We have emerged from every crisis we have ever faced as a stronger nation than before. The story of America is a tale of resilience and progress, always pushing forward and never giving up. It is a story that sets us apart from all other nations.
Listen, everyone, that’s what we’re doing once more.
(Applause.) I stand here tonight after helping many people in this room, with the creation of more than 12 million new jobs in just four years, which is more than any other American president has created in two years. The economy was reeling two years ago.
(Applause.) Our democracy persists, unyielding and undefeated, despite enduring bruises today. The most significant challenge our democracy confronted occurred two years ago, following the Civil War. The grip of COVID no longer dictates our lives today. We were deprived of so much; our schools and businesses were forcefully closed due to COVID two years ago — and again two years ago.
As we gather here tonight, we are shaping the next chapter in the extraordinary American story — a story of progress and resilience.
Possibilities, this means I am the first word in it that I can define. I cannot say I believe in it, and they do not believe in it either. When asking world leaders to define America to me, they do not believe it. We don’t think anything is beyond our capacity. Everything is a possibility.
The Act of Marriage, which protects the right of a person to marry the person they love, is an important piece of legislation that I have signed over 300 bipartisan pieces since becoming President. Additionally, we came together to pass the most significant law ever in helping victims exposed to toxic burn pits. We connected our people and built bridges, strengthening our nation’s infrastructure. Republicans and Democrats came together again to defend a safer and stronger Europe. However, there were times when Democrats went alone, and yes, there were plenty of disagreements and naysayers. But we proved them wrong over the past two years. However, it is important to remember that Republicans and Democrats can’t work together alone. We often hear that, and we know it to be true.
In my perspective, we have been dispatched here to complete the task. To unify the nation. And to reconstruct the foundation of America, America’s middle class. To revive the spirit of this nation. I am aware that it is the vision of many of you. That has always been my perception of our country. Discord purely for the sake of discord leads us nowhere. Authority solely for the sake of power. Engaging in conflict merely for the sake of fighting. I believe the people have sent us a clear message. However, I believe, ladies and gentlemen, you all possess the same level of knowledge as I do. (Applause.) There is no justification for us not being able to collaborate and reach consensus on crucial matters in this Congress, just as we were able to do so in the previous Congress. And to my Republican colleagues.
(Applause.) We all thrive. When the middle class thrives, the underprivileged have an opportunity to improve their situation, and the affluent continue to prosper. To construct an economy that starts from the grassroots and expands from the center, rather than being built from the top down. I campaigned for the presidency with the intention of fundamentally transforming the status quo. Our sense of self-esteem, another aspect that we have lost: dignity, along the way. Once prosperous cities and towns, which many of you represent, have become mere remnants of their former selves. Factories have shut down. Too many well-paying manufacturing jobs have relocated abroad. For a significant period, spanning multiple administrations rather than just one, the middle class has been eroded.
“It’s more about dignity and respect than just a paycheck,” my dad always used to say.Output: “My father always quoted, ‘It’s about dignity and respect, not just a paycheck,’ to me as a child.”
(Applause.) The United States begins within its borders — the supply chain commences within the country. We will ensure the supply chain for the nation. Ladies and gentlemen, I understand that I have faced criticism for expressing this, but I am not changing my perspective. (Applause.) This is why we joined forces to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Consequently, this impacted various products, ranging from refrigerators to cellphones. Many people lost their jobs, and as a result, car prices increased. However, American automakers were unable to produce enough vehicles due to a shortage of chips. Modern-day automobiles require 3,000 chips each, but American automakers faced difficulties because there was an insufficient supply of chips. We all witnessed the consequences when overseas chip factories shut down during the pandemic. Our production capacity is now only at 10 percent. Over the past few decades, we have lost our competitive advantage. Let’s be clear: These small computer chips, the size of a fingerprint, that power a wide range of devices, including cellphones and automobiles, were invented in the United States. (Applause.) Semiconductors — these small computer chips, the size of a fingerprint, that fuel various devices such as cellphones and automobiles — I shared a story with you that exemplifies American brilliance and potential. And, Madam Vice President, I want to express my gratitude to you for leading the initiative to ensure that small businesses have access to funding and for the significant legislation we have enacted that is about to take effect. By the way, every time someone embarks on the journey of starting a small business, it is an act of optimism. Ten million. (Applause.) Moreover, in the past two years, a record-breaking 10 million Americans have submitted applications to establish new businesses.
