Transcripts For CSPAN3 First Presidential Addresses To Congr

Test. Test. Test. Test. For less and less and less every year, we can do better but for years, theres been a lot of talk about it but 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 tackles the budget deficit seriously and over the longterm. Puts in place one of the biggest deficit reductions and changes 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 tonight who will ask these questions and weve asked in the past, were note cutting the deficit just because experts say the thing to do or 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 to borrow money at affordable Interest Rates with a college loan for their children or Home Mortgage or to start a new business. Thats why weve got to reduce the debt because its 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 our children will be able to buy a home and companies can invest in the future and 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 you and i dont, we might not recognize this government. If we stay with the trends, 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 youll deliberate over 6 or 7 cents on the dollar no matter what americas problems are. Well not be able to have the independence we need to chart the future that we must and well be terribly dependent on foreign funds for a large portion of our investment. This budget planned by contrast will by 1997 cut 140 billion a alone from the deficit, a real spending cut, a real revenue increase, a real deficit reduction using the independent numbers of the Congressional Budget Office. You can laugh my fellow republicans but ill point out that the Congressional Budget Office was normally more conservative than what was happening closer to right than previously presidencies. [ applause ] i did this to argue about priorities with the same set of numbers. So no one could say i was estimating my way out of this difficulty. I did this because if we can agree together on the most prudent revenues were likely to get, if the recovery stays and we do right things economically, then it will turn out better for the American People than we say and the last 12 years because there were differences over the revenue estimates, you and i know that both parties given greater elbow room for irresponsibility. This is tightening the rein on the democrats as well as the republicans and at least argue about the same set of numbers so American People think were straight with it. [ applause ] taken together, these measures will cost an American Family with an income of about 40,000 a year less than 17 a month. It will cost the American Families with incomes under 30,000 nothing. Because of other programs we proposed. Principal principally, those raising the earned income tax credit. Because of the publicly stated determination to reduce the deficit, if we do these things, we will see the continuation of whats happened just since the election. Just since the election, since the secretary of the treasury, the director of the office of management and budget and others had begun to speak out publicly in favor of a tough deficit reduction plan. Interest rates have continued to fall longterm. That means that for the middle class who will pay something more each month, if they have any credit needs or demands, their increased energy costs will be more than offset by lower interest costs for mortgage, credit cards, this can 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 were a big vast country where if we drive long distances, we have maintained far lower burdens on energy than my other advan any other advanced country. Well still have lower burdens than any other advanced country and these will be spread pairly with real attempts to make sure that no cost is imposed on families with incomes of less than 30,000 and modest until you get into the higher income groups where the income taxes trigger in. Ill ask you all to consider this, whatever you think of the tax program, whatever you think of the spending cuts, consider the cost of not changing. Remember the numbers that you all know. If we just keep on doing what were doing, by the end of the decade, 650 billion a year deficit. And keep on doing what were doing and the end of the decade, 20 of the National Income go to Health Care Every year and twice as many of any country on the face of the globe. Keep on doing what were doing. Over 20 cents on the dollar has to go to service to debt. And unless we have the courage now to build our future and stop borrowing from it, were condemning ourselves to years of stagnation interrupted by occasional recessions. To slow growth and jobs, to no more growth than income and less and less we change unless we increase investment and reduce the debt to raise productivity so that we can generate both jobs and incomes, we will be condemning our children and our childrens children to a lesser life than we enjoyed. Once americans look forward to doubling their Living Standards every 25 years, it will take 100 years to double Living Standards. Until the grandchildrens grandchildren are born and i say thats too long to wait. [ applause ] tonight the American People know we have to change but theyre also likely to ask me tomorrow and all of you for the weeks and months ahead whether we have the fortitude to make the changes happen in the right way. They know that as soon as i leave this chamber and you go home, various Interest Groups will be out enforcing lobbyists against this or that piece of this plan and the torforces of conventional wisdom will offer a thousand reasons why we ought to do this and just cant do it. Our people will be watching and wondering not to see whether you disagree with me on a particular issue but just to see whether this is going to be business as usual or real new day. Whether were all going to conduct ourselves as if we know were working for them. We must scale the walls of the