The president said that his plan “worked” and that “lots of jobs” were created as the economy began to recover in 2021.
“Our economy grew at a rate of 5.7% last year, the strongest growth in nearly 40 years,” said Biden. “The first step in bringing fundamental change to an economy that hasn’t worked for the working people of this nation for too long.”
As the pandemic recedes and inflation increases, Biden said that his “top priority” as of now is “getting prices under control.”
“Look, our economy roared back faster than most predicted, but the pandemic meant that businesses had a hard time hiring enough workers to keep up production in their factories,” he said.
The president pledged to make “record investments” in manufacturing in the United States, in an effort to spark the “revitalization of American manufacturing.”
“All told, we created 369,000 new manufacturing jobs in America just last year,” said Biden.
While the State of the Union was relatively mum on social issues, the president, who is Catholic, praised the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and said there is a need to “preserve a woman’s right to choose.”
“The constitutional right affirmed in Roe v. Wade—standing precedent for half a century—is under attack as never before,” he said.
Biden also said there is a need to “fund the police,” rather than defund law enforcement. He said efforts should be taken to provide the police with “ the resources and training they need to protect our communities.”
“I ask Democrats and Republicans alike: Pass my budget and keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Biden.
“The State of the Union,” Biden said, “is strong. Because you, the American people, are strong.”
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“We are stronger today than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger a year from now than we are today,” he said. “Now is our moment to meet and overcome the challenges of our time.”
“And we will, as one people.”
Christine Rousselle is a former DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. Prior to working at CNA, she was the managing web editor of Townhall.com; she has a BA in political science from Providence College.