Outside of Columbus, Ohio, Intel is building a semiconductor factory spanning thousands of acres. Over the next few years, numerous companies have announced investments of over $300 billion in American manufacturing, not just along the coast but also throughout the entire country. This means that jobs will be created, with the potential of creating thousands of new jobs. We have already created 800,000 new manufacturing jobs, and with this new law in place, we aim to create even more. (Applause)
Started receiving only we are. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. But let me tell you, folks, we know that in the world, America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure. And we all know that. (Applause.) And we all know that America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure in the world. And we all know that America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure in the world. And we all know that America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure in the world. And we all know that America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure in the world. But let me tell you, folks, we know that in the world, America has sunk to 13th place in terms of infrastructure. And we all know that. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports, tunnels, railroads, bridges, and highways are our rebuilding projects that are putting thousands of people to work. We have already funded over 20,000 projects, including major airports from Portland to Atlanta to Boston. (Applause.) Since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System, this is the largest infrastructure investment in the United States. We came together and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because we are now coming back. (Applause.) Started receiving We are. America throughout the entire internet, high-speed water clean airports, ports.
(Applause.) The commencement at I’ll catch you. Furthermore, these initiatives finance We’ll. All Americans should be grateful for President a be I’d I assured anxiety. Don’t worry, as those districts in particular, projects the finance to requested receive still I’m but – still I but well it contrary to voted who acquaintances Republican my and statute the contrary to voted who acquaintances Republican my express gratitude to want I sincerely this signify And.
(Applause.) How are you, Saria? I am unaware. Is she up in the box? I am unsure of Saria’s whereabouts. And during my time there, I encountered a young lady named Saria, who is present tonight. I visited that location last month alongside Democrats and Republicans from both states to pledge $1.6 billion for this endeavor. (Applause.) However, we are truly determined to finally accomplish it. We have been discussing its repair for many years, ladies and gentlemen. This is one of the country’s most congested routes for transporting goods, carrying $2 billion worth of freight every day across the Ohio River. It is in desperate need of restoration. It was constructed six decades ago. Infrastructure projects like the Brent Spence Bridge in Kentucky over the Ohio River will further unify the entire nation. Look, this legislation — this legislation.
Saria said she can’t wait to be 10 stories above the Ohio River on the new bridge. She’s proud to be a member of the Iron Workers Local 44 and she told me she’s known as “the Sky” in Cincinnati’s skyline, also known as “the Cowboys”. Well, I learned that Saria has been a proud member of the Iron Workers Local 44 for 30 years.
And that’s what we’re also constructing — we’re rebuilding pride.
(Applause.) Instead of causing permanent damage to their brain, every American child can drink water in childcare centers and schools in America — We’re also replacing lead poisonous pipes in 10 million homes in America. Look,
Throughout the nation, numerous individuals were engaging in the act of assisting their children with their homework via the internet, thereby eliminating the need for their parents to commute to a McDonald’s parking area. Our objective is to guarantee that every locality in the United States can avail reasonably priced, rapid internet connectivity. We are steadfast in our commitment to achieving this goal. (Applause) As you can see, our efforts are evident.
And I mean, all the materials used in federal infrastructure projects will now be made in America. This includes products like American-made fiber-optic cables, drywall, glass, and lumber for American highways, bridges, and roads. (Applause.) Tonight, I am also announcing new standards that will require all construction materials to meet these American-made requirements. It’s not going to be like in the past, where we fought for too long to get around it. Since 1933, it has been the law that we buy American. And we’re not making excuses anymore. (Applause.) This is about consistency in trade rules internationally. (Applause.) Folks, we’re buying American. (Applause.) American. American. American. And when we do these projects, we’re not going to make excuses anymore. And that’s what I’m criticized for, again and again.
Do you recall them, do you not? Do you recall the occupations that disappeared. Perhaps it is you, observing from your residence. Numerous individuals have been abandoned and perceived as unseen amidst the financial turmoil of the previous four decades. A great number of you have sensed as if you have merely been disregarded. Many of you who are listening tonight, I am aware that you experience it. Ladies and gentlemen, my economic strategy revolves around investing in locations and individuals that have been neglected.
I understand. I understand. Will you need to sell the house or attempt to obtain a second mortgage on it? How will you manage to afford those medical expenses? For instance, many of you lie in bed at night, similar to my father, gazing at the ceiling, pondering what will happen if your spouse or child falls victim to cancer or a serious illness, or if something happens to you. In my opinion, this serves as a practical plan to revitalize America and truly make a difference in your lives. (Applause.) Jobs are returning, and a sense of pride is being restored due to the decisions we have made in recent years. That’s why we are creating an economy that leaves no one behind. That’s why — I understand that. You may question whether there is still a viable path for your children to succeed without having to relocate. The people back home remember them.