peoples skepticisms, not with our words, but with our deeds. [ applause ] after dwrid logridlock, hopeful beginnings and promising results, the American People will be harsh in their judgments of all of us if we fail to seize this moment. This economic plan cant please everybody. If the package is picked apart, there will be something that angers each of us and wont please anybody but if its taken as a whole, it will help all of us. So i ask you all to begin by resisting the temptation to focus solely on a particular spending cut you dont like or some particular investment that wasnt made and thonobody likese tax increases but lets face facts. For 20 years through administrations of both parties, incomes have stalled and debt has exploded and productivity has not grown as it should, we cannot deny the reality of our condition. We have got to play the hand we were dealt and play it as best we can. [ applause ] my fellow americans, the test of this plan cannot be what is in it for me, it has got to be what is in it for us. If we work hard and we work together, if we rededicate ourselves to creating jobs, to rewarding work, strengthening our families, to reinventing our government, we can lift our countrys fortunes again. Tonight, i ask everyone in this chamber and every american to look simply into your own heart, to spark your own hopes, to fire your own imagination, so much good and excitement that if we act boldly and honestly as leaders should, our legacy will be one of prosperity and progress. This must be americas new direction. Let us summon the courage to seize it. Thank you. God bless america. President donald trump delivers an address to a joint session of congress on tuesday, february 28th. The first address by a new president is typically used to lay out policy and budget priorities. Cspans look back at the last five president s continues with george w. Bush speaking before joint session on february 27th, 2001. Members of congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct to present the president of the United States. [ applause ] thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, its a great privilege to be here to outline a new budget and a new approach for governing our great country. I thank you for your invitation to speak here tonight. I know congress had to formally invite me and it could have been a close vote. So mr. Vice president , i appreciate you being here to break the tie. Thank you to so many of you who have accepted my invitation to come to the white house to discuss important issues. Were off to a good start. I will continue to meet with you and ask for your input. You have been kind and candid and i thank you for making a new president feel welcome. [ applause ] the last time i visited the capit capitol, i came to take an oath on the steps of this building. I pledged to honor our constitution and laws and i asked you to join me in setting a tone of civility and respect in washington. [ applause ] i hope america is noticing the difference because were 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 but what were able to accomplish. America today is a nation with great challenges, but greater resources. An artist using statistics as a brush could paint two very different pictures of our country. One would have warning signs, increasing layoffs, Rising Energy prices, too many failing schools, persistent poverty, the stubborn visages of racism. Another picture would be balanced budget, big surpluses, a military that is second to none, a country at peace with its neighbors, technology that is revolutionizing the world and our greatest strength, concerned citizens who care for our country and for each other. Neither picture is complete in and of itself and tonight, i challenge and invite congress to work with me to use the resources of one picture to repaint the other, to direct the advantages of our time to solve the problems of our people. Some of these resources will come from government. Some, but not all. Year after year in washington, budget debates seemed to come down to an old tired argument. On one side, those who want more government regardless of the cost and 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 ] government has a role and an important role, yet too much government crowds out an issue of hard work, private charity and private economy. Our government should be active but limited, engaged but not overbearing and my budget is based on that philosophy. It is reasonable and it is responsible. It meets our obligations and funds our growing needs. We increase spending next year for Social Security and medicare and other entitlement programs by 81 billion. Weve increased spending for discretionary programs by a very responsible 4 above the rate of inflation. My plan pays down an unprecedented National Debt and when money is still left over, my plan returns it to the people who earned it in the first place. A budgets impact is counted in dollars but measured in lives. Excellent cools, Quality Health care, a secure retirement, a cleaner environment, a stronger defense, these are all important needs and we fund them. The highest percentage increase in our budget should go to our childrens education. Education is not my top priorit. By supporting this budget, youll 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. V values are important. Triple funding for Character Education to teach not only reading and writing but right from wrong. Weve increased funding to train and recruit teachers because we know a good education starts with a good teacher and i have a wonderful partner in this effort. I like teachers so much, i married one. We have increased our budget at a responsible 4 . We have funded our priorities. Weve paid down all the available debt. We have prepared for contingencies and we still have money left over. Yogi said once you come to a fork in the road, take it. Now we come to a fork in the