President Biden delivers first State of the Union address

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ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – President Joe Biden delivered his first state of the union address Tuesday night and immediately began by addressing the topic on the world's collective mind, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

He also focused on two other key areas, his legislative agenda, and the nation's covid response. 

The house chamber was filled with men and women wearing blue and yellow, the colors of Ukraine’s flag to show their support for the country and its people. President Biden began with a strong rebuke of Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin saying freedom always triumphs over tyranny. 

 Biden condemns Putin in his speech and sends a message of strong support to Ukraine as it fights back invading Russian forces. During the speech, Biden announced several steps that the United States and its allies have taken. For example, the U.S is joining European allies in closing U.S air space to all Russian flights. It's releasing 30 million barrels of oils from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Biden, also re-enforcing that America will not fight in Ukraine, but will continue to send troops to the borders to defend NATO allies.  

“Together with our allies, we’re providing support to Ukrainians with their fight for freedom. Military assistance, economic, assistance, humanitarian assistance,” President Biden said.

President Joe Biden touted what he called his legislative wins like the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed. He also took time to address the spike in crime and his historic supreme court nomination. 

Right now, the president's approval rating is the lowest it's been but his address to the nation last night was also one to democrats who hope to retain the house as the midterms inch closer. He spoke of bipartisan bills in the works and ones he'd like to see get passed, like healthcare and drug pricing. 

He addressed funding the police, as opposed to the defund the police rally cry heard from many democrats. He spoke of his historic nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, as the first black woman as his pick for replacing retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, who was also at the state of the union.  

Biden mentioned Jackson’s experience as a former Federal Public Defender, and also noted several endorsements she has already received, including from the fraternal order of police. He also acknowledged inflation concerns – laying out a new plan for lowering costs for Americans. 

The goal is to make more products in the U.S and increase competition in different sectors.  

“I think I have a better idea to fight inflation, lower your costs, not your wages Folks, that means to make more cars than semi-conductors in America. More infrastructure and innovation in America. More goods moving faster and cheaper in America. More jobs where you can earn a good living in America. Instead of relying on foreign supply chains, let's make it in America.” President Biden said. 

 

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