Transcripts For CSPAN2 First Presidential Addresses To Congress 20170222

Delivers his first address to a joint session of congress on tuesday, february 28. Up next on cspan, you look at the first speeches to congress by the last five president s. Ronald reagan, george h. W. Bush, bill clinton, george w. Bush and barack obama. The speeches, which are not considered state of the Union Addresses focus on policy priorities of the new administration. We begin with Ronald Reagan speaking before the congress on february 18, 1981. [cheers and applause] members of the congress, i had the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [cheers and applause] thank you. [applause] thank you very much. [applause] [cheers and applause] thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you all very much. Mr. Speaker, mr. President , distinguished members of congress, honored guests and fellow citizens, only a month ago i was your guest in this Historic Building and i pledge to you my cooperation and doing what is right for this nation that we all love so much. Im here tonight to reaffirm that pledge and to ask that we share and restoring the promise that is offered to every citizen i did the last best you will of on earth. All of us are aware of the punishing inflation which has for the first time in 60 years held a doubledigit figure for two years in a row. These are people who want to be productive. But as the months go by, this despair dominates their lives. The threats of layoffs and unemployment hangover millions. And all who work are frustrated by their inability to keep up with inflation. One work from a midwest city said this, i am bringing home more dollars than i ever believed i could possibly earn. But i seem to be getting worse off. And he is. Not only an Hourly Earnings of the American Worker after adjusting for inflation declined 5 percent over the last five years, but in these five years federal personal taxes for the average family had increased 67 percent. We can no longer procrastinate and hope that things will get better. They will not. Unless we act forcefully and now, the economy will get. Ken wie, who manned the ship of state deny, getting somewhat out of control . Our National Debt is approaching 1 trillion. A few weeks ago i called such a figure 1 trillion, and comprehensible. Ive been trying to think of a way to illustrate how big 1 trillion really is. The best i could come up with is, if you had a stucco 1000 bills in your hand only four inches high, you would be a millionaire. 1 trillion with a stack of 1000 bills 67 miles high. The interest on the public debt this year we know will be over 90 billion. Unless we change the spending for the fiscal year we will edit another 80 billion to the debt. Adding to the troubles is a massive amount of regulations on major industries. It is estimated to add 100 billion to the price of the things we buy and it reduces our ability to produce. The rate of increase in american productivity, once one of the highest in the world, is among the lowest of all Major Industrial nations. Indeed it has actually declined in the last three years. I painted a pretty grim picture. But i think i painted it accurately. It is in within our power to change his picture and we can act with hope. There is nothing wrong with our internal strengths. There has been no breakdown of the human, technological and National Resources on which the economy is built. Based on this confidence and i am proposing a comprehensive fourpoint program. Now let me outline and detailed of the principal parts of this program. You will each be provided with a completely detailed copy of the entire program. This plan is aimed at reducing the growth in Government Spending and taxing. If and acted in full, this program can help america create 13 million new jobs. Nearly 3 million more than we would have without these measures. It will also help us to gain control of inflation. It is important to note that we are only reducing the rate of increase and taxing and spending. When attempting to cut either spending or taxing levels below that which we presently have. This will get our economy moving again. Productivity growth, it will create the jobs that our people must have. Im asking that you join me in reducing direct federal spending by 41. 4 billion in fiscal year 1982. [applause] this goes along with another 7. 7 billion in user fees and a total of 49. 1 billion and this will still allow an increase of 30. 8 billion over 1981 spending. Now i know that exaggerated and inaccurate stories about these cuts have disturbed many people. Particularly those dependent on grant and benefit programs were their basic needs. Some of you have heard from constituents and im afraid that Social Security checks for example, were being afraid that they will be taken away. I regret the fear that these unfounded stories have caused and i welcome this opportunity to set things straight. We will continue to fulfill the obligations that spring from our national conscience. Those who through no fault of their own, must depend on the residence. All of those with true needs can rest assured that the social safety net of programs they depend on are exempt from any cracks. The full Retirement Benefits of the more than 31 million Social Security recipients will be continued along with an annual costofliving increase. Medicare will not be cut. Normal supplemental income for blind, aged and disabled. School breakfast and lunch for the children of low income families will continue. As will nutrition and other special services. There will be no cut and project headstart or summer youth jobs. All in all, nearly 216 billion worth of programs providing help for tens of millions of americans will be fully funded. But government cannot continue to subsidize individuals or particular business interests where real need not be demonstrated. Im sure there is one department you been waiting for me to mention. The department of defense. Is the only department in our entire program that will actually be increase of the present budgeted figure. [applause] but even here, there was no exception. The department of defense came up with a number of cuts which reduce the budget increase needed to restore the military balance. These measures will save 2. 9 billion. In 1980 two outlays and by 1986 a total of 28. 2 billion will have been saved. Or perhaps i should say would have been made available for the necessary things that we must do. The aim will be to provide the most effective defense for the lowest possible cost. I believe that my duty as president requires that i recommend increases in defense spending over the coming years. [applause] i know that you are all aware but i think it bears saying again, his 1970 the soviet union has invested 300 billion more in its military forces than we have. As a result of the military buildup, the soviets had many significant numerical advantage in Strategic Nuclear delivery systems. Tactical aircraft, submarines, artillery and antiaircraft defense. Allow this balance to continue as a threat to our national security. Notwithstanding our economic strength making the financial changes beginning now is far less costly than waiting and having to attempt a Crash Program several years from now. We remain committed and a goal of arms limitation in negotiation. I hope we can persuade our adversaries to come to a realistic balance and verifiable agreements. [applause] but as we negotiate, our security must be fully protected by a balanced and realistic defense program. Let me say a word here about the general problem of waste and fraud in the federal government. One government estimated that the board alone said that this could be up to 25 billion of federal expenditures for social programs. If the text of the letter wasted or mismanaged or added to this broad total, the staggering dimensions of this problem begin to emerge. The office of management and budget is now putting together an Interagency Task force for waste and fraud. Also planning as a point inspectors general highly trained professionals who will spend no effort to do this job. Note and submit let me say this. Waste and fraud in the federal government is exactly what i have quoted before. An unrelenting national scandal. A scandal we are bound to determine to do something about. [applause] marching with the whole program of reductions in spending is the equally Important Program of reduced tax rates. Both are essential if we are to have economic