[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S257-S262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

                                 ______
                                 

   REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION DELIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION OF 
                   CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 7, 2023--PM 1

  The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message 
from the President of the United States which was which was ordered to 
lie on the table:

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

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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 
homes--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.

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  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 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--

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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

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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 just 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--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

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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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