Insulin is needed to stay alive, especially for young people with Type 1 diabetes, including 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries and millions of other Americans. I am receiving the same calls and finding out that there are people who are not on Medicare but still need insulin. (Applause.) We capped the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare at $35 a month, starting from January 1st of this year, because we knew that the law we passed would not take effect until then. We said that we were doing this because we didn’t want people to know that we didn’t know the law would pass, but we did. (Applause.) No longer. (Applause.) Big Pharma has been charging hundreds of dollars, making record profits, for a vial of insulin that costs roughly $10 to produce. Even though the guy who invented it didn’t want to patent it, it has been around for over 100 years. But millions of people with diabetes need insulin every day to stay alive. Many of you in the audience and in this chamber have diabetes. For example, 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. We pay more for prescription drugs than any other major nation on Earth. We pay more for prescription drugs than any other nation in the world. By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, we are taking on powerful interests to bring down healthcare costs, so that you can sleep better at night.
Let’s finish the job. Let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 for everyone. (Applause.) Big Pharma is still doing very well, folks. I promise you, they’re going to keep going. This law won’t even go into effect until 2025. So, it doesn’t matter how much you have to pay out-of-pocket for your drug costs on Medicare, you won’t pay more than $2,000 a year. You don’t have to pay it. You know why? Because I promise you all. Many of you, like my family, have cancer. You know how expensive cancer drugs can be. $15,000, $14,000, $11,000, $10,000 and more for cancer drugs. You’re going to have to pay Medicare back for those drugs. So, if drug companies continue to raise drug prices faster than inflation, Medicare will have the power to negotiate drug prices. (Applause.) Finally, we’re giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. And by doing so, we’re going to save seniors billions of dollars in prescription drug costs. That’s a lot of money. Instead of paying $500 a month or more, you’ll only have to pay 4 bucks. That’s why we want it. (Laughter.) And let me be clear, if you try to raise the cost of prescription drugs, I will veto it. (Applause.) I’m pleased to say that more Americans have health insurance now than ever before in history. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 16 million people are enrolled. Millions of people are saving $800 a year on their premiums. And that’s thanks to the law I signed. And the benefit expires in 2025. So, let’s finish the job and make those permanent savings. (Applause.) So, here’s my plea to some of you in this audience: Expand Medicaid coverage. (Applause.) Look, the Act to Reduce Inflation is also the most significant investment in climate change ever. It will create clean energy jobs and lower utility bills. I’ve seen the aftermath of devastating wildfires, storms, droughts, and floods from New Mexico to Arizona to Missouri. I’ve observed from helicopters the burned timber in Idaho. We don’t have a global warming problem, do we? Not a long-term problem. In addition to emergency recovery from Puerto Rico to Florida to Idaho, we’re able to prevent forest fires and withstand major weather storms with our electric grids. We’re creating jobs in communities that have been left behind and cutting pollution with clean energy. We’re going to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country. (Applause.) And we’re helping families save more than $1,000 a year by providing tax credits for energy-efficient appliances and electric vehicles. We have a historic conservation effort to be responsible stewards of our land. It’s an existential threat. It’s our obligation, not just to our children and grandchildren, but to ourselves. America is proud of how we’re stepping up to the challenge. Yes, we still need gas and oil for a while, but we’re going to finish the job.
The largest corporations in America, the Fortune 500, made $40 billion in profits and paid zero federal taxes in 2020. It is not fair, and I believe many people would agree with me on this. As a capitalist, I understand the idea of fair share and believe that the current tax system is not fair. We should start by making the biggest and wealthiest corporations pay their fair share, so that we can invest in our future. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Jeer –.
(Applause.) Fifteen percent. That’s lower than what a nurse has to pay. God bless them. Billion-dollar corporations are required to pay at least 15 percent. However, due to the legislation I approved, it is now unjust. Ladies and gentlemen, THE PRESIDENT:
Let me be crystal clear, at the very beginning of my plans, as President, nobody earning less than $400,000 will pay an additional penny in taxes. But let’s finish the job, there’s more to do. We have to reward hard work, not just the wealth of a thousand billionaires in America. No, it’s not about lower tax rates for a billionaire, but rather, a teacher in school. I mean, think about it. (Applause.)
I mean, see, I understand you all are not excited about that, but consider it. Consider it.
Did you notice that Oil Big reported record profits last year, making $200 billion in the midst of a global energy crisis? It’s outrageous to think about.
Production. It is necessary for us to go beyond and, at the very least, exceed that for another decade – (laughter) – we need oil. So, why should we invest in all the oil refineries and shut down all the oil wells? Were you afraid when we said we should invest in them? And when I talked about a couple of them, why were you afraid? Did they invest a little too much in increasing domestic production? Why?