recovery. It is time to create new jobs to build and rebuild industry to give people room to do what they do best. And i can only be done a test program that provides incentive to increase productivity for both workers and industry. Our proposal is a 10 percent cut across the board for three years. Every year. For all income tax payers making a total cut in taxes of 30 percent. This reduction will also apply to the tax on our unearned income leading to an eventual elimination of the differential between the tax on earned and unearned income. Now i would hope that we could be retroactive with this but as it stands, the effective starting liberties 10 percent personal income tax rate reductions will call for as of july 1 of this year. Again, let me remind you that while this 30 percent reduction will leave the taxpayers with 500 billion more in their pockets over the next five years, it is actually only a reduction in the tax increase already built into the system. Unlike some past quote atax reforms, this is not merely a shift of wealth from different taxpayers. This proposal were an equal reduction in everyones tax rates will expand our National Prosperity and Large National incomes and increase opportunities for all americans. Some will argue i know that reducing tax rates now will be inflationary. A solid body of Economic Experts does not agree. And tax cuts adopted over the past three fourths of a century indicate these Economic Experts are right. They will not be inflationary. I had advice that in 1985 our real production goods and services will grow by 20 percent and be 300 billion higher than it is today. The average workers wage will rise in real purchasing power, eight percent. This is after tax dollars. This is predicated on a complete program of tax cuts and spending reductions being implemented. The other part of the tax package is aimed at directly providing business and industry with the capital needed to modernize and engage in more research and development. This will involve an increase in depreciation allowances. In this part of our tax proposal will be retroactive to january 1. The present appreciation system is obsolete, needlessly complex and in economically counterproductive. Very simply, the depreciation allowances with no recognition of how inflation has increased the replacement cost. We are proposing much shorter write off time than is presently allowed. A five year write off for machinery, careers or vehicles, trucks and a 10 year write off for plants. In fiscal year 1982 under this plan, business would acquire 10 million for investment. By 1985, the figure will be nearly 45 billion. These changes are essential to providing new investment which is needed to create millions of new jobs between now and 1985. And to make america competitive once again in the world market. [applause]. These will not be makework jobs. Their productive jobs, jobs with a future. I am well aware that there are many other desirable and needed tax changes. Such as indexing the income tax brackets to protect taxpayers against inflation. The unjust desquamation against married couples if both are working and earning. Tuition tax credits, unfairness of the inheritance tax especially a family on farm or business and a number of others. But our program for economic recovery is so urgently needed to begin to bring down inflation that i am asking you to act on this first and with great urgency. Then i pledge, i will join you in seeking these additional tax changes at the earliest date possible. [applause] American Society experience a virtual explosion in government regulation during the past decade. Between 1970 and 1979, expenditures for the major regulatory agencies quadrupled. The number of pages published annually in the federal register nearly tripled. Number any federal regulations increase by two thirds. The result has been higher prices, higher unemployment and lower productivity growth. Overregulation causes small and independent businessmen and women, as are well as Large Businesses to defer plans for expansion. Since they are responsible for most of the new jobs, those new jobs are just not created. We have no intention of dismantling the regulatory agencies. Especially those necessary to protect the environment and ensure Public Health and safety. However, we must come to grips with inefficient and burdensome regulations, eliminate because we can and reform the others. I have asked Vice President bush to had a cabinet Level Task Force for regulatory relief. I asked members of the cabinet to post Effective Date of the hundreds of new regulations which have not yet been implemented. Third, in coordination with the task force, many of the agency heads have already taken prompt action to review and resend existing burdensome regulations. And finally yesterday i signed an executive order for the first time that provides for effective and coordinated management of the regulatory process. Much has been accomplished. But it is only a beginning. We will eliminate those regulations that are unproductive and unnecessary by executive order where possible and cooperate fully with you on those that require legislation. The final aspect of our plan requires a National Monetary policy which does not allow money growth to increase consistently faster than the growth of goods and services. In order to curb inflation we need to slow the growth in our money supply. We fully recognize the independence of the Federal Reserve system will do nothing to interfere with or undermine that independence. We will consult regularly with Federal Reserve board on all aspects of our Economic Program and will vigorously pursue budget policies that will make their job easier and reducing monetary growth. A Successful Program to achieve a stable and moderate growth patterns in the money supply will keep both inflation and Interest Rates down and restore bigger to our Financial Institutions and markets. This then is our proposal. Americas new beginning, a program for economic recovery. I dont want it to be simply the plan of my administration. I am here tonight to ask you to join me in making it our plan. Together, we can embark on this. [applause] thank you very much. [applause] i should have arranged to quit right there. [laughter] [applause] together we can embark on this road, not to make things easy but to make things better. Our social, political and cultural as well as their economic institutions can no longer absorb the repeated shots that have been dealt them over the past decades. Can we do the job . The answer is yes. But we must begin now. We are in control here. There is nothing wrong with america. Together we cant fix. Im sure there will be some familiar old cry, dont touch my program, click somewhere else. I hope ive made it plain that our approach is evenhanded. That the only programs, only the programs of the truly needy deserve untouched. The question is will we simply go down the same path we have gone down before carving out one special program here and another special program they are . I dont think thats what the American People expect of us. More important, i dont think thats what they want. They are ready to return to the source of our strength. The substance and prosperity of our nation is built by the wages brought home from the factories, mills, farms and shops. The interest on the thrift and the returning, returns to the risktaking. The production of america is the position of those who build, serve create and produce. To him that we remove from our people the decisions on how to dispose of what they created. We strayed from first principles. We must alter our course. The taxing power of government must be used to provide revenues for legitimate government purposes. It must not be used to regulate the economy or bring about social change. [applause] we have tried that and surely, we must be able to see it does not work. Spending by the government must be limited to those functions which are the proper province of government. We can no longer afford things simply because we think of them. Next year, we can reduce the budget 41. 4 billion without harm to governments legitimate purposes or to our responsibility to all who need our benevolence. This plus the reduction in tax rates will help bring an end to inflation. In the health and social Services Area alone, the plan we are proposing will substantially reduce the need for 465 pages of law. 1400 pages of regulations. 