road. We have two choices. Even though weve met our needs, we could spend the money on more or bigger government. Thats the road our nation has traveled in recent years. Last year, Government Spending 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 the surplus and have to dip into Social Security to pay other bills. Unrestrained Government Spending is a dangerous road to deficits, so we must take a different path. The other choice is to let the American People spend their own money to meet their own needs [ applause ] i hope youll join me in standing firmly on the side of the people. See the growing surplus exists because taxes are too high and government is charging more than it needs. The people of america have been overcharged and on their behalf, im here asking for a refund. [ applause ] some say my tax plan is too big. Others say its too small. I respectfully disagree. This plan is just right. The agenda ive set before you tonight is worthy of a great nation. America is a nation at peace, but not a nation at rest. Much has been given to us and much is expected. Let us agree to bridge old divides but also agree that our goodwill must be dead caugdicat great goals. Partisanship is not just minding manners but doing our duty. No one can speak. [ applause ] no one can speak in this capital and not be awed by its history. So many turning points, debates in these chambers reflected the collected or divided country. And when we see the men and women of marble, we are reminded of their courage and achievement yet americas purpose is never found only in statues or history but americas purpose always stands before us. Our generation must show courage in a type ime of blessing as ha been shown in a time of crisis and courage issue by issue can gather greatness and serve our country. This is the privilege and responsibility we share and if we work together, we can prove that Public Service is noble. We all came here for a reason. We all have things we want to accomplish and promises to keep. Together we can. We can make americans roproud o their government. Together we can share in the promise of making our country more generous and just and learn from our conscience and fellow citizen iss the highest possibl praise, well 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 a barack obama, speaking before a joint session on february 24th, 2009. The speech happened after Congress Passed an economic spl stimulus bill and includes a call for comprehensive Health Care Reform. A reminder that you can watch live coverage of president Donald Trumps address to a joint session of congress on tuesday, february 28th here on cspan. All right, please. Madam speaker. Congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct honor of renting to you the president of the United States. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everybody. Thank you. Please, thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Madam speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, the first lady of the united stat states, here somewhere. I have come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this great chamber, but to speak frankly and directly 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 havent 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. Its the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. Its the job you thought youd retire from but now have lost, the business you built your dreams upon thats now hanging by a thread. The College Acceptance letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this recession is real and it is everywhere. But while our economy may be weakened, and our confidence shak shaken, we are living through difficulty and Interest Rates<\/a> with a college loan for their children or Home Mortgage<\/a> or to start a new business. Thats why weve got to reduce the debt because its crowding out other activities that we ought to be engaged in and that the American People<\/a> ought to be engaged in. [ applause ] we cut the deficit so our children will be able to buy a home and companies can invest in the future and 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 you and i dont, we might not recognize this government. If we stay with the trends, the end of the decade, the deficit will be 635 billion a year, almost 80 of our Gross Domestic Product<\/a> and paying interest on that debt will be the costliest Government Program<\/a> of all. Well still be the Worlds Largest<\/a> debtor and when members of Congress Come<\/a> 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 youll deliberate over 6 or 7 cents on the dollar no matter what americas problems are. Well not be able to have the independence we need to chart the future that we must and well be terribly dependent on foreign funds for a large portion of our investment. This budget planned by contrast will by 1997 cut 140 billion a alone from the deficit, a real spending cut, a real revenue increase, a real deficit reduction using the independent numbers of the Congressional Budget Office<\/a>. You can laugh my fellow republicans but ill point out that the Congressional Budget Office<\/a> was normally more conservative than what was happening closer to right than previously presidencies. [ applause ] i did this to argue about priorities with the same set of numbers. So no one could say i was estimating my way out of this difficulty. I did this because if we can agree together on the most prudent revenues were likely to get, if the recovery stays and we do right things economically, then it will turn out better for the American People<\/a> than we say and the last 12 years because there were differences over the revenue estimates, you and i know that both parties given greater elbow room for irresponsibility. This is tightening the rein on the democrats as well as the republicans and at least argue about the same set of numbers so American People<\/a> think