here's what Tyre's Mom shared with me when I asked her how 
she finds the courage to carry on and speak out. With faith in 
God--she said her son--``was a beautiful soul--and something 
good will come from this.''
    Imagine how much courage and character that takes. It's up 
to us. It's up to all of us.
    We all want the same thing. Neighborhoods free of violence. 
Law enforcement who earn the community's trust. Our children to 
come home safely.
    Equal protection under the law--that's the covenant we have 
with each other in America. And we know police officers put 
their lives on the line every day--and we ask them to do too 
much. To be counselors, social workers, psychologists--
responding to drug overdoses, mental health crises, and more. 
We ask too much of them. But what happened to Tyre in Memphis 
happens too often. We have to do better.
    Give law enforcement the training they need--hold them to 
higher standards--and help them succeed in keeping everyone 
safe.
    We also need more first responders and other professionals 
to address growing mental health and substance abuse 
challenges. More resources to reduce violent crime and gun 
crime--more community intervention programs--more investments 
in housing, education, and job training. All this can help 
prevent violence in the first place.
    And when police officers or departments violate the 
public's trust--we must hold them accountable. With the support 
of families of victims--civil rights groups--and law 
enforcement--I signed an Executive Order for all Federal 
officers. Banning chokeholds--restricting no-knock warrants--
and other key elements of the--George Floyd Act.
    Let's commit ourselves to make the words of Tyre's mother 
come true--something good must come from this. All of us in 
this chamber--we need to rise to this moment. We can't turn 
away. Let's do what we know in our hearts we need to do. Let's 
come together and finish the job on police reform. Do 
something. That was the same plea of parents who lost their 
children in Uvalde--do something on gun violence.
    Thank God we did--passing the most sweeping gun safety law 
in three decades. That includes things that the majority of 
responsible gun owners support like--enhanced background checks 
for 18- to 21-year-olds--and red flag laws keeping guns out of 
the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others.
    But we know our work is not done.
    Joining us tonight is Brandon Tsay--a 26-year-old hero. 
Brandon put off his college dreams to stay by his mom's side as 
she was dying from cancer. He now works at a dance studio 
started by his grandparents. Two weeks ago--during Lunar New 
Year celebrations--he heard the studio's front door close and 
saw a man pointing a gun at him. He thought he was going to die 
but then he thought about the people inside. In that instant--
he found the courage to act--and wrestled the semi-automatic 
pistol away from a gunman who had already killed 11 people at 
another dance studio.
    He saved lives. It's time we do the same as well. Ban 
assault weapons once and for all!
    We did it before. I led the fight to ban them in 1994. In 
the 10 years the ban was law--mass shootings went down. After 
Republicans let it expire--mass shootings tripled.
    Let's finish the job--and ban assault weapons again!
    And let's also come together on immigration--and make it a 
bipartisan issue like it was before. We now have a record 
number of personnel working to secure the border--arresting 
8,000 human smugglers and seizing over 23,000 pounds of 
fentanyl in just the last several months.
    Since we launched our new border plan last month--unlawful 
migration from Cuba--Haiti--Nicaragua--and Venezuela has come 
down 97 percent.
    But America's border problems won't be fixed until Congress 
acts. If you won't pass my comprehensive immigration reform--at 
least pass my plan to provide the equipment and officers to 
secure the border. And a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers--
those on temporary status--farm workers--and essential workers.
    Here in the People's House--it's our duty to protect all 
the people's rights and freedoms. Congress must restore the 
right the Supreme Court took away last year--and codify Roe v. 
Wade to protect every woman's constitutional right to choose.
    The Vice President and I are doing everything we can to 
protect access to reproductive health care and safeguard 
patient privacy. But already--more than a dozen States are 
enforcing extreme abortion bans. Make no mistake. If Congress 
passes a national abortion ban--I will veto it!
    Let's also pass the bipartisan Equality Act to ensure LGBTQ 
Americans--especially transgender young people--can live with 
safety and dignity.
    Our strength is not just the example of our power--but the 
power of our example. Let's remember--the world is watching.
    I spoke from this chamber 1 year ago--just days after 
Vladimir Putin unleashed his brutal war against Ukraine. A 
murderous assault--evoking images of the death and destruction 
Europe suffered in World War II. Putin's invasion has been a 
test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world.