5000 federal employees who presently administer 7600 separate grants in about 25,000 separate locations. [applause] over 7 million men and women hours of work by state and local officials are required to fill out government forms. I would direct the question to those who have indicated already and unwillingness to accept such a plan. Have they in alternative which offers a greater chance of balancing the budget, reducing and eliminating inflation, stimulating the creation of jobs and reducing the tax burden . And if they havent are they suggesting we can continue on the present course without coming to a day of reckoning . If we dont do this [applause]. If we dont do this, inflation in the growing tax burden will put an end to everything we believe in and out dreams for the future. We dont have an option of living with inflation. It is a tragedy millions of productive people willing and able to work but unable to find a fire for their work in the job market. We have an alternative and that is the program for economic recovery. True, it will take time but the favorable effect of our proposal will be felt. So we must begin now. The people are watching and waiting. They do not demand miracles. They do expect us to act. Let us act together. Thank you. [applause] youre watching a special Program Featuring the first speeches to congress by new president s. Donald trump delivers his first address to a joint session on tuesday, february 28. Up next, portions from his speech by president George Hw Bush from february 9, 1989. Just a few weeks after his inauguration. Ladies and gentlemen i have the high honor and distinction privilege to present the president of the United States. [applause] [applause] speaker, distinguished members of the house and senate. Honored guests and fellow citizens, less than three weeks ago i joined you on the left front of this very building. And looking over the monuments to our proud past offer you my hand in the next stage of American History for the story of continued prosperity and peace. And tonight i am back to offer you my plans as well. The hand remains extended. The sleeves are rolled up. America has been waiting and now we must produce. Together, we can build a better america. It is comforting to return to this historic chamber. Here, 22 years ago, i first laid my hand to be sworn into public life. So tonight, i feel as if im returning home to friends and i intend [applause] and i intend in the months and years to come to give you what friends deserve, frankness, respect and my best judgment about ways to improve americas future. In return, i asked for an honest commitment to our Common Mission of progress. If we see the opportunities on the road before us they will be praise enough for all. The people didnt send us here to becker. And it is time to govern. Many president s have come to this chamber in times of great crisis. War, depression, loss of national spirit. And eight years ago i sat in that very chair as president reagan spoke of punishing inflation and devastatingly high Interest Rates and people out of work, american confidence on the wane. And our challenge is different. We are fortunate. A much changed landscape lies before us tonight. So i do not propose to reverse direction. We are headed the right way. But we cannot rest. We are a people whose energy and drive has fueled our rise to greatness. And we are a forwardlooking nation. Generous, yes. But ambitious as well. Not for ourselves, but for the world. Complacency is not in our character. Not before, not now, not ever. [applause] and so tonight, we must take a Strong America is make it even better. We must address some very real problems. We must establish some very clear priorities and we must make a very substantial client and the federal budget deficit. [applause] some people find that agenda impossible. But i am presenting to you tonight, a realistic plan for tackling it. My plan has four broad features. Attention to urgent priorities, investment in the future, an attack on the deficit and no new taxes. [applause] this budget represents my best judgment of how we can adjust our priorities. There are many areas in which we would all like to spend more than i propose. I understand that. But we cannot until we get our fiscal house in order. Next year alone, thanks to Economic Growth, without any change in the law, the federal government will take an over 80 billion more than it does this year. Thats right. Over 80 billion in new revenues with no increase in taxes. And our job is to allocate those new resources wisely. We can afford to increase spending. By a modest amount. [applause] i make this pledge tonight. My team and i are ready to work with the congress to form a special Leadership Group to negotiate in good faith to work the night if thats what it takes to meet the budget targets and to produce a budget on time. We cannot settle for business as usual. Government by continuing resolution or government by crisis will not do. And ask the congress tonight to approve several measures which will make budgeting more sensible. We could save time and improve efficiency by enacting a twoyear budget. [applause] fortythree governors have the line item veto. President should have it, too. [applause] at the very least, at the very least when a president proposes to resend federal spending, the congress should be required to vote on that proposal instead of killing it by in action. [applause] and i ask the congress to honor the publics wishes to require a balanced budget. Such an amendment [applause] such an amendment, such an amendment want phasedin will discipline both the congress and the executive branch. Several principles described the kind of america i hope to build with your help in the years ahead. We will not have the luxury of taking the easy spendthrift approach to solving problems because higher spending and higher taxes put Economic Growth at risk. Economic growth provides jobs and help. Economic growth enables us to pay for social programs. Economic growth enhances the security of the nation, and low tax rates create Economic Growth. I believe in giving americans greater freedom and greater choice. And i will work for choice for American Families, whether in the housing in which they live, the schools to which they send their children, or the child care they select for their young. [applause] you see, i believe that we have an obligation to those in need, but that government should not be the provider of first resort for things that the private sector can produce better. I believe in a society that is free from discrimination and bigotry of any kind. [applause] and i will work to knock down the barriers left by past discrimination and to build and to build a more Tolerant Society that will stop such barriers from ever being built again. I believe that family and faith represent the moral compass of the nation. And ill work to make them strong, for as Benjamin Franklin said, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, can a great nation rise without his aid . And i believe in giving people the power to make their own lives better through growth and opportunity. And together, lets put power in the hands of people. [applause] three weeks ago, we celebrated the bicentennial inaugural, the 200th anniversary of the first presidency. And if you look back, one thing is so striking about the way the Founding Fathers looked at america. They didnt talk about themselves. They talked about posterity. They talked about the future. And we, too, must think in terms bigger than ourselves. We must take actions today that will ensure a better tomorrow. [applause] we must extend American Leadership in technology, increase longterm investment, improve our educational system, and boost productivity. These are the keys to building better future. Ultimately americas future rests in your hands. And to my friends in this chamber, ask your cooperation to keep america growing while cutting the deficit. Thats only fair to those who know have no vote, the generations to come. Let them look back and say that we had the foresight to understand that a time of peace and prosperity is not the time to rest but a time to press forward, a time to invest in the future. And let all americans remember that no problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit. I believe this. I would not have asked to be your president if i didnt. And tomorrow the debate on the plan ive put forward begins, and i ask the congress to come forward with your own proposals. Lets not question each others motives. Lets debate, lets negotiate; but let us solve the problem. [applause] recalling anniversaries may not be my specialty in speeches bu [laughter] [applause] but tonight is one of some note. On february 9th, 1941, just 48 years ago tonight, Sir Winston Churchill took to the airwaves during britains hour of peril. Hed received from president roosevelt a handcarried letter poem sail on, o ship of state sail on, o union, strong and great humanity with all its fears, with all the hopes of future years, is hanging breathless on thy fate and churchill responded on this night by radio broadcast to a nation at war, but he directed his words to franklin roosevelt. We shall not fail or falter, he said. We shall not weaken or tire. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job. Tonight, almost half a century later, our peril may be less immediate, but the need for perseverance and clearsighted fortitude is just as great. Now, as then, there are those who say it cant be done. There are voices who say that americas best days have passed, that were bound by constraints, threatened by problems, surrounded by troubles which limit our ability to hope. Well, tonight i remain full of hope. We americans have only begun on our mission of goodness and greatness. And to those timid souls, i repeat the plea, give us the tools, and we will do the job. Thank you. God bless you, and god bless america. [applause] as the nation prepares to her from President Donald Trump in an address to a joint session of congress, cspan looks back at portions of speeches by the last five president s. Bill clinton spoke before congress for the first time on february 17, 1993. He used the occasion to outline his plans are boosting the economy while also cutting the budget deficit. Members of the congress, i have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [cheers and applause] thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. President , mr. Speaker, members of the house and the senate, distinguished americans here as visitors in this chamber, as mri, it is nice to have a fresh excuse for getting a long speech. [laughter] when presiden president s speak o congress and the nation from this podium, typically they comment on the full range and challenges and opportunities that face the United States. But this is not an ordinary time. Time. And for all the many tasks that require our attention, i believe tonight, one, calls on us to focus to unite and to act, and that is our economy. For more than anything else, our task tonight as americans is to make our economy thrive again. Let me begin by saying that it has been too long, at least three decades, since a president has come and challenged americans to join him on a Great National journey, not nearly to consume the bounty of the day but to invest for a much greater one tomorrow. [applause] like individuals, nations must ultimately decide how they wish to conduct themselves, rather wish to be thought of by those with whom they live, and later i wish to be judged by history. Like every individual, man and woman, nations must decide whether they are prepared to rise to the locations history presents them. We have always been a people of Youthful Energy and daring spirit. And at this historic moment as communism has fallen, his freedom is spreading around the world, as a Global Economy is taking shape before our eyes, americans have called for change. And now it is up to those of us in this room to deliver for them. Our nation needs a new direction. Tonight i present to you a comprehensive plan to set our nation on that new course. I believe we will find our new direction in the basic old values that brought this year over the last two centuries. A commitment to opportunity, to individual responsibility, to community, to work, to family, antifaith. We must now break the habit of both Political Parties and say there can be no more something for nothing and admit frankly that we are all in this together. [applause] the conditions which brought us as a nation to this point are well known. Two decades of low productivity growth and stagnant wages, persistent unemployment and underemployment come years at huge government deficits and declining investment in our future, exploding healthcare costs, and lack of coverage for millions of americans, legions of four children, education and job training opportunities, inadequate to the demands of this tough, Global Economy. For too long we have drifted. Without a strong sense of purpose or responsibility for our community. At our political systems often has seemed paralyzed by special Interest Groups, by partisan bickering, and by the sheer complexity of our problems. I believe we can do better because we remain the greatest nation on earth, the worlds strongest economy, the worlds only military superpower. If we have the vision, the will and the heart to make the changes we must, we can still enter the 21st century with possibilities are parents could not even have imagined, and iterate having secured the American Dream for ourselves and for future generations. I will remember [applause] i well remember 12 years ago president reagan stood at this three podium and told you and the American People that if our National Debt were stacked in 1000 bills, the the stack would reach 67 miles into space. Well, today that stack would reach 267 miles. I tell you this not to assign blame for this problem. There is plenty of blame to go rounaround in both branches of e government and both parties. The time has come for the blame to end. [applause] i did not seek this office to place blame. I come here tonight to accept responsibility, and i want you to accept responsibility with me. And if we do right by this country, i do not care who gets the credit for it. [applause] the plan i offer you has for fundamental components. First, it shifts our emphasis in public and private spending from consumption to investment, initially i jumpstarting the economy in the short term and investing in our people, their jobs, and their incomes over the long run. Second, it changes the rhetoric of the past into the actions of the present by honoring work and families in every part of our public decisionmaking. Third, it substantially reduces the federal deficit honestly and credibly by using in the beginning the most conservative estimates of government revenues, not, as the executive branch has done so often in the past, using the most optimistic ones. [applause] and finally, it seeks to earn the trust of the American People by paying for these plants first with cuts in government waste and efficiency, second with cats, not gimmicks come in Government Spending, and by fairness, for a change come in the way additional burdens are born. [applause] tonight i want to talk with you about what government can do because i believe government must do more. But let me say first that the real engine of Economic Growth in this country is the private sector, and second [applause] and second, that each of us must be an engine of growth and change. The truth is that as government creates more opportunity in this new and different time, we must also demand more responsibility in turn. Our immediate priority must be to create jobs, create jobs now. Some people say, well, we are in a recovery and we dont have to do that. Well, we all hope we are in a recovery, but we are sure not creating new jobs. And ther theres no recovery woh its salt that doesnt put the American People back to work. [applause] to create jobs and guarantee a strong recovery, i call on congress to enact an immediate package of Jobs Investment of over 30 billion to put people to work now, to create a half a million jobs, jobs to rebuild or highways and airports, to renovate housing, to bring new life to rural communities, and spread hope and opportunity among our nations youth. Especially i want to emphasize, after the events of last year in los angeles and the countless stories of despair in our cities and in our poor rural communities, this proposal will create almost 700,000 new summer jobs are displaced, unemployed young people alone this summer. [applause] and tonight i invite americas Business Leaders to join us in this effort so that together we can provide over 1 million summer jobs in cities and poor rural areas for our young people. [applause] second, our plan looks beyond todays Business Cycle because our aspirations extend into the next century. The heart of this plan deals with the