were straight with it. [ applause ] taken together, these measures will cost an American Family<\/a> with an income of about 40,000 a year less than 17 a month. It will cost the American Families<\/a> with incomes under 30,000 nothing. Because of other programs we proposed. Principal principally, those raising the earned income tax credit. Because of the publicly stated determination to reduce the deficit, if we do these things, we will see the continuation of whats happened just since the election. Just since the election, since the secretary of the treasury, the director of the office of management and budget and others had begun to speak out publicly in favor of a tough deficit reduction plan. Interest rates have continued to fall longterm. That means that for the middle class who will pay something more each month, if they have any credit needs or demands, their increased energy costs will be more than offset by lower interest costs for mortgage, credit cards, this can be a wise investment for them and their country now. [ applause ] i would also point out what the American People<\/a> already know and that is because were a big vast country where if we drive long distances, we have maintained far lower burdens on energy than my other advan any other advanced country. Well still have lower burdens than any other advanced country and these will be spread pairly with real attempts to make sure that no cost is imposed on families with incomes of less than 30,000 and modest until you get into the higher income groups where the income taxes trigger in. Ill ask you all to consider this, whatever you think of the tax program, whatever you think of the spending cuts, consider the cost of not changing. Remember the numbers that you all know. If we just keep on doing what were doing, by the end of the decade, 650 billion a year deficit. And keep on doing what were doing and the end of the decade, 20 of the National Income<\/a> go to Health Care Every<\/a> year and twice as many of any country on the face of the globe. Keep on doing what were doing. Over 20 cents on the dollar has to go to service to debt. And unless we have the courage now to build our future and stop borrowing from it, were condemning ourselves to years of stagnation interrupted by occasional recessions. To slow growth and jobs, to no more growth than income and less and less we change unless we increase investment and reduce the debt to raise productivity so that we can generate both jobs and incomes, we will be condemning our children and our childrens children to a lesser life than we enjoyed. Once americans look forward to doubling their Living Standards<\/a> every 25 years, it will take 100 years to double Living Standards<\/a>. Until the grandchildrens grandchildren are born and i say thats too long to wait. [ applause ] tonight the American People<\/a> know we have to change but theyre also likely to ask me tomorrow and all of you for the weeks and months ahead whether we have the fortitude to make the changes happen in the right way. They know that as soon as i leave this chamber and you go home, various Interest Groups<\/a> will be out enforcing lobbyists against this or that piece of this plan and the torforces of conventional wisdom will offer a thousand reasons why we ought to do this and just cant do it. Our people will be watching and wondering not to see whether you disagree with me on a particular issue but just to see whether this is going to be business as usual or real new day. Whether were all going to conduct ourselves as if we know were working for them. We must scale the walls of the peoples skepticisms, not with our words, but with our deeds. [ applause ] after dwrid logridlock, hopeful beginnings and promising results, the American People<\/a> will be harsh in their judgments of all of us if we fail to seize this moment. This economic plan cant please everybody. If the package is picked apart, there will be something that angers each of us and wont please anybody but if its taken as a whole, it will help all of us. So i ask you all to begin by resisting the temptation to focus solely on a particular spending cut you dont like or some particular investment that wasnt made and thonobody likese tax increases but lets face facts. For 20 years through administrations of both parties, incomes have stalled and debt has exploded and productivity has not grown as it should, we cannot deny the reality of our condition. We have got to play the hand we were dealt and play it as best we can. [ applause ] my fellow americans, the test of this plan cannot be what is in it for me, it has got to be what is in it for us. If we work hard and we work together, if we rededicate ourselves to creating jobs, to rewarding work, strengthening our families, to reinventing our government, we can lift our countrys fortunes again. Tonight, i ask everyone in this chamber and every american to look simply into your own heart, to spark your own hopes, to fire your own imagination, so much good and excitement that if we act boldly and honestly as leaders should, our legacy will be one of prosperity and progress. This must be americas new direction. Let us summon the courage to seize it. Thank you. God bless america. President donald trump delivers an address to a joint session of congress on tuesday, february 28th. The first address by a new president is typically used to lay out policy and budget priorities. Cspans look back at the last five president s continues with george w. Bush speaking before joint session on february 27th, 2001. Members of congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct to present the president of the United States<\/a>. [ applause ] thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, its a great privilege to be here to outline a new budget and a new approach for governing our great country. I thank you for your invitation to speak here tonight. I know congress had to