2024 State of the Union: Biden talks about the economy and border security

On Thursday, President Joe Biden spoke about the American economy, border security, international relations, education, crime, birth control and climate change. He took the opportunity to emphasize his political background, his experience and his belief in the American people.

Highlights

“The idea of America is that we are all created equal, and we deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. … Remember who we are; we are the United States of America, and there is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.”

Economy

Biden shared his economic goals: affordable housing, well-paying jobs for everyone despite education, affordable internet, tax reform and lower credit card fees.

Biden also spoke about affordable health insurance for seniors. He talked about Medicare and its history of aiding those in need.

Crime

Biden talked about domestic violence, mental health care and police reform. He reiterated his stance on marijuana, saying that no user or person in possession of the substance should be jailed.

“America is safer today than when I took office,” Biden said.

Biden talked about gun control, demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Border security

Biden also took a moment to talk about border security and the administration’s recent efforts to develop a security agreement. Republican senators and representatives showed their disfavor with Biden’s bipartisan border security agreement. Biden urged Congress to unite and push forward his plan.

Education

Biden expressed his wishes for the American school system: every child to read by the third grade, hands-on work experiences for high school students, affordable college and raises for schoolteachers.

Biden also spoke about the recent book-banning demands that have affected many American communities and schools. He declared that no book should be banned.

The War in Ukraine

“If anyone thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you he will not,” Biden said. “But Ukraine can stop Putin if we (America) stand with Ukraine and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself.”

Biden spoke about former President Donald Trump’s publicized indifference to this conflict, and he petitioned Congress to send him a bipartisan national security bill.

Israel-Hamas War

The president mentioned the war between Israel and Hamas. He talked about the loss of civilian lives on both sides of the conflict. He said that the only way that he could see a resolution was through a “two-state solution.”

Climate change

“I’m taking the most significant action ever on climate in the history of the world,” Biden said.

He highlighted the administration’s development of the American Climate Corps, which seeks to train and educate young people about clean energy and prepare them for eco-friendly careers.

Roe v. Wade

Biden focused this segment of his address on choice. Again, he called out Trump for his opposing stance on this issue.

“Guarantee the right to IVF,” said Biden. “Guarantee it nationwide. Like most Americans, I believe Roe v. Wade got it right.”

Jan. 6, 2021

“Here is the simple truth: You can’t love your county only when you win,” the president said.

Biden called for respect for elections. He called for a restoration of trust. He encouraged America to look past political parties and unite.

What is the State of the Union address?

Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution states that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”

George Washington gave the first State of the Union address. He delivered his speech to Congress in person. Over time, the constitutional practice morphed into a presidential letter delivered to Congress. In 1913, Woodrow Wilson began a new tradition: a State of the Union speech.

The State of the Union is traditionally given toward the beginning of a new year. It is given every year; except the year a new president takes office. To give the State of the Union, a president must be invited to a joint legislative session by the Speaker of the House.

American Elect