long term. It is an Investment Program designed to increase public and private investment in areas critical to our Economic Future. And it has a deficit Reduction Program that will increase the savings available for the private sector to invest, will lower Interest Rates, will decrease the percentage of the federal budget claimed by interest payments, and decrease the risk of Financial Market disruptions that could adversely affect our economy. Over the long run, all this will bring us a high rate of Economic Growth, improve productivity, more highquality jobs, and an improved economic Competitive Position in the world. In order to accomplish both increased investment and deficit reduction, something no American Government has ever been called upon to do at the same time before, spending must be cut and taxes must be raised. But all of our efforts to strengthen the economy will fail let me say this again. I feel so strongly about this. All of our efforts to strengthen the economy will fail unless we also take this year, not next year, not five years from now, but this year bold steps to reform our health care system. [applause] in 1992, we spent 14 of our income on health care, more than 30 more than any other country in the world, and yet we were the only advanced nation that did not provide a basic package of Health Care Benefits to all of its citizens. Unless we change the present pattern, 50 of the growth in the deficit between now and the year 2000 will be in healthcare costs here by the year 2000 almost 20 of her income will be in healthcare. Our families will never be secure, our businesses will never be strong, and our government will never again be fully solvent until we tackle the healthcare crisis. We must do it this year. [applause] the combination of the rising cost of care and the lack of care and the fear of losing care are endangering the security and the very lives of millions of our people. And they are weakening our economy every day. Reducing Health Care Costs can liberate literally hundreds of billions of dollars for new investment in growth and jobs. Rigging health costs in line with inflation would do more for the private sector in this country that any tax cut we could give and any Spending Program we could promote. Reforming health care over the long run is critically essential to reducing not on our deficit by two expanding investment in america. [applause] later this spring, after the first lady and the many good people who are helping her all across the country complete their work, i will deliver to congress a comprehensive plan for Health Care Reform that finally will bring costs under control and provide security to all of our families, so that no one will be denied the coverage they need but so that our Economic Future will not be compromised either. [applause] well have to root out fraud and overcharges and make sure that people are no longer chokes your doctor. We will have to maintain the highest american standards and the right to choose in a system that is the worlds finest all those who can access it. [applause] but first we must make choices. We must choose to give the American People the quality they demand and deserve with a system that will not bankrupt the country or for the drive more americans into agony. Let me further say that i want to work with all of you on this. I realize this is a complicated issue. But we must address it. And i believe if theres any chance the republicans and democrats who disagree on taxes and spending or anything else could agree on one thing, surely we can all look at these numbers and go home and tell our people the truth. We cannot continue to spending patterns in public or private dollars or health care or less and less and less every year. We can do better. But indian went to get back to the deficit it for years theres been a lot of talk about a very few credible efforts to deal with it and now i understand why, having dealt with the real numbers for four weeks. But i believe this plan does it tackles the budget deficit seriously and over the long term. It puts in place one of the biggest deficit reductions in one of the biggest changes in federal priorities from consumption to investment in the history of this country at the same time over the next four years. Let me say to all the people watching us tonight you will ask me this question beginning to more as a go around the country and who is asked it in the past. We are not cutting the deficit just because experts say its the thing to do or because it has some intrinsic merit. We have to cut the deficit because the more we spend paying off the debt, the less tax dollars we have to invest in jobs and education and the future of this country. And the more money we take out of the pool of available savings, the harder it is for people in the private sector to borrow money at affordable Interest Rates for a college loan for their children, for a home mortgage, or to start a new business. Thats why weve got reducing the debt, because it is crowding out other activities that we ought to be engaged in and that the American People ought to be engaged in. [applause] we cut the deficit so that our children would be able to buy a home, so that our companies can invest in the future and in retraining their workers, so that our government can make the kinds of investments we need to be a stronger and smarter and safer nation. If we dont act now, you and i might not even recognize this government 10 years from now. If we just stay with the same trends of the last four years, by the end of the decade the deficit will be 635 billion a year, almost 80 of our gross domestic product. And paying interest on that debt will be the costliest Government Program of all. Well still be the Worlds Largest debtor, and when members of Congress Come here, theyll be devoting over 20 cents on the dollar to interest payments, more than half of the budget to health care and other entitlements. And you will come here and deliberate and argue over six or 7 cents on the dollar, no matter what americas problems are. We will not be able to have the independence we need to chart the future that we must. And will be terribly dependent on foreign fines for a large portion of our investment. It was closer to write than previous president s were. [applause]. [applause]. I did this so that we could argue about priorities with a set of numbers. Nobody could say i was estimating my way out of this. I did this because if we can agree together on the most prudent revenues we are likely to get if the recovery stays and we do write things economically it will turn out better for the American People that we say there were differences over the revenue estimates. They were given greater elbow room for irresponsibility. Lets at least argue about the same set of numbers. Taken together these measures will cost an American Family with an income of about 40,000 per year less than 17 per month. It will cost American Families with incomes under 30,000 next to nothing. Raising the earned incomes incomes tax credit. Because of our publicly stated decision to reduce the deficit we will see the continuation of what has happened just since the election. The secretary of the treasury the director of office in management and others will begin to speak out publicly in favor of a tough reduction plan. Interest rates continue to fall longterm. That means for the middle class who will pay something more each month if they have any credit, needs or demands their increased energy cost will be more than offset by lower interest cost. This could be a wise investment for them and their country now. [applause]. I would also point out what the American People already know and that is because we are a big vast country where we drive long distances we have maintained our lower burdens on energy than any other advanced company. And these will be spread fairly. With real attempts to make sure that no cost is imposed on families. Until you get into the higher income groups. Whatever you think of the tax program consider the cost of not changing. Remember the numbers that you will know if we just keep on doing what we are doing well have a 650dollar millionaire deficit. By the end of the decade 20 of our National Income will go to healthcare every year. Twice as much as any other country on the face of the globe. If we just do what we do over 20 cents on the dollar well had to go to service the debt. Unless we have the courage now to start putting our future and