formally invite me and it could have been a close vote. So mr. Vice president , i appreciate you being here to break the tie. Thank you to so many of you who have accepted my invitation to come to the white house to discuss important issues. Were off to a good start. I will continue to meet with you and ask for your input. You have been kind and candid and i thank you for making a new president feel welcome. [ applause ] the last time i visited the capit capitol, i came to take an oath on the steps of this building. I pledged to honor our constitution and laws and i asked you to join me in setting a tone of civility and respect in washington. [ applause ] i hope america is noticing the difference because were making progress. Together, we are changing the tone in the Nations Capital<\/a> 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 but what were able to accomplish. America today is a nation with great challenges, but greater resources. An artist using statistics as a brush could paint two very different pictures of our country. One would have warning signs, increasing layoffs, Rising Energy<\/a> prices, too many failing schools, persistent poverty, the stubborn visages of racism. Another picture would be balanced budget, big surpluses, a military that is second to none, a country at peace with its neighbors, technology that is revolutionizing the world and our greatest strength, concerned citizens who care for our country and for each other. Neither picture is complete in and of itself and tonight, i challenge and invite congress to work with me to use the resources of one picture to repaint the other, to direct the advantages of our time to solve the problems of our people. Some of these resources will come from government. Some, but not all. Year after year in washington, budget debates seemed to come down to an old tired argument. On one side, those who want more government regardless of the cost and on the other, those who want Less Government<\/a> regardless of the need. We should leave those arguments to the last century and chart a different course. [ applause ] government has a role and an important role, yet too much government crowds out an issue of hard work, private charity and private economy. Our government should be active but limited, engaged but not overbearing and my budget is based on that philosophy. It is reasonable and it is responsible. It meets our obligations and funds our growing needs. We increase spending next year for Social Security<\/a> and medicare and other entitlement programs by 81 billion. Weve increased spending for discretionary programs by a very responsible 4 above the rate of inflation. My plan pays down an unprecedented National Debt<\/a> and when money is still left over, my plan returns it to the people who earned it in the first place. A budgets impact is counted in dollars but measured in lives. Excellent cools, Quality Health<\/a> care, a secure retirement, a cleaner environment, a stronger defense, these are all important needs and we fund them. The highest percentage increase in our budget should go to our childrens education. Education is not my top priorit. By supporting this budget, youll 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. V values are important. Triple funding for Character Education<\/a> to teach not only reading and writing but right from wrong. Weve increased funding to train and recruit teachers because we know a good education starts with a good teacher and i have a wonderful partner in this effort. I like teachers so much, i married one. We have increased our budget at a responsible 4 . We have funded our priorities. Weve paid down all the available debt. We have prepared for contingencies and we still have money left over. Yogi said once you come to a fork in the road, take it. Now we come to a fork in the road. We have two choices. Even though weve met our needs, we could spend the money on more or bigger government. Thats the road our nation has traveled in recent years. Last year, Government Spending<\/a> 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 the surplus and have to dip into Social Security<\/a> to pay other bills. Unrestrained Government Spending<\/a> is a dangerous road to deficits, so we must take a different path. The other choice is to let the American People<\/a> spend their own money to meet their own needs [ applause ] i hope youll join me in standing firmly on the side of the people. See the growing surplus exists because taxes are too high and government is charging more than it needs. The people of america have been overcharged and on their behalf, im here asking for a refund. [ applause ] some say my tax plan is too big. Others say its too small. I respectfully disagree. This plan is just right. The agenda ive set before you tonight is worthy of a great nation. America is a nation at peace, but not a nation at rest. Much has been given to us and much is expected. Let us agree to bridge old divides but also agree that our goodwill must be dead caugdicat great goals. Partisanship is not just minding manners but doing our duty. No one can speak. [ applause ] no one can speak in this capital and not be awed by its history. So many turning points, debates in these chambers reflected the collected or divided country. And when we see the men and women of marble, we are reminded of their courage and achievement yet americas purpose is never found only in statues or history but americas purpose always stands before us. Our generation must show courage in a type ime of blessing as ha been shown in a time of crisis and courage issue by issue can gather greatness and serve our country. This is the privilege and responsibility we share and if we work together, we can prove that Public Service<\/a> is noble. We all came here for a reason. We all have things we want to accomplish and promises to keep. Together we can. We can make americans roproud o their government. Together we can share in the promise of making our country more generous and just and learn from our conscience and fellow citizen iss the highest possibl praise, well 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 a barack obama, speaking before a joint session on february 24th, 2009. The speech happened after Congress Passed<\/a> an economic spl stimulus bill and includes a call for comprehensive Health Care Reform<\/a>. A reminder that you can watch live coverage of president Donald Trumps<\/a> address to a joint session of congress on tuesday, february 28th here on cspan. All right, please. Madam speaker. Congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct honor of renting to you the president of the United States<\/a>. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everybody. Thank you. Please, thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Madam speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, the first lady of the united stat states, here somewhere. I have come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this great chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women who sent us here. I know that for Many Americans<\/a> watching right now, the state of our economy is a concern that rises above all others. And rightly so. If you havent 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. Its the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights. Its the job you thought youd retire from but now have lost, the business you built your dreams upon thats now hanging by a thread. The College Acceptance<\/a> letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this recession is real and it is everywhere. But while our economy may be weakened, and our confidence shak shaken, we are living through difficulty and Uncertain Times<\/a> but i want evening american to know, we will rebuild, recover, and the United States<\/a> 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, in our fields and our factories. In the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest working people on earth. Those qualities that have made america the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history. We still possess in ample measure. What is required now is for this country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face and take responsibility for our future once more. [ applause ] now if were honest with ourselves, well admit that for too long we have not always met these responsibilities. As a government or as a people. I say not to lay blame or to look backwards but because it is only by understanding how we arrive at this moment that well be able to lift ourselves out of this predicament. The fact is, our economy did not fall into decline overnight. Nor did all of our rproblems begin when the Housing Market<\/a> collapsed or stock market sank, we have known for decades our survival depends on finding new sources of energy. Yet we import more oil today than ever before. The cost of health care eats up more and more of our savings each year, yet we keep delaying reform. Our children will compete for jobs in a global which i thecon too many schools do not prepare them for and still managed to spend more money and pile up for debt both as individuals and through our government, than ever before. In other words, we have lived through an era where too often, shortterm gains were prized over longterm prosperity. Where we failed to look beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election. The surplus became an excuse to transfer to the wealthy instead of an opportunity to invest in our future. Regulations were gutted for the sake of a quick profit for the expense of a healthy market. People bought homes they knew they couldnt afford from banks and lenders who pushed those bad loans anyway. And all the while, critical debates and difficult decisions were put off for some other time on some other day. Well, that day of reckoning has arrived and the time to take charge of our future is here. Now is the time to act boldly and wisely, to not only revive this economy but to build a new foundation for lasting property. Now is the time to jump start job creation and restart lending and invest in areas like energy and health care and education that will grow our economy even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down. That is what my economic agenda is designed to do and that is what id like to talk to you about tonight. Its an agenda that begins with jobs. As soon as i took office, i asked this congress to send me a Recovery Plan<\/a> by president s day that would put people back to work and put money in their pockets. Not because i believe in bigger government, because i dont. Im not mindful of the massive debt weve inherited. I am. The failure to do so would have cost more jobs and caused more hardship. In fact, a fiailure to act, by ensuring weak Economic Growth<\/a> four years and thats why i push for quick action and tonight, i am grateful 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, jobs rebuilding our roads and bridges, constructing Wind Turbines<\/a> and solar panels, laying broadband and expanding mass transit. Because of their plan, theres teachers who can now keep their jobs and educate our kids. Health care professionals can continue caring for our sick is. There are 57 Police Officers<\/a> still on the streets of minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs their department was about to make. Because of this plan, 95 of teams in america will receive a tax cut in your paycheck beginning on april 1st. Because of this plan, families who are struggling to pay tuition costs will receive a 25 2500 tax credit for all four years of college and americans who have lost their jobs in this recession will be able to receive extended Unemployment Benefits<\/a> and continued Health Care Coverage<\/a> to help them weather this storm. I know there are