    Would we stand for the most basic of principles? Would we 
stand for sovereignty? Would we stand for the right of people 
to live free from tyranny? Would we stand for the defense of 
democracy?
    For such a defense matters to us--because it keeps the 
peace and prevents open season for would-be aggressors to 
threaten our security and prosperity.
    One year later--we know the answer. Yes--we would. And 
yes--we did. Together--we did what America always does at our 
best. We led. We united NATO--and built a global coalition. We 
stood against Putin's aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian 
people.
    Tonight--we are once again joined by Ukraine's Ambassador 
to the United States. She represents not just her nation--but 
the courage of her people. Ambassador--America is united in our 
support for your country. We will stand with you--as long as it 
takes!!
    Our Nation is working for more freedom--more dignity--and 
more peace--not just in Europe--but everywhere. Before I came 
to office--the story was about how the People's Republic of 
China was increasing its power--and America was falling in the 
world. Not anymore. I've made clear with President Xi that we 
seek competition--not conflict.
    I will make no apologies that we are investing to make 
America strong. Investing in American innovation--in industries 
that will define the future--and that China's government is 
intent on dominating. Investing in our alliances and working 
with our allies to protect our advanced technologies--so 
they're not used against us. Modernizing our military to 
safeguard stability and deter aggression.
    Today--we're in the strongest position in decades to 
compete with China--or anyone else in the world. I am committed 
to work with China--where it can advance American interests and 
benefit the world.
    But make no mistake. As we made clear last week--if China 
threatens our sovereignty--we will act to protect our country. 
And we did! And let's be clear. Winning the competition with 
China should unite all of us.
    We face serious challenges across the world. But in the 
past 2 years--democracies have become stronger--not weaker. 
Autocracies have grown weaker--not stronger. America is 
rallying the world again to meet those challenges--from climate 
and global health to food insecurity--to terrorism and 
territorial aggression.
    Allies are stepping up--spending more--and doing more. And 
bridges are forming between partners in the Pacific and those 
in the Atlantic. And those who bet against America are learning 
how wrong they are. It's never a good bet--to bet against 
America.
    When I came to office--most everyone assumed bipartisanship 
was impossible. But I never believed it. That's why a year 
ago'--I offered a Unity Agenda for the Nation. We've made real 
progress.
    Together--we passed a law making it easier for doctors to 
prescribe effective treatments for opioid addiction. Passed a 
gun safety law--making historic investments in mental health. 
Launched ARPA-H to drive breakthroughs in the fight against 
cancer--Alzheimer's--diabetes--and so much more.
    We passed the Heath Robinson PACT Act--named for the late 
Iraq war veteran whose story about exposure to toxic burn pits 
I shared here last year.
    But there is so much more to do. And we can do it together.
    Joining us tonight is a father named Doug from Newton, New 
Hampshire. He wrote Jill and me a letter about his daughter 
Courtney. Contagious laugh. Her sister's best friend. He shared 
a story all too familiar to millions of Americans. Courtney 
discovered pills in high school--it spiraled into--addiction--
and eventually her death from a fentanyl overdose. She was 20 
years old. Describing the last 8 years without her--Doug said--
``There is no worse pain.''
    Yet--their family has turned pain into purpose--working to 
end stigma and change laws. He told us he wants to ``start the 
journey towards America's recovery.'' Doug--we're with you.
    Fentanyl is killing more than 70,000 Americans a year.
    Let's launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production--
sale's and trafficking. With more drug detection machines to 
inspect cargo and stop pills and powder at the border. Working 
with couriers like Fed Ex to inspect more packages for drugs. 
Strong penalties to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.
    Second--let's do more on mental health especially for our 
children. When millions of young people are struggling with 
bullying--violence--trauma--we owe them greater access to 
mental health care at school.
    We must finally hold social-media companies accountable for 
the experiment they are running on our children for profit.
    And it's time to pass bipartisan legislation to stop Big 
Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers 
online--ban targeted advertising to children--and impose 
stricter limits on the personal data these companies collect on 
all of us.
    Third--let's do more to keep our Nation's one truly sacred 
obligation--to equip those we send into harm's way and care for 
them and their families when they come home.
    Job training and job placement for veterans and their 
spouses as they return to civilian life. Helping veterans 
afford their rent--because no one should be homeless in this 
country--especially not those who served it.