stop borrowing from we are condemning ourselves two years of stagnation. Interrupted by occasional reception. Two more debt and more disappointment. Unless we increase investment in reduce the debt to raise productivity is that so we can generate both jobs in income we will be condemning our children in their childrens children to a lesser life that we enjoy. Once americans look forward to doubling their Living Standards it will take a hundred years to double lineage Living Standards. As a thats too long to wait. [applause]. Tonight and the american the American People know we have to change but they are also likely to ask me tomorrow for the weeks and months ahead whether we have the fortitude to make the changes happen in the right way. They know as soon as i leave this chamber and you go home various Interest Groups will be out in force lobbying against this plan and if the forces of conventional wisdom will ask a thousand reasons why we ought to do this but we just cant do it. Our people will be watching and wondering not to see whether you disagree with me on a particular issue but to see if its can be business as usual or real new day. Whether we will conduct ourselves as if we know we are working for them. We must scale the walls of the people and their skepticism now without words but with our deeds. [applause]. After 70 years of gridlock and indecision and so few promising results of the American People are going to be harsh in their judgments of all of us if we fail to seize this moment. This economic plan cannot please everybody. If the package is picked apart it will be something that will anger each of us. I ask you all to begin by resisting the temptation to focus on the particular spending cut you dont like or some particular investment that wasnt made and nobody likes the tax increases. For 20 years through administrations of both parties incomes had stalled and dented. We cannot deny they reality of our condition. With to plant the best we can. [applause]. The test of this plant cannot be what is in it for me it has got to be what is in it for us. [applause]. If we work hard and if we Work Together if we rededicate ourselves to creating jobs to rewarding work and strengthening our families and reinventing our government we can lift our countrys fortunes again. I ask everyone in this chamber and every american to look simply into your own heart to spark your own hope to fire your own imagination. Theres so much good and possibility in possibility and so much excitement in this country now. That if we act boldly and honestly as leader should our legacy will be one of prosperity and progress this must be americas new direction. Let us summon the courage. Thank you. God bless you. President donald trump delivers an address to a joint session of congress on tuesday february 28. The first address by a new president is typically used to lay layout policy and budget priorities. They look back at the last five president s continues with george w. Bush. Speaking before members of congress. I have the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [applause]. Thank you very much. [applause]. Thank you. Mister speaker mister speaker and mister Vice President members of congress is a great privilege to be here outlining a new budget and a new approach for governing our great country. I think you for your invitation to speak here tonight. I know congress had to formally invite me and it couldve been a close vote. So mister Vice President i appreciate you being here to break the tie. I want to think so many of you that have accepted my invitation to come to the white house to discuss important issues. We are off to a good start. I will continue to meet with you and ask for your input you had been kind and candid and i think you for making a new president feel welcome. The last time i visited the capital i came to take an oath on the steps of this building i pledged to honor our constitution and our laws and ask you to join me in setting a tone of civility and respect in washington. I hope america is noticing the difference because we are making progress together, we are changing the tone in the Nations Capital and the spirit of respect and cooperation is vital because in the end we will be judged not only by what we say or how we say it we will be judged by what we are able to accomplish America Today is a nation with great challenges the greater resources in artists using statistics as a brush could paint two very different pictures of our country. One would have warning signs increasing class Rising Energy prices too many failing schools persistent poverty another picture would be full of blessings a balanced budget big surpluses a military that is second to none us country a piece with his neighbors. Its revolutionizing the world in the greatest strength concerned citizens who care for our country and care for each other. These are pictures complete in and of itself. We will use the resources of one picture to repaint the other. To direct the advantage at of our kind. Some of the resources will come from government some but not all. The budget debates seem to come down to an old tired argument on one side of those who those who want more government regardless of the cost on the other those who want Less Government regardless of the need. We should leave those arguments to the last century and chart a different course. [applause]. The government has a role and an Important Role get too much government clouds out the issue. Engaged but not overbearing. And my budget is based on that philosophy. It is reasonable, and is responsible meets our obligations in funds are growing needs. The other entitlement programs by 81 billion above the rate of inflation. When money is still left over the people he earned in the first place. [applause]. [applause]. A budget impact is counted in dollars but measured in lives. Excellent schools quality healthcare a secure retirement cleaner environment a stronger defense. These are all important needs it should go to our childrens education education is not my top priority. Is now my top priority. [applause]. Education is my top priority and by supporting this budget you will make it yours as well. Reading is the foundation of all learning so during the next five years we triple spending adding 5 billion to help every child in america learn to read. Values are important. Not only reading and writing but right from wrong. We had increased funding to train and recruit teachers because we know a good education starts with a good teacher. I have a wonderful partner in this effort. I like teacher so much i married one. We had increased our budget and responsible 4 we had funded our priorities we paid down all of the available. Dot we have prepared for contingencies and we still have money left over. Yogi berra said when you come to a fork in the road take it. Now we come to a fork in the road we had two choices. Even though weve already met our needs we could spend the money on more and bigger government that is a road our nation has traveled in recent years. Last year government spend shot up 8 . Thats far more than our economy grew far more than personal income grew and far more than the rate of inflation. If you continue on that road you will spend a surplus and had to dip into Social Security to pay other bills. Its a dangerous road to deficits so we must take a different path. [applause]. The other choice is to let the American People spend their own money to meet their own needs. [applause]. I hope you will join me in standing firmly on the side of the people the growing surplus exist because taxes are too high and government is charging more than it needs. The people of america had been overcharged and on their behalf i am here asking for a refund. [applause]. Some say my tax plan is too big. Others say is too small. I respectfully disagree. This plan is just right. The agenda is set before you tonight is worthy of a great nation. Its a nation a piece but not a nation at rest. Much has been given to us in much is expected. Let us agree to build a bridge old divides and let us agree that our goodwill must be dedicated to great goals. It is doing our duty. No one can speak. No one can speak and not be awed by its history 70 turning points have reflected the collective when we watched walk this hall we are reminded of their courage and achievement yet americas purpose is never found only in statutes or history. The purpose always stands before us. Our generation much must show courage. And our courage issue by issue has gathered greatness and serve our country. This is the privilege and responsibility we share. And if we Work Together we can prove the Public Service is noble we all came here for a reason we all have things we want to accomplish together we can. [applause]. We can make americans proud of their government together we can share in the credit of making our country more prosperous and generous and just. And earn from our conscience and from our fellow citizens the highest possible praise will done, good and faithful servants. Thank you all. Good night and god bless. Our special program looking at first president ial speeches to congress concludes with barack obama speaking before a joint session on february 24, 2009. They pass an economic stimulus bill along party lines. I reminder that you can watch live coverage of President Donald Trumps address to a joint session of congress on tuesday here on cspan. Members of congress. I have have the high privilege in distinct honor of possessing presenting to you the president of the United States. [applause]. [applause]. Thank you everybody. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Man speaker mister Vice President members of congress the first lady of the United States, [applause]. I have come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this Great Chamber but to speak frankly indirectly to the men and women who sent us here. I know that for Many Americans watching right now the state of our economy is a concern that rises above all others. And rightly so. If you have not been personally affected by this recession you probably know someone who has. A friend, a neighbor, a member of your family. You dont need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis because you live it every day. It is the where you wake up with the source of sleepless nights. The job you thought you retired from but the business you bought your dreams built your dreams upon its now hanging by a thread. The impact of this recession is real and it is everywhere. But while our economy maybe we cant in our confidence shaken but we are living through difficult and Uncertain Times we will rebuild we will recover in the United States of america will emerge stronger than before. [applause]. The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation the answers to our problems dont lie beyond our reach. They exist in our laboratories in our universities. The fields in the factories in the imagination of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest working people on earth. Those qualities that have made america the greatest source in human history. Confront boldly and take responsibility for the future once again. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit for too long we have not always met these responsibilities. I say this not to lay blame or to look backwards but because it is only by understanding how we arrived at this moment that we will be able to lift ourselves out of this predicament. Our economy did not fall into decline overnight. Nor did all of our problems begin. When the stock market plummeted. We port more oil today than ever before. The cost of healthcare we keep delaying reform. Are treated our children will not be prepared for their first job. We pile up more debt into our government than ever before. In other words we have lived through an era where too often short turn gains were price over longterm prosperity. We failed to look beyond the next payment. It became an excuse to transfer it to the wealthy. Regulations were gutted for the sake of a quick profit. People bought homes they knew they couldnt afford from banks and lenders who pushed those bad loans anywhere. And all the while critical debates were put off for some other time on some other day. That day of reckoning has arrived. In the time to take charge of our future is here. To not only revive this economy but to build a new nation for lasting prosperity. Now is a time to jumpstart job creation, restart lending and investment areas like energy, healthcare and education. Even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down. Thats what i would like to talk to you about tonight. The agenda that begins with jobs as soon as i took office i ask this congress to send me a Recovery Plan that would put people back to work and put money in their pockets. Not because i believe in bigger government i dont. Not because im not mindful of the massive debt we have inherited i am. I called for action because the failure to do so would have cost more jobs and cost more hardship. By assuring weak Economic Growth. Thats why i pushed for quick action in tonight im grateful that this congress delivered and pleased to say that the american recovery and reinvestment act is now law. [applause]. Over the next two years this plan will save or create 3. 5 million jobs. More than 90 of these jobs will be in the private sector. Construct steam Wind Turbines and soil solar panels. Because of this plan that teachers can now keep their jobs and educate our Kids Health Care professionals can continue caring for our sick there are 57 Police Officers who are still on the streets of minneapolis tonight because the display prevented the layoff their department was about to make. Because of this plan 95 percent of working households in america will receive a tax cut a tax cut that you will see in your paycheck beginning on april 1. Because of this plan families will struggle to pay tuition costs. For all four years of college. And americans, who had lost their job in this recession will be able to receive extended Unemployment Benefits to help them weather the storm. I know there are some in this chamber and watching at home who are skeptical of whether this plant will work. I understand that skepticism. Weve all seen how quickly good intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending with the plan of the skill comes to enormous responsibility to get it right. And thats why i have asked Vice President biden to lead a tough effort because nobody messes with joe. The Recovery Plan in the Financial Stability plan are the immediate steps we are taking to revamp our economy in the short term. But the only way to fully restore americas economic strength is to make the longterm investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries and renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way the century it will be another American Century is if we can front it with the price of dependence on oil. The schools that are preparing the children and the mountain of debt they stand to inherit. That is our responsibility. When the next few days i will submit a budget to congress so often weve come to view these documents as numbers on a page or a laundry list of programs i see this document differently. I see it as a vision for america. A blueprint for future. Does not attempt to solve every problem or every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we have inherited. Given these realities everyone in this Chamber Democrats and republicans well had to sacrifice some where the priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me. But that does not mean we can afford to ignore our longterm challenges. I reject the view that says our problems will simply take care of themselves. The government has no role in laying the foundation for our common prosperity. Every moment of economic upheaval and transformation this nation has responded with bold action and big ideas in the midst of civil war we laid Railroad Tracks from one coast to another that spurred commerce and industry from the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution came a system of public high schools that prepared her citizens for a new age. In the wake of war and depression the g. I. Bill sent a generation to college and the largest middleclass in history. [applause]. A Twilight Struggle for freedom led to a nation of highways. An explosion of technology that still shapes our world. Government didnt supplant it. It created the conditions. We have seen promise amid peril. Now we must be that nation again and that is why even as a cut back our programs on programs we dont need the budget i submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to our Economic Future. Energy, healthcare, and education. [applause]. But this is america, we dont do what is easy. We do whats necessary to move this country forward. For that same reason we must also address the crushing cost of healthcare. A cost that now causes a bankruptcy in america every 30 seconds. By the end of the year it could cost 1. 