Some Republicans want to see Medicare and Social Security come to an end, although it is not the majority opinion. Rather than implementing a fair system where the wealthy contribute their share, these Republicans would rather hold the economy hostage, demanding that I agree to their economic plans. So, many of my Republican friends have this same view, insisting on holding the economy hostage unless I comply with their economic agenda. I urge everyone here tonight to pledge that we will always have unwavering faith in and honor the credit of the United States of America. Therefore, I call on Congress to do the same – applause – they have a responsibility to protect the American people from an economic catastrophe. How did Congress respond to the issue of debt? They did the right thing. Look into it. Examine the facts. A staggering 25 percent of the entire national debt, which was accumulated over a span of 200 years, was added by just one previous administration – the most recent one. Due to these unprecedented deficits, no other President has contributed more to the national debt in any four-year period than my predecessor. Under the previous administration, the American deficit increased for four consecutive years. In contrast, my administration has successfully reduced the deficit by over $1.7 trillion in the past two years – the largest deficit reduction in American history – applause. Rather than reducing the number of audits for wealthy taxpayers, I recently signed a law that cracks down on wealthy tax evaders, resulting in a deficit reduction of $114 billion – applause. Let’s complete the task and close the loopholes that enable the extremely wealthy to evade their tax obligations. They will still make substantial profits. That is why I propose a fourfold increase in the tax on corporate stock buybacks and encourage long-term investments – applause – corporations should act responsibly. If they had made investments in production to keep gas prices low, instead of using their record profits to repurchase their own stock and reward their CEOs and shareholders.
AUDIENCE: Jeer –.
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AUDIENCE: No!
THE PRESIDENT: Anybody who doubts it, contact my office. I’ll give you a copy. I’ll give you a copy of the proposal.
AUDIENCE ATTENDEE: Deceiver!
THE PRESIDENT: That implies Congress does not cast a vote –.
Well, I’m pleased to witness — no, I must confess, I relish conversation. (Laughter.)
I don’t even think it’s significant. I’m not saying the majority of you — Republicans, for example — would say they’d go away, if Congress doesn’t keep the programs the way it means, you know.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Unintelligible.).
THE PRESIDENT: — but it’s being suggested by individuals.
I’m not — respectfully refraining from mentioning them, but it’s being suggested by some of you.
(Chatter in the crowd.)
(Applause.) We’re not going to be moved into defaulting on the debt if we don’t respond — that is not the idea we’re going for, folks. Look, :PRESIDENT THE
(Applause.) Are they untouchable? (Applause.) Ladies and gentlemen — (applause) — therefore, ladies and gentlemen, as we all seem to concur, Social Security and Medicare are no longer included in the financial records, correct?
Medicare and Social Security are a lifeline for millions of American seniors, as they provide the first paycheck into which they have started to pay. (Applause all around! We got it right. All right. All)
(Applause.) I will reject it. I will impede them. And if anyone attempts to reduce Medicare, (laughter and applause) — which evidently nobody intends to do — and if anyone attempts to reduce Social Security, we will not diminish Medicare. We will not diminish Social Security. Those advantages are the property of the American citizens. They deserve it. Rise and demonstrate that we will not diminish Social Security. Thus, this evening, let us all concur — and it seems we are in agreement — let us advocate for elderly individuals.
And, listen, I’m not going to permit them to confiscate — be confiscated. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not at any time.
However, evidently, it’s not going to be an issue. (Laughter and applause).
Exploitation. It’s extortion. Capitalism is not competition without capitalism. Look, (Applause.) Now Americans can finally get over-the-counter hearing aids without prescription and save thousands of dollars. Millions of Americans are in need of drugs that are not prescribed or patient safety is endangered. We’re protecting seniors’ life savings by cracking down on nursing home fraud. We’re already preventing Americans from receiving surprise medical bills of one million dollars per month [1 billion dollars]. Here’s my message to all of you, the American consumer. They’re not just taking advantage of the tax code, they’re not just taking advantage of you. Look, (Applause.) Tonight we talked about making sure big corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. But we won’t raise taxes on anyone making under 400 grand. Well, that’s because we need to keep it solvent. That’s the argument for how we’re going to be going next. In fact, we’re going to extend the Medicare Trust Fund for at least two decades. And we won’t cut a single bit of Social Security or Medicare. And I’m going to show you how we’re going to cut the deficit by another $2 trillion. (Applause.) I can tell you my plan, but let’s sit down together and discuss our mutual plans. Let’s lay it out. Let’s ask my Republican friends to offer their fiscal plan when we sit down next month.Output: Exploitation. It’s blackmail. Capitalism is not competition without capitalism. Look, (Applause.) Now Americans can finally obtain over-the-counter hearing aids without a prescription and save thousands of dollars. Millions of Americans require drugs that are not prescribed or put patient safety at risk. We’re safeguarding the life savings of seniors by cracking down on fraud in nursing homes. We’re already preventing Americans from receiving unexpected medical bills of one million dollars per month [1 billion dollars]. Here’s my message to all of you, the American consumer. They’re not just exploiting the tax code, they’re not just exploiting you. Look, (Applause.) Tonight we discussed ensuring that large corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. But we won’t increase taxes for anyone earning less than 400 grand. Well, that’s because we need to keep it financially stable. That’s the argument for our next steps. In fact, we plan to extend the Medicare Trust Fund for at least two decades. And we won’t reduce a single aspect of Social Security or Medicare. And I’m going to demonstrate how we’ll reduce the deficit by an additional $2 trillion. (Applause.) I can share my plan with you, but let’s sit down together and discuss our shared plans. Let’s outline it. Let’s request my Republican colleagues to present their fiscal plan when we convene next month.