some in this chamber and watching at home who are skeptical of whether this plan will work and i understand that skepticism. Here in washington, weve all seen how quickly good intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending. With a plan of this scale comes enormous responsibility to get it right and thats why ive asked Vice President<\/a> biden to lead a tough unprecedented Oversight Effort<\/a> because nobody messes with joe. The Recovery Plan<\/a> and the Financial Stability<\/a> plan are the immediate steps to revive in the shortterm and the only way to fully restore economic strength is to make longterm investments to lead to new jobs, new industries and renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way this century will be another is is if we confront the price of the dependence on oil and high cost of health care, the schools that arent preparing our children and the mountain of debt they stand to inherit. That is our responsibility. And the next few days, i will submit a budget to congress. So often, weve come to view these documents as simply numbers on a page or a laundry list of programs. I see this document differently. I see it as a vision for america. As a blueprint for our future. My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what weve inherited. The trillion dollar deficit and a costly recession. Given these realities, everyone in this chamber, democrats and republicans will have to sacrifice some worthy 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. It says government has no role in laying the foundation of our common prosperity. For history tells a different story. History reminds us that every moment of economic upheaval and transformation, this nation responded with bold action and big ideas. In the midst of civil war, we laid Railroad Tracks<\/a> from one coast to another that spurred commerce and industry from the turmoil of the industry revolution came a system of public high schools that prepared our citizens for a new age. In the wake of war and depression. The gi bill sent to college and created the largest middle class in history. And a Twilight Struggle<\/a> for freedom led to a nation of highways, america on the moon and in an explosion of technology that still shapes our world. In each case, government didnt supplant private enterprise. It catalyzed private enterprise and created conditions for thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses to adapt and to thrive. We are a nation that has seen promise amid peril and claimed opportunity for more deal. And now we must be that nation again. That is why even as it cuts back on programs we dont need, the budget i submit will invest in the three areas that are absolutely critical to our economic future. Energy, health care, and education. This is america. We dont do whats easy. We do whats necessary to move this country forward. For that same reason, we must also address the crushing cost of health care. Theres a cost that mnow causesa wru bankruptcy in america every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1. 5 million americans to lose their homes. Premiums have grown four times faster than wages and in each of these years, 1 million more americans have lost their Health Insurance<\/a>. Its one of the major reasons Small Businesses<\/a> close their doors and corporations ship jobs overseas. And it is one of the largest and Fastest Growing<\/a> parts of our budget. Given these facts, we can no long eer afford to put health ce reform on hold. We cant afford to do it. Its time. [ applause ] already, weve done more to advance the cause of Health Care Reform<\/a> in the last 30 days than weve done in the last decade. When it was days old, this Congress Passed<\/a> a law to provide and protect Health Insurance<\/a> for 11 million American Children<\/a> whose parents work fulltime. [ applause ] our Recovery Plan<\/a> will invest in the Electronic Health<\/a> records, a new technology to reduce errors, sth ensure privacy and save lives. Conquer a disease thats touched the life of nearly every american by seeking a cure for cancer in our time and it makes the largest investment ever in Preventative Care<\/a> because thats one of the best ways to keep our people healthy and our costs under control. This budget builds on these reforms. It includes a historic commitment to comprehensive Health Care Reform<\/a>, a down payment on the principle that we must have Quality Affordable Health Care<\/a> for every american. Its a commitment thats paid for in part by tisht efficienci our system long overdue and a step we must take if we bring down our deficit in the years to come. There will be many different ideas and opinions how to achieve reform and thats why i bring together businesses and workers, doctors and health care providers, democrats and republicans to begin work on this issue next week. I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. Once again, it will be hard but i also know that theer lnearly century after Teddy Roosevelt<\/a> for reform, the cost for health care has weighed down our conscious long enough. Health care reform cannot wait and it will not wait another year. There is, of course, another responsibility we have to our children and thats the responsibility to ensure we do not pass on to them a debt they cannot pay. I agree. Absolutely. See i know we can get some consensus in here. With the deficit we inherited, the cost of the crisis we face and the longterm challenges we must meet, it 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. Im glad we passed a Recovery Plan<\/a> free of earmarks and i want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most Important National<\/a> priorities and yesterday, i held a fiscal summit where i pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and in effective programs. As you can imagine, this is a process that will take some time but we have already identified 2 trillion in savings over the next decade. In this budget. In this budget, we will end Education Programs<\/a> that dont work and direct payments to large agribusiness that dont need them. Well eliminate the no bid contracts that have wasted billions in iraq and reform our Defense Budgets<\/a> so that were not paying for cold war era Weapons Systems<\/a> we dont use. We will root out the waste and fraud and abuse in our Medicare Program<\/a> that doesnt make seniors healthier, restore a fairness and balance to tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. 