 Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans: Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it and did her part to lift America's graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three decades. An entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to the more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the past 4 years. An autoworker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuel-efficient cars in the world and did his part to help America wean itself off foreign oil. A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest 5-year stretch of farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired, but dreaming big dreams for his son. And in tight-knit communities all across America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end. Tonight this Chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our Union strong. And here are the results of your efforts: the lowest unemployment rate in over 5 years; a rebounding housing market; a manufacturing sector that's adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s; more oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world, the first time that's happened in nearly 20 years; our deficits cut by more than half. And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the world's number-one place to invest, America is. That's why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After 5 years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth. The question for everyone in this Chamber, running through every decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the Federal Government. It's an important debate, one that dates back to our very founding. But when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy—when our differences shut down Government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States—then we are not doing right by the American people. Now, as President, I'm committed to making Washington work better and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. And I believe most of you are too. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans, Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of last year's severe cuts to priorities like education. Nobody got everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this country's future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way, but the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs, not creating new crises. And in the coming months, let's see where else we can make progress together. Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans want: for all of us in this Chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this Nation—regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor—is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all: the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead in America. Now, let's face it, that belief has suffered some serious blows. Over more than three decades, even before the great recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on. Today, after 4 years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone to get ahead. And too many still aren't working at all. So our job is to reverse these trends. It won't happen right away, and we won't agree on everything. But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some require congressional action, and I am eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do. As usual, our First Lady sets a good example. [ ] Well—[ ]. Michelle's "Let's Move!" partnership with schools, businesses, local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates for the first time in 30 years. And that's an achievement that will improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come. The Joining Forces alliance that Michelle and Jill Biden launched has already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans and military spouses. Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a College Opportunity Summit, where already, 150 universities, businesses, nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher education and to help every hard-working kid go to college and succeed when they get to campus. And across the country, we're partnering with mayors, Governors, and State legislatures on issues from homelessness to marriage equality. The point is, there are millions of Americans outside of Washington who are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country forward. They believe—and I believe—that here in America, our success should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams. That's what drew our forebears here. That's how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America's largest automaker; how the son of a barkeep is Speaker of the House; how the son of a single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth. Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our generation must be to restore that promise. We know where to start: The best measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this year. And over half of big manufacturers say they're thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad. So let's make that decision easier for more companies. Both Democrats and Republicans have argued that our Tax Code is riddled with wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward companies that keep profits abroad. Let's flip that equation. Let's work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home. Moreover, we can take the money we save from this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, unclogging our commutes, because in today's global economy, first-class jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure. We'll need Congress to protect more than 3 million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills this summer. That can happen. But I'll act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible. We also have the chance, right now, to beat other countries in the race for the next wave of high-tech manufacturing jobs. My administration has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio, where we've connected businesses to research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced technologies. Tonight I'm announcing, we'll launch six more this year. Bipartisan bills in both Houses could double the number of these hubs and the jobs they create. So get those bills to my desk. Put more Americans back to work. Let's do more to help the entrepreneurs and small-business owners who create most new jobs in America. Over the past 5 years, my administration has made more loans to small-business owners than any other. And when 98 percent of our exporters are small businesses, new trade partnerships with Europe and Asia—the Asia-Pacific will help them create more jobs. We need to work together on tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped "Made in the U.S.A." Listen, China and Europe aren't standing on the sidelines, and neither should we. We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow. This is an edge America cannot surrender. Federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and inventions behind Google and smartphones. And that's why Congress should undo the damage done by last year's cuts to basic research so we can unleash the next great American discovery. There are entire industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of drug-resistant bacteria or paper-thin material that's stronger than steel. And let's pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation. Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to American energy. The all-of-the-above energy strategy I announced a few years ago is working, and today, America is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades. One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it's the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost $100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. I'll cut redtape to help States get those factories built and put folks to work, and this Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural gas. Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, our communities. And while we're at it, I'll use my authority to protect more of our pristine Federal lands for future generations. Well, it's not just oil and natural gas production that's booming, we're becoming a global leader in solar too. Every 4 minutes, another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job cannot be outsourced. Let's continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that don't need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do. And even as we've increased energy production, we've partnered with businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months, I'll build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump. And taken together, our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet. Over the past 8 years, the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. But we have to act with more urgency, because a changing climate is already harming Western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods. That's why I directed my administration to work with States, utilities, and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air. The shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say, yes, we did. Finally, if we're serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, law enforcement and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have acted, and I know that members of both parties in the House want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. And for good reason: When people come here to fulfill their dreams—to study, invent, contribute to our culture—they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody. So let's get immigration reform done this year. [ ] Let's get it done. It's time. The ideas I've outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs. But in this rapidly changing economy, we have to make sure that every American has the skills to fill those jobs. The good news is, we know how to do it. Two years ago, as the auto industry came roaring back, Andra Rush opened up a manufacturing firm in Detroit. She knew that Ford needed parts for the best selling truck in America, and she knew how to make those parts. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we call an American Job Center, places where folks can walk in to get the help or training they need to find a new job or a better job. She was flooded with new workers. And today, Detroit Manufacturing Systems has more than 700 employees. And what Andra and her employees experienced is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker. So tonight I've asked Vice President Biden to lead an across-the-board reform of America's training programs to make sure they have one mission: train Americans with the skills employers need and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more on-the-job training and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to community colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs. And if Congress wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven programs that connect more ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs. I'm also convinced we can help Americans return to the workforce faster by reforming unemployment insurance so that it's more effective in today's economy. But first, this Congress needs to restore the unemployment insurance you just let expire for 1.6 million people. Let me tell you why. Misty DeMars is a mother of two young boys. She'd been steadily employed since she was a teenager, put herself through college. She'd never collected unemployment benefits, but she'd been paying taxes. In May, she and her husband used their life savings to buy their first home. A week later, budget cuts claimed the job she loved. Last month, when their unemployment insurance was cut off, she sat down and wrote me a letter, the kind I get every day. "We are the face of the unemployment crisis," she wrote. "I'm not dependent on the government. Our country depends on people like us who build careers, contribute to society, care about our neighbors. I'm confident that in time, I will find a job, I will pay my taxes, and we will raise our children in their own home in the community we love. Please give us this chance." Congress, give these hard-working, responsible Americans that chance. Give them that chance. [ ] Give them the chance. They need our help right now. But more important, this country needs them in the game. That's why I've been asking CEOs to give more long-term unemployed workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. And in fact, this week, many will come to the White House to make that commitment real. Tonight I ask every business leader in America to join us and to do the same, because we are stronger when America fields a full team. Of course, it's not enough to train today's workforce. We also have to prepare tomorrow's workforce, by guaranteeing every child access to a world-class education. Estiven Rodriguez couldn't speak a word of English when he moved to New York City at age 9. But last month, thanks to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he led a march of his classmates through a crowd of cheering parents and neighbors from their high school to the post office, where they mailed off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just found out, he's going to college this fall. Five years ago, we set out to change the odds for all our kids. We worked with lenders to reform student loans, and today, more young people are earning college degrees than ever before. Race to the Top, with the help of Governors from both parties, has helped States raise expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from Tennessee to Washington, DC, are making big strides in preparing students with the skills for the new economy: problem solving, critical thinking, science, technology, engineering, math. Now, some of this change is hard. It requires everything from more challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support for teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think, not how well they can fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it, and it is working. The problem is, we're still not reaching enough kids, and we're not reaching them in time. And that has to change. Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child's life is high-quality early education. Last year, I asked this Congress to help States make high-quality pre-K available to every 4-year-old. And as a parent as well as a President, I repeat that request tonight. But in the meantime, 30 States have raised pre-K funding on their own. They know we can't wait. So just as we worked with States to reform our schools, this year, we'll invest in new partnerships with States and communities across the country in a Race to the Top for our youngest children. And as Congress decides what it's going to do, I'm going to pull together a coalition of elected officials, business leaders, and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the high-quality pre-K that they need. It is right for America. We need to get this done. Last year, I also pledged to connect 99 percent of our students to high-speed broadband over the next 4 years. Tonight I can announce that with the support of the FCC and companies like Apple, Microsoft, Sprint, and Verizon, we've got a down payment to start connecting more than 15,000 schools and 20 million students over the next 2 years, without adding a dime to the deficit. We're working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges and employers that offer the real-world education and hands-on training that can lead directly to a job and career. We're shaking up our system of higher education to give parents more information and colleges more incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced out of a college education. We're offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by student loan debt. And I'm reaching out to some of America's leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their full potential. The bottom line is, Michelle and I want every child to have the same chance this country gave us. But we know our opportunity agenda won't be complete, and too many young people entering the workforce today will see the American Dream as an empty promise, unless we also do more to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work and hard work pays off for every single American. Today, women make up about half our workforce, but they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it's an embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship. And you know what, a father does too. It is time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a "Mad Men" episode. [ ] This year, let's all come together—Congress, the White House, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street—to give every woman the opportunity she deserves. Because I believe when women succeed, America succeeds. Now, women hold a majority of lower wage jobs, but they're not the only ones stifled by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people will earn more money than others, and we don't resent those who, by virtue of their efforts, achieve incredible success. That's what America is all about. But Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works full-time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. In the year since I asked this Congress to raise the minimum wage, five States have passed laws to raise theirs. Many businesses have done it on their own. Nick Chute is here today with his boss, John Soranno. John's an owner of Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, and Nick helps make the dough. [ ] Only now he makes more of it. [ ] John just gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour, and that's a decision that has eased their financial stress and boosted their morale. Tonight I ask more of America's business leaders to follow John's lead: Do what you can to raise your employees' wages. It's good for the economy. It's good for America. To every mayor, Governor, State legislator in America, I say: You don't have to wait for Congress to act; Americans will support you if you take this on. And as a chief executive, I intend to lead by example. Profitable corporations like Costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost productivity and reduce turnover. We should too. In the coming weeks, I will issue an Executive order requiring Federal contractors to pay their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10 dollars and 10 cents an hour. Because if you cook our troops' meals or wash their dishes, you should not have to live in poverty. Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board. Today, the Federal minimum wage is worth about 20 percent less than it was when Ronald Reagan first stood here. And Tom Harkin and George Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10 dollars and 10 cents. It's easy to remember: 10-10. This will help families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend. It does not involve any new bureaucratic program. So join the rest of the country. Say yes. Give America a raise. Give them a raise. There are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet, and few are more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull themselves up through hard work than the earned-income tax credit. Right now it helps about half of all parents at some point. Think about that: It helps about half of all parents in America at some point in their lives. But I agree with Republicans like Senator Rubio that it doesn't do enough for single workers who don't have kids. So let's work together to strengthen the credit, reward work, help more Americans get ahead. Let's do more to help Americans save for retirement. Today, most workers don't have a pension. A Social Security check often isn't enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the last 5 years, that doesn't help folks who don't have 401(k)s. That's why, tomorrow, I will direct the Treasury to create a new way for working Americans to start their own retirement savings: MyI—MyRA. It's a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg. MyRA guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in. And if this Congress wants to help, work with me to fix an upside-down Tax Code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save, but does little or nothing for middle class Americans. Offer every American access to an automatic IRA on the job so they can save at work just like everybody in this Chamber can. And since the most important investment many families make is their home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of homeownership alive for future generations. One last point on financial security: For decades, few things exposed hard-working families to economic hardship more than a broken health care system. And in case you haven't heard, we're in the process of fixing that. Now, a preexisting condition used to mean that someone like Amanda Shelley, a physician's assistant and single mom from Arizona, couldn't get health insurance. But on January 1, she got covered. On January 3, she felt a sharp pain. On January 6, she had emergency surgery. Just one week earlier, Amanda said, and that surgery would have meant bankruptcy. That's what health insurance reform is all about: the peace of mind that if misfortune strikes, you don't have to lose everything. Already, because of the Affordable Care Act, more than 3 million Americans under age 26 have gained coverage under their parent's plan. More than 9 million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or Medicaid coverage. Nine million. And here's another number: zero. Because of this law, no American—none, zero—can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma or back pain or cancer. No woman can ever be charged more just because she's a woman. And we did all this while adding years to Medicare's finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors. Now, I do not expect to convince my Republican friends on the merits of this law. [ ] But I know that the American people are not interested in refighting old battles. So again, if you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell America what you'd do differently. Let's see if the numbers add up. But let's not have another 40-something votes to repeal a law that's already helping millions of Americans like Amanda. The first 40 were plenty. [ ] We all owe it to the American people to say what we're for, not just what we're against. And if you want to know the real impact this law is having, just talk to Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky, who's here tonight. Now, Kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country. That's not where I got my highest vote totals. [ ] But he's like a man possessed when it comes to covering his Commonwealth's families. They're our neighbors and our friends, he said: "They're people we shop and go to church with, farmers out on the tractor, grocery clerks. They're people who go to work every morning praying they don't get sick. No one deserves to live that way." Steve's right. That's why tonight I ask every American who knows someone without health insurance to help them get covered by March 31. [ ] Help them get covered. Moms, get on your kids to sign up. Kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will give her some peace of mind, and plus, she'll appreciate hearing from you. [ ] After all, that's the spirit that has always moved this Nation forward. It's the spirit of citizenship, the recognition that through hard work and responsibility, we can pursue our individual dreams, but still come together as one American family to make sure the next generation can pursue its dreams as well. Citizenship means standing up for everyone's right to vote. Last year, part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened, but conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it. And the bipartisan Commission I appointed, chaired by my campaign lawyer and Governor Romney's campaign lawyer, came together and have offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to vote. Let's support these efforts. It should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank accounts, that drives our democracy. Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day. I've seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, police officers all over this country who say, "We are not afraid." And I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, in our shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook. Citizenship demands a sense of common purpose, participation in the hard work of self-government, an obligation to serve our communities. And I know this Chamber agrees that few Americans give more to their country than our diplomats and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you. Tonight, because of the extraordinary troops and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free, the United States is more secure. When I took office, nearly 180,000 Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, all our troops are out of Iraq. More than 60,000 of our troops have already come home from Afghanistan. With Afghan forces now in the lead for their own security, our troops have moved to a support role. Together with our allies, we will complete our mission there by the end of this year, and America's longest war will finally be over. After 2014, we will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan Government signs a security agreement that we have negotiated, a small force of Americans could remain in Afghanistan with NATO allies to carry out two narrow missions: training and assisting Afghan forces and counterterrorism operations to pursue any remnants of Al Qaida. For while our relationship with Afghanistan will change, one thing will not: our resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. The fact is, that danger remains. While we've put Al Qaida's core leadership on a path to defeat, the threat has evolved as Al Qaida affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the world. In Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Mali, we have to keep working with partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In Syria, we'll support the opposition that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks. Here at home, we'll keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like cyber attacks. And as we reform our defense budget, we will have to keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the capabilities they need to succeed in future missions. We have to remain vigilant. But I strongly believe our leadership and our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. As Commander in Chief, I have used force when needed to protect the American people, and I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold this office. But I will not send our troops into harm's way unless it is truly necessary, nor will I allow our sons and daughters to be mired in open-ended conflicts. We must fight the battles that need to be fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us: large-scale deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism. So even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners, America must move off a permanent war footing. That's why I've imposed prudent limits on the use of drones. For we will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence. That's why, working with this Congress, I will reform our surveillance programs, because the vital work of our intelligence community depends on public confidence, here and abroad, that privacy of ordinary people is not being violated. And with the Afghan war ending, this needs to be the year Congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Because we counter terrorism not just through intelligence and military actions, but by remaining true to our constitutional ideals and setting an example for the rest of the world. You see, in a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership, depends on all elements of our power, including strong and principled diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles. American diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria's chemical weapons are being eliminated. And we will continue to work with the international community to usher in the future the Syrian people deserve, a future free of dictatorship, terror, and fear. As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there, to achieve dignity and an independent state for Palestinians and lasting peace and security for the State of Israel, a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side. And it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the progress of Iran's nuclear program and rolled back parts of that program for the very first time in a decade. As we gather here tonight, Iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched uranium. It's not installing advanced centrifuges. Unprecedented inspections help the world verify every day that Iran is not building a bomb. And with our allies and partners, we're engaged in negotiations to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. These negotiations will be difficult. They may not succeed. We are clear eyed about Iran's support for terrorist organizations like Hizballah, which threatens our allies. And we're clear about the mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away. But these negotiations don't rely on trust. Any long-term deal we agree to must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the international community that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb. If John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate with the Soviet Union, then surely a strong and confident America can negotiate with less powerful adversaries today. The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible. But let me be clear: If this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it. For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed. If Iran's leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon. But if Iran's leaders do seize the chance—and we'll know soon enough—then Iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of nations, and we will have resolved one of the leading security challenges of our time without the risks of war. Now, finally, let's remember that our leadership is defined not just by our defense against threats, but by the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe: to forge greater cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those opportunities than America. Our alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. From Tunisia to Burma, we're supporting those who are willing to do the hard work of building democracy. In Ukraine, we stand for the principle that all people have the right to express themselves freely and peacefully and to have a say in their country's future. Across Africa, we're bringing together businesses and governments to double access to electricity and help end extreme poverty. In the Americas, we're building new ties of commerce, but we're also expanding cultural and educational exchanges among young people. And we will continue to focus on the Asia-Pacific, where we support our allies, shape a future of greater security and prosperity, and extend a hand to those devastated by disaster, as we did in the Philippines, when our Marines and civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon, and who were greeted with words like, "We will never forget your kindness" and "God bless America." We do these things because they help promote our long-term security, and we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual orientation. And next week, the world will see one expression of that commitment, when Team U.S.A. marches the red, white, and blue into the Olympic Stadium and brings home the gold. [ ]  U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!  My fellow Americans, no other country in the world does what we do. On every issue, the world turns to us, not simply because of the size of our economy or our military might, but because of the ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them. No one knows this better than those who serve in uniform. As this time of war draws to a close, a new generation of heroes returns to civilian life. We'll keep slashing that backlog so our veterans receive the benefits they've earned and our wounded warriors receive the health care—including the mental health care—that they need. We'll keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and leadership into jobs here at home. And we will all continue to join forces to honor and support our remarkable military families. Let me tell you about one of those families I've come to know. I first met Cory Remsburg, a proud Army Ranger, at Omaha Beach on the 65th anniversary of D-day. Along with some of his fellow Rangers, he walked me through the program and the ceremony. He was a strong, impressive young man, had an easy manner, he was sharp as a tack. And we joked around and took pictures, and I told him to stay in touch. A few months later, on his 10th deployment, Cory was nearly killed by a massive roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His comrades found him in a canal, face down, underwater, shrapnel in his brain. For months, he lay in a coma. And the next time I met him, in the hospital, he couldn't speak, could barely move. Over the years, he's endured dozens of surgeries and procedures, hours of grueling rehab every day. Even now, Cory is still blind in one eye, still struggles on his left side. But slowly, steadily, with the support of caregivers like his dad Craig and the community around him, Cory has grown stronger. And day by day, he's learned to speak again and stand again and walk again. And he's working toward the day when he can serve his country again. "My recovery has not been easy," he says. "Nothing in life that's worth anything is easy." Cory is here tonight. And like the Army he loves, like the America he serves, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg never gives up, and he does not quit. Cory. My fellow Americans, men and women like Cory remind us that America has never come easy. Our freedom, our democracy, has never been easy. Sometimes, we stumble, we make mistakes; we get frustrated or discouraged. But for more than 200 years, we have put those things aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress: to create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement, to free other nations from tyranny and fear, to promote justice and fairness and equality under the law so that the words set to paper by our Founders are made real for every citizen. The America we want for our kids—a rising America where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong, where prosperity is widely shared and opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and toil will take us—none of it is easy. But if we work together—if we summon what is best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him—with our feet planted firmly in today, but our eyes cast toward tomorrow, I know it is within our reach. Believe it. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans: Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it and did her part to lift America's graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three decades. An entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to the more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the past 4 years. An autoworker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuel-efficient cars in the world and did his part to help America wean itself off foreign oil. A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest 5-year stretch of farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired, but dreaming big dreams for his son. And in tight-knit communities all across America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end. Tonight this Chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our Union strong. And here are the results of your efforts: the lowest unemployment rate in over 5 years; a rebounding housing market; a manufacturing sector that is adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s; more oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world, the first time that is happened in nearly 20 years; our deficits cut by more than half. And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the world's number-one place to invest, America is. That is why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After 5 years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth. The question for everyone in this Chamber, running through every decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the Federal Government. It is an important debate, one that dates back to our very founding. But when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy—when our differences shut down Government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States—then we are not doing right by the American people. Now, as President, I am committed to making Washington work better and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. And I believe most of you are too. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans, Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of last year's severe cuts to priorities like education. Nobody got everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this country's future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way, but the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs, not creating new crises. And in the coming months, let us see where else we can make progress together. Let us make this a year of action. That is what most Americans want: for all of us in this Chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this Nation—regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor—is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all: the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead in America. Now, let us face it, that belief has suffered some serious blows. Over more than three decades, even before the great recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on. Today, after 4 years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone to get ahead. And too many still are not working at all. So our job is to reverse these trends. It will not happen right away, and we will not agree on everything. But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some require congressional action, and I am eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that is what I am going to do. As usual, our First Lady sets a good example. [ ] Well—[ ]. Michelle's "Let us Move!" partnership with schools, businesses, local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates for the first time in 30 years. And that is an achievement that will improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come. The Joining Forces alliance that Michelle and Jill Biden launched has already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans and military spouses. Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a College Opportunity Summit, where already, 150 universities, businesses, nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher education and to help every hard-working kid go to college and succeed when they get to campus. And across the country, we are partnering with mayors, Governors, and State legislatures on issues from homelessness to marriage equality. The point is, there are millions of Americans outside of Washington who are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country forward. They believe—and I believe—that here in America, our success should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams. That is what drew our forebears here. That is how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America's largest automaker; how the son of a barkeep is Speaker of the House; how the son of a single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth. Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our generation must be to restore that promise. We know where to start: The best measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this year. And over half of big manufacturers say they are thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad. So let us make that decision easier for more companies. Both Democrats and Republicans have argued that our Tax Code is riddled with wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward companies that keep profits abroad. Let us flip that equation. Let us work together to close those loopholes, end those incentives to ship jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home. Moreover, we can take the money we save from this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, unclogging our commutes, because in today's global economy, first-class jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure. We will need Congress to protect more than 3 million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills this summer. That can happen. But I will act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible. We also have the chance, right now, to beat other countries in the race for the next wave of high-tech manufacturing jobs. My administration has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio, where we have connected businesses to research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced technologies. Tonight I am announcing, we will launch six more this year. Bipartisan bills in both Houses could double the number of these hubs and the jobs they create. So get those bills to my desk. Put more Americans back to work. Let us do more to help the entrepreneurs and small-business owners who create most new jobs in America. Over the past 5 years, my administration has made more loans to small-business owners than any other. And when 98 percent of our exporters are small businesses, new trade partnerships with Europe and Asia—the Asia-Pacific will help them create more jobs. We need to work together on tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped "Made in the YOU.S.A." Listen, China and Europe are not standing on the sidelines, and neither should we. We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow. This is an edge America cannot surrender. Federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and inventions behind Google and smartphones. And that is why Congress should undo the damage done by last year's cuts to basic research so we can unleash the next great American discovery. There are entire industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of drug-resistant bacteria or paper-thin material that is stronger than steel. And let us pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation. Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to American energy. The all-of-the-above energy strategy I announced a few years ago is working, and today, America is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades. One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it is the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost $100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. I will cut redtape to help States get those factories built and put folks to work, and this Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural gas. Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, our communities. And while we are at it, I will use my authority to protect more of our pristine Federal lands for future generations. Well, it is not just oil and natural gas production that is booming, we are becoming a global leader in solar too. Every 4 minutes, another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job cannot be outsourced. Let us continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that do not need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do. And even as we have increased energy production, we have partnered with businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months, I will build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump. And taken together, our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet. Over the past 8 years, the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. But we have to act with more urgency, because a changing climate is already harming Western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods. That is why I directed my administration to work with States, utilities, and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air. The shift to a cleaner energy economy will not happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say, yes, we did. Finally, if we are serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, law enforcement and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have acted, and I know that members of both parties in the House want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. And for good reason: When people come here to fulfill their dreams—to study, invent, contribute to our culture—they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody. So let us get immigration reform done this year. [ ] Let us get it done. It is time. The ideas I have outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs. But in this rapidly changing economy, we have to make sure that every American has the skills to fill those jobs. The good news is, we know how to do it. Two years ago, as the auto industry came roaring back, Andra Rush opened up a manufacturing firm in Detroit. She knew that Ford needed parts for the best selling truck in America, and she knew how to make those parts. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we call an American Job Center, places where folks can walk in to get the help or training they need to find a new job or a better job. She was flooded with new workers. And today, Detroit Manufacturing Systems has more than 700 employees. And what Andra and her employees experienced is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker. So tonight I have asked Vice President Biden to lead an across-the-board reform of America's training programs to make sure they have one mission: train Americans with the skills employers need and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more on-the-job training and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to community colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs. And if Congress wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven programs that connect more ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs. I am also convinced we can help Americans return to the workforce faster by reforming unemployment insurance so that it is more effective in today's economy. But first, this Congress needs to restore the unemployment insurance you just let expire for 1.6 million people. Let me tell you why. Misty DeMars is a mother of two young boys. She would been steadily employed since she was a teenager, put herself through college. She would never collected unemployment benefits, but she would been paying taxes. In May, she and her husband used their life savings to buy their first home. A week later, budget cuts claimed the job she loved. Last month, when their unemployment insurance was cut off, she sat down and wrote me a letter, the kind I get every day. "We are the face of the unemployment crisis," she wrote. "I am not dependent on the government. Our country depends on people like us who build careers, contribute to society, care about our neighbors. I am confident that in time, I will find a job, I will pay my taxes, and we will raise our children in their own home in the community we love. Please give us this chance." Congress, give these hard-working, responsible Americans that chance. Give them that chance. [ ] Give them the chance. They need our help right now. But more important, this country needs them in the game. That is why I have been asking CEOs to give more long-term unemployed workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. And in fact, this week, many will come to the White House to make that commitment real. Tonight I ask every business leader in America to join us and to do the same, because we are stronger when America fields a full team. Of course, it is not enough to train today's workforce. We also have to prepare tomorrow's workforce, by guaranteeing every child access to a world-class education. Estiven Rodriguez could not speak a word of English when he moved to New York City at age 9. But last month, thanks to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he led a march of his classmates through a crowd of cheering parents and neighbors from their high school to the post office, where they mailed off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just found out, he is going to college this fall. Five years ago, we set out to change the odds for all our kids. We worked with lenders to reform student loans, and today, more young people are earning college degrees than ever before. Race to the Top, with the help of Governors from both parties, has helped States raise expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from Tennessee to Washington, DC, are making big strides in preparing students with the skills for the new economy: problem solving, critical thinking, science, technology, engineering, math. Now, some of this change is hard. It requires everything from more challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support for teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think, not how well they can fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it, and it is working. The problem is, we are still not reaching enough kids, and we are not reaching them in time. And that has to change. Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child's life is high-quality early education. Last year, I asked this Congress to help States make high-quality pre-K available to every 4-year-old. And as a parent as well as a President, I repeat that request tonight. But in the meantime, 30 States have raised pre-K funding on their own. They know we cannot wait. So just as we worked with States to reform our schools, this year, we will invest in new partnerships with States and communities across the country in a Race to the Top for our youngest children. And as Congress decides what it is going to do, I am going to pull together a coalition of elected officials, business leaders, and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the high-quality pre-K that they need. It is right for America. We need to get this done. Last year, I also pledged to connect 99 percent of our students to high-speed broadband over the next 4 years. Tonight I can announce that with the support of the FCC and companies like Apple, Microsoft, Sprint, and Verizon, we have got a down payment to start connecting more than 15,000 schools and 20 million students over the next 2 years, without adding a dime to the deficit. We are working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges and employers that offer the real-world education and hands-on training that can lead directly to a job and career. We are shaking up our system of higher education to give parents more information and colleges more incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced out of a college education. We are offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by student loan debt. And I am reaching out to some of America's leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their full potential. The bottom line is, Michelle and I want every child to have the same chance this country gave us. But we know our opportunity agenda will not be complete, and too many young people entering the workforce today will see the American Dream as an empty promise, unless we also do more to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work and hard work pays off for every single American. Today, women make up about half our workforce, but they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it is an embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship. And you know what, a father does too. It is time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a "Mad Men" episode. [ ] This year, let us all come together—Congress, the White House, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street—to give every woman the opportunity she deserves. Because I believe when women succeed, America succeeds. Now, women hold a majority of lower wage jobs, but they are not the only ones stifled by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people will earn more money than others, and we do not resent those who, by virtue of their efforts, achieve incredible success. That is what America is all about. But Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works full-time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. In the year since I asked this Congress to raise the minimum wage, five States have passed laws to raise theirs. Many businesses have done it on their own. Nick Chute is here today with his boss, John Soranno. John's an owner of Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, and Nick helps make the dough. [ ] Only now he makes more of it. [ ] John just gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour, and that is a decision that has eased their financial stress and boosted their morale. Tonight I ask more of America's business leaders to follow John's lead: Do what you can to raise your employees' wages. It is good for the economy. It is good for America. To every mayor, Governor, State legislator in America, I say: You do not have to wait for Congress to act; Americans will support you if you take this on. And as a chief executive, I intend to lead by example. Profitable corporations like Costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost productivity and reduce turnover. We should too. In the coming weeks, I will issue an Executive order requiring Federal contractors to pay their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10 dollars and 10 cents an hour. Because if you cook our troops' meals or wash their dishes, you should not have to live in poverty. Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board. Today, the Federal minimum wage is worth about 20 percent less than it was when Ronald Reagan first stood here. And Tom Harkin and George Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10 dollars and 10 cents. It is easy to remember: 10-10. This will help families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend. It does not involve any new bureaucratic program. So join the rest of the country. Say yes. Give America a raise. Give them a raise. There are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet, and few are more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull themselves up through hard work than the earned-income tax credit. Right now it helps about half of all parents at some point. Think about that: It helps about half of all parents in America at some point in their lives. But I agree with Republicans like Senator Rubio that it does not do enough for single workers who do not have kids. So let us work together to strengthen the credit, reward work, help more Americans get ahead. Let us do more to help Americans save for retirement. Today, most workers do not have a pension. A Social Security check often is not enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the last 5 years, that does not help folks who do not have 401(k)s. That is why, tomorrow, I will direct the Treasury to create a new way for working Americans to start their own retirement savings: MyI—MyRA. It is a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg. MyRA guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in. And if this Congress wants to help, work with me to fix an upside-down Tax Code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save, but does little or nothing for middle class Americans. Offer every American access to an automatic IRA on the job so they can save at work just like everybody in this Chamber can. And since the most important investment many families make is their home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of homeownership alive for future generations. One last point on financial security: For decades, few things exposed hard-working families to economic hardship more than a broken health care system. And in case you have not heard, we are in the process of fixing that. Now, a preexisting condition used to mean that someone like Amanda Shelley, a physician's assistant and single mom from Arizona, could not get health insurance. But on January 1, she got covered. On January 3, she felt a sharp pain. On January 6, she had emergency surgery. Just one week earlier, Amanda said, and that surgery would have meant bankruptcy. That is what health insurance reform is all about: the peace of mind that if misfortune strikes, you do not have to lose everything. Already, because of the Affordable Care Act, more than 3 million Americans under age 26 have gained coverage under their parent's plan. More than 9 million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or Medicaid coverage. Nine million. And here is another number: zero. Because of this law, no American—none, zero—can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma or back pain or cancer. No woman can ever be charged more just because she is a woman. And we did all this while adding years to Medicare's finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors. Now, I do not expect to convince my Republican friends on the merits of this law. [ ] But I know that the American people are not interested in refighting old battles. So again, if you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell America what you would do differently. Let us see if the numbers add up. But let us not have another 40-something votes to repeal a law that is already helping millions of Americans like Amanda. The first 40 were plenty. [ ] We all owe it to the American people to say what we are for, not just what we are against. And if you want to know the real impact this law is having, just talk to Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky, who is here tonight. Now, Kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country. That is not where I got my highest vote totals. [ ] But he is like a man possessed when it comes to covering his Commonwealth's families. They are our neighbors and our friends, he said: "They are people we shop and go to church with, farmers out on the tractor, grocery clerks. They are people who go to work every morning praying they do not get sick. No one deserves to live that way." Steve's right. That is why tonight I ask every American who knows someone without health insurance to help them get covered by March 31. [ ] Help them get covered. Moms, get on your kids to sign up. Kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will give her some peace of mind, and plus, she will appreciate hearing from you. [ ] After all, that is the spirit that has always moved this Nation forward. It is the spirit of citizenship, the recognition that through hard work and responsibility, we can pursue our individual dreams, but still come together as one American family to make sure the next generation can pursue its dreams as well. Citizenship means standing up for everyone is right to vote. Last year, part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened, but conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it. And the bipartisan Commission I appointed, chaired by my campaign lawyer and Governor Romney's campaign lawyer, came together and have offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to vote. Let us support these efforts. It should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank accounts, that drives our democracy. Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day. I have seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, police officers all over this country who say, "We are not afraid." And I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, in our shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook. Citizenship demands a sense of common purpose, participation in the hard work of self-government, an obligation to serve our communities. And I know this Chamber agrees that few Americans give more to their country than our diplomats and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you. Tonight, because of the extraordinary troops and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free, the United States is more secure. When I took office, nearly 180,000 Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, all our troops are out of Iraq. More than 60,000 of our troops have already come home from Afghanistan. With Afghan forces now in the lead for their own security, our troops have moved to a support role. Together with our allies, we will complete our mission there by the end of this year, and America's longest war will finally be over. After 2014, we will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan Government signs a security agreement that we have negotiated, a small force of Americans could remain in Afghanistan with NATO allies to carry out two narrow missions: training and assisting Afghan forces and counterterrorism operations to pursue any remnants of Al Qaida. For while our relationship with Afghanistan will change, one thing will not: our resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. The fact is, that danger remains. While we have put Al Qaida's core leadership on a path to defeat, the threat has evolved as Al Qaida affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the world. In Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Mali, we have to keep working with partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In Syria, we will support the opposition that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks. Here at home, we will keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like cyber attacks. And as we reform our defense budget, we will have to keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the capabilities they need to succeed in future missions. We have to remain vigilant. But I strongly believe our leadership and our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. As Commander in Chief, I have used force when needed to protect the American people, and I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold this office. But I will not send our troops into harm's way unless it is truly necessary, nor will I allow our sons and daughters to be mired in open-ended conflicts. We must fight the battles that need to be fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us: large-scale deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism. So even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners, America must move off a permanent war footing. That is why I have imposed prudent limits on the use of drones. For we