I signed a bipartisan bill that cut shipping costs by 90 percent, helping American farmers, consumers, and businessmen. By cracking down on foreign shipping companies, I have ensured that you won’t have to pay higher prices for every good coming into the country.
In order to afford that family trip or pay your bills, it may be more challenging for you to make ends meet. Many households, like yours, do not realize the impact of unnecessary fees. (Applause.) By reducing late fees on credit cards by 75 percent, from $8 to $30, we are helping consumers save more than $1 billion a year in exorbitant bank overdraft fees. (Applause.) For example, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, we are working towards making airlines refund your money upfront, showing you the full price of the ticket. Additionally, my administration is taking action to prevent big online platforms from unfairly benefiting from their own products and imposing hidden surcharges and fees. Let’s strengthen antitrust enforcement through bipartisan legislation to put an end to this unfair advantage.
I am tired of Americans being played as suckers by companies that rip us off. We need to pass the Prevention of Junk Fees Act, which will prohibit airlines from charging ridiculous baggage fees, such as $50 for a roundtrip just to sit together as a family. Additionally, we will require all companies to disclose upfront fees for tickets to sporting events and concerts. We can also put a stop to service fees for cellphone and cable internet providers by allowing consumers to switch to another provider without being charged more than $200. And let’s not forget about those surprise resort fees that can cost you up to $90 per night at certain hotels. We are going to ban those as well with the Junk Fees Prevention Act. It’s about time we take away the unfair feeling of being overcharged by companies. I know firsthand how it feels when a company overcharges you and it’s just not right.
For too long, workers have been getting stiffed, but not anymore. We’re going to be — we’re beginning to restore the dignity of work.For example, I — I should have known this, but I didn’t until two years ago: Thirty million workers have to sign non-compete agreements for the jobs they take. Thirty million. So a cashier at a burger place can’t walk across town and take the same job at another burger place and make a few bucks more. AUDIENCE: Jeer –.THE PRESIDENT: It just changed. Well, they just changed it because we exposed it. That was part of the deal, guys. Look it up. But not anymore. We’re banning those agreements so companies have to compete for workers and pay them what they’re worth. (Applause.)And I must tell you, this is bound to get a response from my friends on my left, with the right. I’m so sick and tired of companies breaking the law by preventing workers from organizing. Pass the PRO Act! (Applause.) Because businesses have a right — workers have a right to form a union. And let’s guarantee all workers have a living wage.Let’s make sure working parents can afford to raise a family with sick days, paid family and medical leave, affordable childcare. (Applause.) That’s going to enable millions of more people to go and stay at work. And let’s restore the full Child Tax Credit — (applause) — 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.So let’s finish the job and get more families access to affordable, quality housing.Let’s get seniors who want to stay in their homes the care they need to do so. Let’s give 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 — (applause) — 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 means making education an affordable ticket to the middle class.You know, when we made public education — 12 years of it — universal in the last century, we made the best-educated, best-paid — we became the best-education, best-paid nation in the world.But the rest of the world has caught up. It has caught up.Jill, my wife, who teaches full-time, has an expression. I hope I get it right, kid. (Laughter.) “Any nation that out-educates is going to out-compete us.” Any nation that out-educates is going to out-compete us.Folks, we all know 12 years of education is not enough to win the economic competition of the 21st century. (Applause.) If we want to have the best-educated workforce, let’s finish the job by providing access to preschool for three and four years old. Studies show that children who go to preschool are nearly 50 percent more likely to finish high school and go on to earn a two- or four-year degree, no matter their background they came from.
