ICYMI: President Biden gave his first speech to Congress near his 100-day mark. Read the full text:
Related: Biden to make case for $1.8 trillion ‘American Families Plan’ in first speech to Congress — live blogNo president has ever said those words from this podium, and it’s about time.Members of the United States Congress and the Cabinet – and distinguished guests.While the setting tonight is familiar, this gathering is very different – a reminder of the extraordinary times we are in.
Grandparents hugging their children and grandchildren instead of pressing their hands against a window to say goodbyeThere’s still more work to do to beat this virus. We can’t let our guard down now. And, maybe most importantly, thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we are on track to cut child poverty in America in half this year.More new jobs in the first 100 days than any president on record.
It creates jobs connecting every American with high-speed internet, including 35% of rural Americans who still don’t have it.And I am asking the Vice President to help lead this effort.Our grids are vulnerable to storms, hacks, and catastrophic failures – with tragic results as we saw in Texas and elsewhere during winter storms.
For too long, we have failed to use the most important word when it comes to meeting the climate crisis.The American Jobs Plan will put engineers and construction workers to work building more energy efficient buildings and homes.Farmers planting cover crops, so they can reduce carbon dioxide in the air and get paid for doing it.No reason why American workers can’t lead the world in the production of electric vehicles and batteries.
And that’s why I’m calling on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act – the PRO Act — and send it to my desk to support the right to unionize.No one should work 40 hours a week and still live below the poverty line.Let’s get the Paycheck Fairness Act to my desk for equal pay.Finally, the American Jobs Plan will be the biggest increase in non-defense research and development on record.And we’re falling behind in that competition.Today, we spend less than 1%.
Vice President Harris and I meet regularly in the Oval Office with Democrats and Republicans to discuss the American Jobs Plan.So, let’s get to work.But, the rest of the world isn’t waiting for us. Doing nothing is not an option. That’s why the American Families Plan guarantees four additional years of public education for every person in America – starting as early as we can.The research shows that when a young child goes to school—not day care—they are far more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college.And we will increase Pell Grants and investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
And they benefit from tax loopholes and deductions that allow for offshoring jobs and shifting profits overseas.We’re going to reform corporate taxes so they pay their fair share – and help pay for the public investments their businesses will benefit from.We take the top tax bracket for the wealthiest 1% of Americans –We take the top tax bracket for the wealthiest 1% of Americans – those making $400,000 or more – back up to 39.6%.
And in my conversations with world leaders – many I’ve known for a long time – the comment I hear most often is: we see that America is back – but for how long?And that we aren’t going it alone – we’re going to be leading with our allies. I also told President Xi that we will maintain a strong military presence in the Indo—Pacific just as we do with NATO in Europe – not to start conflict – but to prevent conflict.
I responded in a direct and proportionate way to Russia’s interference in our elections and cyber—attacks on our government and businesses – and they did both of those things and I did respond.As we did when we extended the New START Treaty on nuclear arms – and as we’re working to do on the climate crisis.
But make no mistake – the terrorist threat has evolved beyond Afghanistan since 2001 and we will remain vigilant against threats to the United States, wherever they come from. After the conviction of George Floyd’s murderer, we can see how right she was – if we have the courage to act.Now is our opportunity to make real progress.I know them. I know they want to help meet this moment as well.To rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.And to enact police reform in George Floyd’s name that passed the House already.
Our flag at the White House was still flying at half—staff for the 8 victims of the mass shooting in Georgia, when 10 more lives were taken in a mass shooting in Colorado.250 shot dead.In the 1990s, we passed universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons and high—capacity magazines that hold 100 rounds that can be fired in seconds.But in the early 2000’s, that law expired and we’ve seen the daily bloodshed since.
They will tell you that there are too many people today who are able to buy a gun, but who shouldn’t be able to. Congress needs to pass legislation this year to finally secure protection for the Dreamers – the young people who have only known America as their home.
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