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 absolutely clear because i know youll end up hearing some of the same claims rolling back these tax breaks means a massive tax increase on the American People<\/a>. If your family earns less than 250,000 a year, a quarter Million Dollars<\/a> a year, you will not see your taxes increase a single dime. I repeat, not one single dime. In fact, not a dime. In fact, the Recovery Plan<\/a> provides a tax cut. Thats right, a tax cut for 95 of working families and by the way, these checks are on the way. For longterm fiscal health, address the growing cost in medicare and Social Security<\/a>. Comprehensive Health Care Reform<\/a> is the best way to strengthen medicare for years to come. We must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security<\/a> while creating taxfree universal savings accounts for all americans. Finally, because were all suffering from a deficit of trust, im committed to restoring accountability to our budget and thats why this budget looks ahead ten years and accounts for spending left out under the old rules and for the first time, includes the full cost of fighting in iran and afghanistan. For seven years, weve been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price. And we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in all nations are once again upon us. Watching to see what we do with this moment, waiting for us to lead. Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege, one that has been entrusted to few generations of americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill. I know that its easy to lose sight of this truth, to become sin ka and doubtful, skuped with the petty and the trivial but ive learned hope is tound foun unlikely places but the dreams and aspirations of ordinary. I think of leonard avis, a Bank President<\/a> from miami, who reportedly cashed out of had his company, took a 60 million bonus, and gave it out to all 399 people who worked for him. Plus another 72 who used to work for him. He didnt tell anyone. But when the local newspaper found out, he simply said, i knew some of these people since i was 7 years old, it didnt feel right getting the money myself. I think about i think about i think about greensburg, kansas, a 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 laid. The tragedy was terrible, said one of the man who helped them rebuild, but the folks here know that it also provided an incredible opportunity. I think about tashay bethay, the young girl who i visited from dillon, south carolina, where the ceilings leak, the paint peels off the wall, and they have to stop teaching six times a day because the train barrels by their classroom. She was told her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the Public Library<\/a> and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The letter asks us for help. And says we are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself, and one day president , so we can make a change to not just the state of south carolina, but also the world. We are not quitters. Thats what she said. We are not quitters. These words these words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of the people who sent us here. They tell us that even in the most trying times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a resilience, a decency and a determination that perseveres. A willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity. Their resolve must be our inspiration. Their concerns must be our cause. And we must show them in all our people that we are equal to the task before us. I know look, i know that we havent agreed on every issue thus far. There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. But i also know that every american who is sitting here tonight loves this country. And wants it to succeed. I know that. That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months. And where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American People<\/a> 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 summon that enduring spirit of an america that does not quit, then some day 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<\/a> to be remembered. Thank you, god bless you, and may god bless the United States<\/a> of america. Watch cspan as President Donald Trump<\/a> delivers his first address to a joint session of congress. This congress is going to be the busiest congress we have had in decades. And following this speech, the democratic response, given by former Kentucky Governor<\/a> steve bashir, and your reaction to the president s speech along with comments from members of congress, live, tuesday, at 9 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan and cspan. Org. And listen live on the free cspan radio app. Now, House Democratic<\/a> leader nancy pelosi participates in a discussion on the possible impact of repealing the health care law. This is an hour and a half. So now it is time to officially open our day of action event in san francisco, california. As we gather here to save our health care, people are gathering all over the country and democratic districts, under the leadership of democratic members and republican districts with outside mobilization weighing in, a day of action to preserve our care. 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