Let’s give public school teachers a raise. (Applause.)We’re making progress by reducing student debt, increasing Pell Grants for working and middle-class families.Let’s finish the job and connect students to career opportunities starting in high school, provide access to two years of community college — the best career training in America, in addition to being a pathway to a four-year degree. (Applause.)Let’s offer every American a path to a good career, whether they go to college or not. (Applause.)And, folks — folks, in the midst of the COVID crisis, when schools were closed and we were shutting down everything, let’s recognize how far we came in the fight against the pandemic itself. While the virus is not gone, thanks to the resilience of the American people and the ingenuity of medicine, we’ve broken the COVID grip on us. COVID deaths are down by 90 percent. We’ve saved millions of lives and opened up our country — we opened our country back up. And soon, we’ll end the public health emergency. (Applause.) AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Unintelligible.).THE PRESIDENT: But — that’s called a public health emergency. But we’ll remember the toll and pain that’s never going to go away. More than a million Americans lost their lives to COVID. A million. Families grieving. Children orphaned. Empty chairs at the dining room table constantly reminding you that she used to sit there. Remembering them, 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, we’re also — got to double down prosecuting criminals who stole relief money meant to keep workers and small businesses afloat. (Applause.) Before I came to office, you remember, during that campaign, the big issue was about inspector generals who would protect taxpayers’ dollars, who were sidelined. They were fired. Many people said, “We don’t need them.” And fraud became rampant. Last year, I told you the watchdogs are back. Since then — since then, we’ve recovered billions of taxpayers’ dollars. Now let’s triple the anti-fraud strike force 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 — billions of dollars from the American people. (Applause.)And the data shows that for every dollar we put into fighting fraud, the taxpayer will get back at least 10 times as much. It matters. It matters. Look, COVID left its scars, like the spike in violent crime in 2020 — the first year of the pandemic. We have an obligation to make sure all people are safe. Public safety depends on public trust, as all of us know. But too often, that trust is violated. Joining us tonight are the parents of Tyre Nichols -welcome — (applause) — who had to bury Tyre last week. As many of you personally know, there’s no words to describe the heartache or grief of losing a child. But imagine — imagine if you lost that child at the hands of the law. Imagine having to worry whether your son or daughter came home from walking down the street or playing in the park or just driving a car. Most of us in here have never had to have “the talk” — “the talk” — that brown and Black parents have had to have with their children. Beau, Hunter, Ashley — my children — I never had to have the talk with them. I never had to tell them, “If a police officer pulls you over, turn your interior lights on right away. Don’t reach for your license. Keep your hands on the steering wheel.” Imagine having to worry like that every single time your kid got in a car. Here’s what Tyre’s mother shared with me when I spoke to her, when I asked her how she finds the courage to carry on and speak out. With the faith of God, she said her son was, quote, “a beautiful soul” and “something good will come of this.”Imagine how much courage and character that takes. It’s up to us, to all of us. We all want the same thing: neighborhoods free of violence, law enfircement [sic] — law enforcement who earns the community’s trust. Just as every cop, when they pin on that badge in the morning, has a right to be able to go home at night, so does everybody else out there. (Applause.) Our children have a right to come home safely. Equal protection under the law is a covenant we have with each other in America. (Applause.)We know police officers put their lives on the line every single night and day. And we know we ask them, in many cases, to do too much — to be counselors, social workers, psychologists — responding to drug overdoses, mental health crises, and so much more. In one sense, we ask much too much of them.I know most cops and their families are good, decent, honorable people — the vast majority. (Applause.) And they risk — and they risk their lives every time they put that shield on. But what happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often. We have to do better. Give law enforcement the real training they need. Hold them to higher standards. Help them to succeed in keeping them safe. We also need more first responders and professionals to address the growing mental health, substance abuse challenges. (Applause.) More resources to reduce violent crime and gun crime. More community intervention programs. More investments in housing, education, and job training. (Applause.) All this can help prevent violence in the first place. And when police officers or police departments violate the public trust, they must be held accountable. (Applause.)
Something positive. (Applause.) Something positive must arise from this. Let’s dedicate ourselves to ensuring that Tyler’s mother’s words become a reality: I have issued an executive decree that prohibits the use of chokeholds, limits no-knock warrants, and incorporates other crucial provisions of the George Floyd Act, with the endorsement — (applause) — of families affected by such incidents, civil rights organizations, and the police force.
After the Republican administration let it expire, we saw a tripled number of mass shootings. The ban on mass shooting laws went down after being in effect for 10 years. In 1994, I led the fight to implement it. Now, we must ban them once and for all. Now, let’s ban them! (Applause.) It’s time to do the same assault weapons ban. He saved lives. In another dance studio, 11 people had already been killed by a gunman. In an instant, he found the courage to wrestle the semi-automatic pistol away from the gunman. He thought he was going to die, but when he saw a man standing there pointing a semi-automatic pistol at him, he closed the door and heard the celebrations. Two weeks ago, during the Lunar New Year festivities, his grandparents started the dance studio where Brandon now works. Brandon is a 26-year-old hero who put his dreams of college on hold to be by his mom’s side when she was dying from cancer. We know what needs to be done, but we also know that our work is not yet complete. That includes keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people through red-flag laws, enhancing background checks for responsible gun owners, and supporting the majority of Americans who want gun safety laws. We thank God for the sweeping gun safety laws we passed in the last three decades. “Do something about gun violence” was the plea of parents who lost their children to it, and we met with them and heard their stories. Let’s finish the job of police reform together. We know in our hearts what needs to be done. Let’s not turn away. In this moment, we need to rise together in this chamber. It’s difficult, but it’s simple: All of us, in all of us, all of us. (Applause.)