    And we cannot go on losing 17 veterans a day to the silent 
scourge of suicide. The VA is doing everything it can--
including expanding mental health screenings--and a proven 
program that recruits veterans to help other veterans 
understand what they're going through and get the help they 
need.
    And fourth--last year Jill and I re-ignited the Cancer 
Moonshot that President Obama asked me to lead in our 
administration.
    Our goal is to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50 
percent over the next 25 years. Turn more cancers from death 
sentences into treatable diseases. And provide more support for 
patients and families.
    It's personal for so many of us.
    Joining us are Maurice and Kandice. An Irishman--and a 
daughter of immigrants from Panama. They met and fell in love 
in New York City--and got married in the same chapel as Jill 
and I did. Kindred spirits. He wrote us a letter about their 
little daughter Ava. She was just a year old when she was 
diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer. 26 blood transfusions. 11 
rounds of radiation. 8 rounds of chemo. 1 kidney removed. A 5 
percent survival rate.
    He wrote how in the darkest moments he thought--``if she 
goes, I can't stay.'' Jill and I understand--like so many of 
you. They read how Jill described our family's cancer journey--
and how we tried to steal moments of joy where you can.
    For them--that glimmer of joy was a half-smile from their 
baby girl. It meant everything. They never gave up hope. Ava 
never gave up hope. She turns 4 next month.
    They just found out that Ava beat the odds--and is on her 
way to being cancer-free--and she's watching from the White 
House tonight.
    For the lives we can save--and for the lives we have lost--
let this be a truly American moment that rallies the country 
and the world together and proves that we can do big things.
    Twenty years ago--under the leadership of President Bush 
and countless advocates and champions--we undertook a 
bipartisan effort through PEPFAR to transform the global fight 
against HIV/AIDS. It's been a huge success. I believe we can do 
the same with cancer. Let's end cancer as we know it--and cure 
some cancers once and for all.
    There's one reason why we're able to do all of these 
things--our democracy itself. It's the most fundamental thing 
of all. With democracy--everything is possible. Without it--
nothing is.
    For the last few years--our democracy has been threatened--
attacked--and put at risk. Put to the test here--in this very 
room--on January 6th.
    And then--Just a few months ago--unhinged by the Big Lie--
an assailant unleashed political violence in the home of the 
then-Speaker of this House of Representatives. Using the very 
same language that insurrectionists who stalked these halls 
chanted on January 6th.
    Here tonight--in this chamber--is the man who bears the 
scars of that brutal attack--but is as tough and strong and as 
resilient as they get. My friend--Paul Pelosi.
    But such a heinous act never should have happened. We must 
all speak out--there is no place for political violence in 
America.
    In America--we must protect the right to vote--not suppress 
that fundamental right. We honor the results of our elections--
not subvert the will of the people. We must uphold the rule of 
the law and restore trust in our institutions of democracy.
    And--we must give hate and extremism in any form no safe 
harbor. Democracy must not be a partisan issue. It must be an 
American issue.
    Every generation of Americans has faced a moment where they 
have been called on to protect our democracy--to defend it--to 
stand up for it. And--this is our moment.
    My fellow Americans--we meet tonight at an inflection 
point. One of those moments that only a few generations ever 
face--where the decisions we make now will decide the course of 
this Nation--and of the world--for decades to come.
    We are not bystanders to history. We are not powerless 
before the forces that confront us. It is within our power--of 
We the People.
    We are facing the test of our time--and the time for 
choosing is at hand. We must be the Nation we have always been 
at our best. Optimistic. Hopeful. Forward-looking.
    A Nation that embraces light over darkness--hope over 
fear--unity over division. Stability over chaos.
    We must see each other not as enemies but as fellow 
Americans. We are a good people--the only Nation in the world 
built on an idea.
    That all of us--every one of us--is created equal in the 
image of God. A Nation that stands as a beacon to the world. A 
Nation in a new age of possibilities.
    So I have come here to fulfil my constitutional duty to 
report on the State of the Union.
    And here is my report. Because the soul of this Nation is 
strong--because the backbone of this Nation is strong--because 
the people of this Nation are strong--The State of the Union is 
strong!
    As I stand here tonight--I have never been more optimistic 
about the future of America. We just have to remember who we 
are. We are the United States of America--and there is 
nothing--nothing--beyond our capacity--if we do it together!
    May God bless you all.
    May God protect our troops.
                                               Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
    The White House, February 7, 2023.

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