5 million americans to lose their home. In the last eight years premiums had grown four times faster than wages into each of these weird years or americans have lost their Health Insurance. They close their doors and corporations ship jobs overseas. It is one of the largest and Fastest Growing parts of the budget. We could no longer afford to put healthcare reform we cant afford to do it. [applause]. Already we have done more to advance the cause of Health Care Reform in the last 30 days that we have done in the last decade. When it was days old this Congress Passed a law that provide and protect Health Insurance for 11 million American Children whose parents work fulltime. The Recovery Plan will invest in the Electronic Health record that will reduce errors and bring down costs in shirt privacy and save lives. They will launch a new effort. We will circle search for a cure for cancer in our time. And, and it makes the largest investment ever. Preventive care. This budget builds on this reform. It includes a historic commitment. A down payment on the principle that we must have quality affordable healthcare for every american. Its a commitment that is paid for in part by efficiencies that are now long overdue and its a step we must take if we hope to bring down our deficits in the years to come. There will be many different opinions and ideas. Thats why i will bring together businesses and workers. They will begin work on the issue next week. I suffer no illusions of this will be an easy process. It will be hard but i also know that nearly a century after tetley Teddy Roosevelt first cost for reform. It has weighed down the economy in our conscious long enough. So let there be no doubt healthcare reform cannot wait it must not wait. It will not wait another year. There is of course another responsibility we have to our children and that is the responsibility that we do not pass on to them that they do not pay. [applause]. I agree. I know we can get some consensus in here. With the deficit that we inherited [applause]. The cost of the crisis we face and the longterm challenges we must meet has never been more important to ensure that as our economy recovers we do what it takes to bring this deficit down. That is critical. Now, we have passed a Recovery Plan free of earmarks. Each dollar we spend reflects only our most Important National priorities. And yesterday i held a fiscal summit. I pledged to pledge to cut the deficit in half. To go line by line in the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. You can imagine it will take some time but we have already identified 2 trillion in savings over the next decade. In this budget we will and Education Programs that dont work. And and direct payments to large budgets. We will eliminate, [applause]. We will eliminate the no big contracts. And reform our Defense Budget so that we are not paying for weapon systems we dont use. We will root out the waste and abuse in our Medicare Program that doesnt make our seniors any healthier we will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. [applause]. In order to save our children from a future of debt we will also end the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 of americans. Let me be clear. Let me be absolutely clear because i know it means a massive tax increase on the American People. If your family earns less than two hundred 50,000 per year a quarter Million Dollars per year you will not see your taxes increase a single dime. Not a dime. In fact, the Recovery Plan provides a tax cut for 95 of working families. These checks are on the way. To preserve our longterm Fiscal Health we must also address the growing cost and medicare and Social Security comprehensive healthcare Health Care Reform is the best way to strengthen medicare for years to come. While creating tax free universal savings for all americans. We are also suffering from a deficit of trust. I am committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our budget. That is why this budget looks ahead ten years and accounts for spending that was left out under the old rules. For the first time that includes the full cost of fighting in iraq and afghanistan. Its a nation of war no longer will we hide it. As we stand at this crossroads of history the eyes of all people and all nations are once again upon us. Watching to see what we do. Waiting for us to lead. Those of us gathered here tonight had been called to govern an in extraordinary times it is a tremendous burden but also a great privilege one that has been entrusted to few generations of americans. In our hands to shape our world for good or ill. I know its easy to lose sight of this. To become cynical and doubtful. In my life i have also learned that hope is found in unlikely paces. Inspiration often comes from ordinary americans are anything but. And gave it out to all 399 people who work for them. Plus another 72 used to work for them. He didnt tell anyone. But when the local newspaper found out he simply said i knew some of these people since i was seven years old. It didnt feel right getting the money myself. [applause]. [applause]. I think about greensburg kansas town that was completely destroyed by a tornado but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example of how clean energy can power an entire community. How it can bring jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once lay. The tragedy was terrible said one of the men who helped them rebuild but the folks here know it also provided an Incredible Opportunity i think about the young girl from the school i visited in dillon, South Carolina the place where the paint peels off the walls and if the top stop teaching six times a day. They had been told that the school is hopeless but the other day after class she went to the Public Library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. It asked us for help. And says we are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself. And when the president so we can make a change to not just the state of South Carolina but also the world. We are not quitters. These words. [applause]. [applause]. These words in these stories tell us something about the spirit of the people who sent us here. Even in the most trying times. There is a generosity of resilience and a determination that perseveres. There resolve must be our inspiration their concerns must be ours and we must show them in all of our people that we are equal to the task before us. I know that we have not agreed on every issue thus far there are times in the future where we will part ways. But i also know that every america is sitting here tonight love this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. [applause]. That must be the starting point for every debate we have the coming months and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American People expect us to build common ground. And if we do if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and some in that spirit of an america that does not quit and some in someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed in the words that are carved into this very chamber Something Worthy to be remembered. Thank you. God bless you. [applause]. It is a book tv in prime time all this week starting at 8 00 eastern a series of programs touching on a specific subject each night. Tonights focus is on authors who are military veterans. Michael anthony about his book civilian iced young veterans memoir. Find out more. The American Conservative Union known as c pack gets underway tomorrow. We will start our coverage at 9 00 a. M. Eastern with white house counsel. Watch that life here on cspan two. Later speeches from education secretary betsy devos. And the chief strategist. Over on cspan and the Vice President pants watch that life. An event continues on friday. That is due to start at 1010. Watch cspan as President Donald Trump addresses the joint session of congress. This will be the busiest congress weve have in decades. Live tuesday at 9 00 p. M. Eastern. And listen live on the free radio app. Now look at how gender and race affected the president ial election this discussion held shortly after the inauguration was hosted by the university of minnesota is just shy of 90 minutes. As all of us know who are here in the United States or even a broad during the fall of 2016