Let’s complete the task and prohibit these firearms designed for assault.
And let’s additionally unite on immigration. (Applause.) Transform it into a bipartisan matter once more.
(Applause.) We are aware that in the past few months, border personnel have achieved a record number by seizing over 23,000 pounds of fentanyl and apprehending 8,000 human smugglers.
Border! (Cross-talk from the audience.) (Inaudible) border! AUDIENCE MEMBER: Safeguard the border! The legislative branch must reinstate the privilege and — Here in the People’s House, it is our responsibility to safeguard all the people’s entitlements and liberties. Those on provisional status, agricultural laborers, crucial personnel. And a pathway to legal status for DREAMers, at the very least approve my proposal to provide the resources and officers to protect the border — (applause) — If we fail to approve my all-inclusive immigration reform, However, American border issues will not be resolved until Congress takes action. As a result of that. Unauthorized migration from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has decreased by 97 percent We have initiated a fresh border strategy in the previous month.
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Will you stand with us, so we can take a look at all that we’re going to do as long as you stand with us? Because, we’re going to be investing in industries and innovation that will define the future and make America stronger, without seeking conflict but rather competition, as I have made clear in my personal conversations with President Xi and as we’re making clear now. Before I came to office, the story was that America was failing and China’s power was increasing, not just in Europe but everywhere in the world. Our nation is working for more peace, more dignity, more freedom, and we will not apologize for investing in America. Thank you.
First. Provide me with one example. Provide me with a world leader who would trade places with Xi Jinping. Authoritarian regimes have become less powerful, not more. However, in the last two years, democracies have become more powerful, not weaker. We are confronted with significant challenges worldwide. It is important that winning the competition unites all of us. Let me be clear. And we indeed did. (Applause.) If China threatens our sovereignty, we will take action to protect our country, as we stated clearly last week. However, there should be no misunderstanding: I am dedicated to collaborating with China in areas where we can promote American interests and contribute to the world. (Applause.) Any other person in the world. Any other individual worldwide. Presently, we are in the strongest position in decades to compete with China or any other country globally. Enhancing our military to ensure stability and deter aggression. Investing in our alliances and collaborating with our partners to safeguard advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us.
United States of America! United States of America! United States of America! (Audience applause.) Never. It has never, ever been a wise choice to wager against the United States. And those who wager against the United States are discovering just how mistaken they are. Look, the connections we are establishing between allies in the Pacific and those in the Atlantic. Partners are taking action, increasing their expenditures, and making greater efforts. The United States is mobilizing the international community to confront those challenges — from environmental issues to global healthcare to inadequate access to food to terrorism to territorial encroachment.
THE PRESIDENT: Um –.
AUDIENCE: United States! United States! United States!
When I came to office as the President, I never believed that bipartisanship was impossible, but I assumed it was assured — that most of the progress made here as a nation stood together. That’s why I offered the Unity Agenda, a year ago.
We enacted the legislation that simplifies the process for physicians to prescribe efficient therapies for opioid dependency. (Applause.)
We enacted the gun safety legislation, making significant investments in mental well-being.
