President Biden’s first State of the Union Address clocked in at just more than an hour long. During his speech, he touched on issues both foreign and domestic, focusing on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine first.
“Putin has unleashed violence and chaos,” Biden told the joint session of Congress. “But while he may make gains on the battlefield – he will pay a continuing high price over the long run.”
Biden announced plans to close American airspace to Russian planes. He also spoke about inflation, attributing much of the issue to COVID-19.
“I get it,” Biden said. “That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”
Biden indicated he believes COVID-19 is moving toward endemic status in America but emphasized the need to get vaccinated. He announced there will be more free tests available shortly, including to people who have already requested their free tests. He also mentioned a plan to have drugstores give free viral treatments to people who test positive for the virus.
Biden ran on being a centrist candidate, and at the State of the Union, he reaffirmed that position, denouncing some progressive platforms.
“We should all agree, the answer is not to defund the police,” Biden said.
He also discussed legislative priorities, including his Build Back Better agenda. Instead of using the agenda’s name, Biden focused on more popular programs constituting chunks of the broader agenda.
“Cut the cost of child care,” Biden said. “Many families pay up to $14,000 a year for child care per child.”