We launched the ARPA-H drive for breakthroughs in the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, and so much more. (Applause.)We passed the Heath Robinson PACT Act, named after the late Iraq War veteran whose story about exposure to toxic burn pits I shared here last year. (Applause.)And I understand something about those burn pits. 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, my wife, a letter — and me as well — about his courageous daughter, Courtney. A contagious laugh. His sister’s best friend — her sister’s best friend. He shared a story all too familiar to millions of Americans and many of you in the audience. Courtney discovered pills in high school. It spiraled into addiction and eventually death from a fentanyl overdose. She was just 20 years old. Describing the last eight years without her, Doug said, “There is no worse pain.” Yet, their family has turned pain into purpose, working to end the stigma and change laws. He told us he wants to “start a journey towards American recovery.”Doug, we’re with you. Fentanyl is killing more than 70,000 Americans a year. Big —(Chatter in the crowd.)AUDIENCE MEMBERS: Order!THE PRESIDENT: Big — you got it. AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible) China!AUDIENCE MEMBER: It’s your fault! THE PRESIDENT: So let’s launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production and the sale and trafficking. With more drug detection machines, inspection cargo, stop pills and powder at the border. (Applause.) Working with couriers, like FedEx, to inspect more packages for drugs. Strong penalties to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. (Applause.)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 their schools.We must finally hold social media companies accountable for experimenting they’re doing — running [on] children for profit. (Applause.) 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 that companies collect on all of us.Third, let’s do more to keep this nation’s one fully sacred obligation: to equip those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home. Job training, job placement for veterans and their spouses as they come to — return to civilian life. Helping veterans to afford their rent, because no one should be homeless in America, especially someone who served the country. (Applause.)Denis McDoungin [sic] — Denis McDonough is here, of the VA. We had our first real discussion when I asked him to take the job. I’m glad he did. We were losing up to 25 veterans a day on suicide. Now we’re losing 17 a day to the silent scourge of suicide. Seventeen veterans a day are committing suicide, more than all the people being killed in the wars. Folks, VA — VA is doing everything it can, including expanding mental health screening, proven programs that recruits veterans to help other veterans understand what they’re going through, get them the help they need. We got to do more. And fourth, last year, Jill and I reignited the Cancer Moonshot that I was able to start with, and President Obama asked me to lead our administration on this issue.Our goal is to cut the cancer death rates at least by 50 percent in the next 25 years, turn more cancers from death sentences to treatable diseases, provide more support for patients and their families. It’s personal to so many of us — so many of us in this audience. 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 got married in New York City. Kindred spirits. He wrote us a letter about his little daughter, Ava. And I saw her just before I came over. She was just a year old when she was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease — cancer. After 26 blood transfusions, 11 rounds of radiation, 8 rounds of cheno [sic] — chemo, 1 kidney removed, given a 5 percent survival rate. He wrote how, in the darkest moments, he thought, “If she goes, I can’t stay.” Many of you have been through that as well. Jill and I understand that, like so many of you. And he read Jill’s book describing our family’s cancer journey and how we tried to steal moments of joy where we could with Beau. For them, that glimmer of joy was the half-smile of their baby girl. It meant everything to them. They never gave up hope, and little Ava never gave up hope. She turns four next month. (Applause.) They just found out Ava is beating the odds and is on her way to being cured of cancer. And she’s watching from the White House tonight, if she’s not asleep already. (Applause.)For the lives we can save — for the lives we can save and the lives we have lost, let this be a truly American moment that rallies the country and the world together and prove that we can still do big things. Twenty years ago, under the leadership of President Bush and countless advocates and champions, he undertook a bipartisan effort through PEPFAR to transform the global fight against HIV/AIDS. It’s been a huge success. (Applause.) He thought big. He thought large. He moved! (Applause.)I believe we can do the same thing with cancer. Let’s end cancer as we know it and cure some cancers once and for all.Folks, there’s one reason why we’ve been 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. Over the last few years, our democracy has been threatened and attacked, put at risk — put to the test in this very room on January the 6th. And then, just a few months ago, an unhinged Big Lie assailant unleashed a political violence at the home of the then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, using the very same language the insurrectionists used as they stalked these halls and 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 as strong and as resilient as they get: my friend, Paul Pelosi. Paul, stand up. (Applause.)
(Applause.) We must ensure that there is no room for extremism and hate in any form. It is crucial to restore trust in our democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law. We must honor the results of our elections and not undermine the will of the people. It is fundamental to protect the right to vote and not suppress it. There should be no place for political violence in America. We must all speak out. However, such a heinous act should never have happened.
At 10:22 PM EST, I would like to express my gratitude to the troops who protect us. May God bless all of you. Together, if we surpass our capacity, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – that the United States of America cannot accomplish. We are a nation that has never been more optimistic about the future, even though I have served here longer than any of you. (Laughter.) As long as you have served, regardless of the length, I have never seen anyone more optimistic than you. (Laughter.) This is because the Union is strong, and it is the backbone of our nation. The Union is strong because the people of this nation are strong. And the people of this nation are strong because the soul of this nation is strong. We are a nation that believes in the possibilities. In a new age, we stand as a beacon to the world – a nation created in the image of God, where every person is equal. We are not defined by ethnicity or geography like other nations. (Applause.) We are good people, fellow Americans. We see each other as friends, not enemies. We embrace unity over division, hope over fear, and light over darkness. We are a forward-looking nation, always hopeful and optimistic. We strive to be the best we can be. We are facing a test in our time, but we have the power within us, the power of the people, to confront any forces that try to overpower us. We are not bystanders; we are the ones who shape our destiny. We have come together at this inflection point, this pivotal moment, to meet the challenges before us. As Americans, we believe in the possibilities. In a new age, we stand as a beacon to the world – a nation created in the image of God, where every person is equal. We are not defined by ethnicity or geography like other nations. (Applause.) It is an American issue, and it is up to us to defend and protect it. They have called upon us, and in this moment, every generation of Americans has faced a similar challenge. Democracy must not be a partisan issue.