will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence. That is why, working with this Congress, I will reform our surveillance programs, because the vital work of our intelligence community depends on public confidence, here and abroad, that privacy of ordinary people is not being violated. And with the Afghan war ending, this needs to be the year Congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Because we counter terrorism not just through intelligence and military actions, but by remaining true to our constitutional ideals and setting an example for the rest of the world. You see, in a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership, depends on all elements of our power, including strong and principled diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles. American diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria's chemical weapons are being eliminated. And we will continue to work with the international community to usher in the future the Syrian people deserve, a future free of dictatorship, terror, and fear. As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there, to achieve dignity and an independent state for Palestinians and lasting peace and security for the State of Israel, a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side. And it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the progress of Iran's nuclear program and rolled back parts of that program for the very first time in a decade. As we gather here tonight, Iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched uranium. It is not installing advanced centrifuges. Unprecedented inspections help the world verify every day that Iran is not building a bomb. And with our allies and partners, we are engaged in negotiations to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. These negotiations will be difficult. They may not succeed. We are clear eyed about Iran's support for terrorist organizations like Hizballah, which threatens our allies. And we are clear about the mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away. But these negotiations do not rely on trust. Any long-term deal we agree to must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the international community that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb. If John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate with the Soviet Union, then surely a strong and confident America can negotiate with less powerful adversaries today. The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible. But let me be clear: If this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it. For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed. If Iran's leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon. But if Iran's leaders do seize the chance—and we will know soon enough—then Iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of nations, and we will have resolved one of the leading security challenges of our time without the risks of war. Now, finally, let us remember that our leadership is defined not just by our defense against threats, but by the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe: to forge greater cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those opportunities than America. Our alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. From Tunisia to Burma, we are supporting those who are willing to do the hard work of building democracy. In Ukraine, we stand for the principle that all people have the right to express themselves freely and peacefully and to have a say in their country's future. Across Africa, we are bringing together businesses and governments to double access to electricity and help end extreme poverty. In the Americas, we are building new ties of commerce, but we are also expanding cultural and educational exchanges among young people. And we will continue to focus on the Asia-Pacific, where we support our allies, shape a future of greater security and prosperity, and extend a hand to those devastated by disaster, as we did in the Philippines, when our Marines and civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon, and who were greeted with words like, "We will never forget your kindness" and "God bless America." We do these things because they help promote our long-term security, and we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual orientation. And next week, the world will see one expression of that commitment, when Team YOU.S.A. marches the red, white, and blue into the Olympic Stadium and brings home the gold. [ ] YOU.S.A.! YOU.S.A.! YOU.S.A.! My fellow Americans, no other country in the world does what we do. On every issue, the world turns to us, not simply because of the size of our economy or our military might, but because of the ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them. No one knows this better than those who serve in uniform. As this time of war draws to a close, a new generation of heroes returns to civilian life. We will keep slashing that backlog so our veterans receive the benefits they have earned and our wounded warriors receive the health care—including the mental health care—that they need. We will keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and leadership into jobs here at home. And we will all continue to join forces to honor and support our remarkable military families. Let me tell you about one of those families I have come to know. I first met Cory Remsburg, a proud Army Ranger, at Omaha Beach on the 65th anniversary of D-day. Along with some of his fellow Rangers, he walked me through the program and the ceremony. He was a strong, impressive young man, had an easy manner, he was sharp as a tack. And we joked around and took pictures, and I told him to stay in touch. A few months later, on his 10th deployment, Cory was nearly killed by a massive roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His comrades found him in a canal, face down, underwater, shrapnel in his brain. For months, he lay in a coma. And the next time I met him, in the hospital, he could not speak, could barely move. Over the years, he is endured dozens of surgeries and procedures, hours of grueling rehab every day. Even now, Cory is still blind in one eye, still struggles on his left side. But slowly, steadily, with the support of caregivers like his dad Craig and the community around him, Cory has grown stronger. And day by day, he is learned to speak again and stand again and walk again. And he is working toward the day when he can serve his country again. "My recovery has not been easy," he says. "Nothing in life that is worth anything is easy." Cory is here tonight. And like the Army he loves, like the America he serves, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg never gives up, and he does not quit. Cory. My fellow Americans, men and women like Cory remind us that America has never come easy. Our freedom, our democracy, has never been easy. Sometimes, we stumble, we make mistakes; we get frustrated or discouraged. But for more than 200 years, we have put those things aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress: to create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement, to free other nations from tyranny and fear, to promote justice and fairness and equality under the law so that the words set to paper by our Founders are made real for every citizen. The America we want for our kids—a rising America where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong, where prosperity is widely shared and opportunity for all let us us go as far as our dreams and toil will take us—none of it is easy. But if we work together—if we summon what is best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him—with our feet planted firmly in today, but our eyes cast toward tomorrow, I know it is within our reach. Believe it. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
speaker vice president members of congress my fellow americans today in america a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it and did her part to lift america graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three decades an entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to the more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the past 4 years an autoworker some of the best most cars in the world and did his part to help america wean itself off foreign oil a farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest stretch of farm exports in our history a rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford a man took the bus home from the graveyard shift but dreaming big dreams for his son and in communities all across america fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids put an arm around their spouse remember fallen comrades and give thanks for being home from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end tonight this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent it is you our citizens who make the state of our union strong and here are the results of your efforts the lowest unemployment rate in over 5 years a rebounding housing market a manufacturing sector that is adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s more oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world the first time that is happened in nearly 20 years our deficits cut by more than half and for the first time in over a decade business leaders around the world have declared that china is no longer the world place to invest america is that is why i believe this can be a breakthrough year for america after 5 years of grit and determined effort the united states is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on earth the question for everyone in this chamber running through every decision we make this year is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress for several years now this town has been consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the federal government it is an important debate one that dates back to our very founding but when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the united we are not doing right by the american people now as president i am committed to making washington work better and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here and i believe most of you are too last month thanks to the work of democrats and republicans congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of last year severe cuts to priorities like education nobody got everything they wanted and we can still do more to invest in this country future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way but the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs not creating new crises and in the coming months let us see where else we can make progress together let us make this a year of action that is what most americans want for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives their hopes their aspirations and what i believe unites the people of this of race or region or party young or old rich or the simple profound belief in opportunity for all the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility you can get ahead in america now let us face it that belief has suffered some serious blows over more than three decades even before the great recession hit massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on today after 4 years of economic growth corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher and those at the top have never done better but average wages have barely budged inequality has deepened upward mobility has stalled the cold hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery too many americans are working more than ever just to get by let alone to get ahead and too many still are not working at all so our job is to reverse these trends it will not happen right away and we will not agree on everything but what i offer tonight is a set of concrete practical proposals to speed up growth strengthen the middle class and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class some require congressional action and i am eager to work with all of you but america does not stand still and neither will i so wherever and whenever i can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more american families that is what i am going to do as usual our first lady sets a good example michelle let us move partnership with schools businesses local leaders has helped bring down childhood obesity rates for the first time in 30 years and that is an achievement that will improve lives and reduce health care costs for decades to come the joining forces alliance that michelle and jill biden launched has already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly veterans and military spouses taking a page from that playbook the white house just organized a college opportunity summit where already 150 universities businesses nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher education and to help every kid go to college and succeed when they get to campus and across the country we are partnering with mayors governors and state legislatures on issues from homelessness to marriage equality the point is there are millions of americans outside of washington who are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country forward they i here in america our success should depend not on accident of birth but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams that is what drew our forebears here that is how the daughter of a factory worker is ceo of america largest automaker how the son of a barkeep is speaker of the house how the son of a single mom can be president of the greatest nation on earth opportunity is who we are and the defining project of our generation must be to restore that promise we know where to start the best measure of opportunity is access to a good job with the economy picking up speed companies say they intend to hire more people this year and over half of big manufacturers say they are thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad so let us make that decision easier for more companies both democrats and republicans have argued that our tax code is riddled with wasteful complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward companies that keep profits abroad let us flip that equation let us work together to close those loopholes end those incentives to ship jobs overseas and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home moreover we can take the money we save from this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads upgrading our ports unclogging our commutes because in today global economy jobs gravitate to infrastructure we will need congress to protect more than 3 million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills this summer that can happen but i will act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible we also have the chance right now to beat other countries in the race for the next wave of manufacturing jobs my administration has launched two hubs for manufacturing in raleigh north carolina and youngstown ohio where we have connected businesses to research universities that can help america lead the world in advanced technologies tonight i am announcing we will launch six more this year bipartisan bills in both houses could double the number of these hubs and the jobs they create so get those bills to my desk put more americans back to work let us do more to help the entrepreneurs and owners who create most new jobs in america over the past 5 years my administration has made more loans to owners than any other and when 98 percent of our exporters are small businesses new trade partnerships with europe and will help them create more jobs we need to work together on tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers protect our environment and open new markets to new goods stamped made in the listen china and europe are not standing on the sidelines and neither should we we know that the nation that goes on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow this is an edge america can not surrender federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and inventions behind google and smartphones and that is why congress should undo the damage done by last year cuts to basic research so we can unleash the next great american discovery there are entire industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of bacteria or material that is stronger than steel and let us pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation not costly and needless litigation now one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to american energy the energy strategy i announced a few years ago is working and today america is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades one of the reasons why is natural gas if extracted safely it is the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change businesses plan to invest almost 100 billion in new factories that use natural gas i will cut redtape to help states get those factories built and put folks to work and this congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to american natural gas meanwhile my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air our water our communities and while we are at it i will use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations well it is not just oil and natural gas production that is booming we are becoming a global leader in solar too every 4 minutes another american home or business goes solar every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can not be outsourced let us continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving 4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that do not need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do and even as we have increased energy production we have partnered with businesses builders and local communities to reduce the energy we consume when we rescued our automakers for example we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars in the coming months i will build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump and taken together our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner safer planet over the past 8 years the united states has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on earth but we have to act with more urgency because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods that is why i directed my administration to work with states utilities and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air the shift to a cleaner energy economy will not happen overnight and it will require some tough choices along the way but the debate is settled climate change is a fact and when our children children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer more stable world with new sources of energy i want us to be able to say yes we did finally if we are serious about economic growth it is time to heed the call of business leaders labor leaders faith leaders law enforcement and fix our broken immigration system republicans and democrats in the senate have acted and i know that members of both parties in the house want to do the same independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost 1 trillion in the next two decades and for good reason when people come here to fulfill their study invent contribute to our make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody so let us get immigration reform done this year let us get it done it is time the ideas i have outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs but in this rapidly changing economy we have to make sure that every american has the skills to fill those jobs the good news is we know how to do it two years ago as the auto industry came roaring back andra rush opened up a manufacturing firm in detroit she knew that ford needed parts for the best selling truck in america and she knew how to make those parts she just needed the workforce so she dialed up what we call an american job center places where folks can walk in to get the help or training they need to find a new job or a better job she was flooded with new workers and today detroit manufacturing systems has more than 700 employees and what andra and her employees experienced is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker so tonight i have asked vice president biden to lead an reform of america training programs to make sure they have one mission train americans with the skills employers need and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now that means more training and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an upward trajectory for life it means connecting companies to community colleges that can help design training to fill their specific needs and if congress wants to help you can concentrate funding on proven programs that connect more americans with jobs i am also convinced we can help americans return to the workforce faster by reforming unemployment insurance so that it is more effective in today economy but first this congress needs to restore the unemployment insurance you just let expire for million people let me tell you why misty demars is a mother of two young boys she would been steadily employed since she was a teenager put herself through college she would never collected unemployment benefits but she would been paying taxes in may she and her husband used their life savings to buy their first home a week later budget cuts claimed the job she loved last month when their unemployment insurance was cut off she sat down and wrote me a letter the kind i get every day we are the face of the unemployment crisis she wrote i am not dependent on the government our country depends on people like us who build careers contribute to society care about our neighbors i am confident that in time i will find a job i will pay my taxes and we will raise our children in their own home in the community we love please give us this chance congress give these responsible americans that chance give them that chance give them the chance they need our help right now but more important this country needs them in the game that is why i have been asking ceos to give more unemployed workers a fair shot at new jobs a new chance to support their families and in fact this week many will come to the white house to make that commitment real tonight i ask every business leader in america to join us and to do the same because we are stronger when america fields a full team of course it is not enough to train today workforce we also have to prepare tomorrow workforce by guaranteeing every child access to a education estiven rodriguez could not speak a word of english when he moved to new york city at age 9 but last month thanks to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program he led a march of his classmates through a crowd of cheering parents and neighbors from their high school to the post office where they mailed off their college applications and this son of a factory worker just found out he is going to college this fall five years ago we set out to change the odds for all our kids we worked with lenders to reform student loans and today more young people are earning college degrees than ever before race to the top with the help of governors from both parties has helped states raise expectations and performance teachers and principals in schools from tennessee to washington dc are making big strides in preparing students with the skills for the new economy problem solving critical thinking science technology engineering math now some of this change is hard it requires everything from more challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support for teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think not how well they can fill in a bubble on a test but it is worth it and it is working the problem is we are still not reaching enough kids and we are not reaching them in time and that has to change research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child life is early education last year i asked this congress to help states make available to every and as a parent as well as a president i repeat that request tonight but in the meantime 30 states have raised funding on their own they know we can not wait so just as we worked with states to reform our schools this year we will invest in new partnerships with states and communities across the country in a race to the top for our youngest children and as congress decides what it is going to do i am going to pull together a coalition of elected officials business leaders and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the that they need it is right for america we need to get this done last year i also pledged to connect 99 percent of our students to broadband over the next 4 years tonight i can announce that with the support of the fcc and companies like apple microsoft sprint and verizon we have got a down payment to start connecting more than schools and 20 million students over the next 2 years without adding a dime to the deficit we are working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges and employers that offer the education and training that can lead directly to a job and career we are shaking up our system of higher education to give parents more information and colleges more incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced out of a college education we are offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their income and i want to work with congress to see how we can help even more americans who feel trapped by student loan debt and i am reaching out to some of america leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their full potential the bottom line is michelle and i want every child to have the same chance this country gave us but we know our opportunity agenda will not be complete and too many young people entering the workforce today will see the american dream as an empty promise unless we also do more to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work and hard work pays off for every single american today women make up about half our workforce but they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns that is wrong and in 2014 it is an embarrassment women deserve equal pay for equal work she deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job a mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship and you know what a father does too it is time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a mad men episode this year let us all come the white house businesses from wall street to main give every woman the opportunity she deserves because i believe when women succeed america succeeds now women hold a majority of lower wage jobs but they are not the only ones stifled by stagnant wages americans understand that some people will earn more money than others and we do not resent those who by virtue of their efforts achieve incredible success that is what america is all about but americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works should ever have to raise a family in poverty in the year since i asked this congress to raise the minimum wage five states have passed laws to raise theirs many businesses have done it on their own nick chute is here today with his boss john soranno john an owner of punch pizza in minneapolis and nick helps make the dough only now he makes more of it john just gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour and that is a decision that has eased their financial stress and boosted their morale tonight i ask more of america business leaders to follow john lead do what you can to raise your employees wages it is good for the economy it is good for america to every mayor governor state legislator in america i say you do not have to wait for congress to act americans will support you if you take this on and as a chief executive i intend to lead by example profitable corporations like costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost productivity and reduce turnover we should too in the coming weeks i will issue an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10 dollars and 10 cents an hour because if you cook our troops meals or wash their dishes you should not have to live in poverty of course to reach millions more congress does need to get on board today the federal minimum wage is worth about 20 percent less than it was when ronald reagan first stood here and tom harkin and george miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10 dollars and 10 cents it is easy to remember this will help families it will give businesses customers with more money to spend it does not involve any new bureaucratic program so join the rest of the country say yes give america a raise give them a raise there are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet and few are more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull themselves up through hard work than the tax credit right now it helps about half of all parents at some point think about that it helps about half of all parents in america at some point in their lives but i agree with republicans like senator rubio that it does not do enough for single workers who do not have kids so let us work together to strengthen the credit reward work help more americans get ahead let us do more to help americans save for retirement today most workers do not have a pension a social security check often is not enough on its own and while the stock market has doubled over the last 5 years that does not help folks who do not have 401 k that is why tomorrow i will direct the treasury to create a new way for working americans to start their own retirement savings it is a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg myra guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in and if this congress wants to help work with me to fix an tax code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save but does little or nothing for middle class americans offer every american access to an automatic ira on the job so they can save at work just like everybody in this chamber can and since the most important investment many families make is their home send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of homeownership alive for future generations one last point on financial security for decades few things exposed families to economic hardship more than a broken health care system and in case you have not heard we are in the process of fixing that now a preexisting condition used to mean that someone like amanda shelley a physician assistant and single mom from arizona could not get health insurance but on january 1 she got covered on january 3 she felt a sharp pain on january 6 she had emergency surgery just one week earlier amanda said and that surgery would have meant bankruptcy that is what health insurance reform is all about the peace of mind that if misfortune strikes you do not have to lose everything already because of the affordable care act more than 3 million americans under age 26 have gained coverage under their parent plan more than 9 million americans have signed up for private health insurance or medicaid coverage nine million and here is another number zero because of this law no ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma or back pain or cancer no woman can ever be charged more just because she is a woman and we did all this while adding years to medicare finances keeping medicare premiums flat and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors now i do not expect to convince my republican friends on the merits of this law but i know that the american people are not interested in refighting old battles so again if you have specific plans to cut costs cover more people increase choice tell america what you would do differently let us see if the numbers add up but let us not have another votes to repeal a law that is already helping millions of americans like amanda the first 40 were plenty we all owe it to the american people to say what we are for not just what we are against and if you want to know the real impact this law is having just talk to governor steve beshear of kentucky who is here tonight now kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country that is not where i got my highest vote totals but he is like a man possessed when it comes to covering his commonwealth families they are our neighbors and our friends he said they are people we shop and go to church with farmers out on the tractor grocery clerks they are people who go to work every morning praying they do not get sick no one deserves to live that way steve right that is why tonight i ask every american who knows someone without health insurance to help them get covered by march 31 help them get covered moms get on your kids to sign up kids call your mom and walk her through the application it will give her some peace of mind and plus she will appreciate hearing from you after all that is the spirit that has always moved this nation forward it is the spirit of citizenship the recognition that through hard work and responsibility we can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one american family to make sure the next generation can pursue its dreams as well citizenship means standing up for everyone is right to vote last year part of the voting rights act was weakened but conservative republicans and liberal democrats are working together to strengthen it and the bipartisan commission i appointed chaired by my campaign lawyer and governor romney campaign lawyer came together and have offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to vote let us support these efforts it should be the power of our vote not the size of our bank accounts that drives our democracy citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day i have seen the courage of parents students pastors police officers all over this country who say we are not afraid and i intend to keep trying with or without congress to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent americans in our movie theaters in our shopping malls or schools like sandy hook citizenship demands a sense of common purpose participation in the hard work of an obligation to serve our communities and i know this chamber agrees that few americans give more to their country than our diplomats and the men and women of the united states armed forces thank you tonight because of the extraordinary troops and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free the united states is more secure when i took office nearly americans were serving in iraq and afghanistan today all our troops are out of iraq more than of our troops have already come home from afghanistan with afghan forces now in the lead for their own security our troops have moved to a support role together with our allies we will complete our mission there by the end of this year and america longest war will finally be over after 2014 we will support a unified afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future if the afghan government signs a security agreement that we have negotiated a small force of americans could remain in afghanistan with nato allies to carry out two narrow missions training and assisting afghan forces and counterterrorism operations to pursue any remnants of al qaida for while our relationship with afghanistan will change one thing will not our resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country the fact is that danger remains while we have put al qaida core leadership on a path to defeat the threat has evolved as al qaida affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the world in yemen somalia iraq mali we have to keep working with partners to disrupt and disable those networks in syria we will support the opposition that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks here at home we will keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like cyber attacks and as we reform our defense budget we will have to keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the capabilities they need to succeed in future missions we have to remain vigilant but i strongly believe our leadership and our security can not depend on our outstanding military alone as commander in chief i have used force when needed to protect the american people and i will never hesitate to do so as long as i hold this office but i will not send our troops into harm way unless it is truly necessary nor will i allow our sons and daughters to be mired in conflicts we must fight the battles that need to be fought not those that terrorists prefer from us deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism so even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners america must move off a permanent war footing that is why i have imposed prudent limits on the use of drones for we will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence that is why working with this congress i will reform our surveillance programs because the vital work of our intelligence community depends on public confidence here and abroad that privacy of ordinary people is not being violated and with the afghan war ending this needs to be the year congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the prison at guantanamo bay because we counter terrorism not just through intelligence and military actions but by remaining true to our constitutional ideals and setting an example for the rest of the world you see in a world of complex threats our security our leadership depends on all elements of our power including strong and principled diplomacy american diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles american diplomacy backed by the threat of force is why syria chemical weapons are being eliminated and we will continue to work with the international community to usher in the future the syrian people deserve a future free of dictatorship terror and fear as we speak american diplomacy is supporting israelis and palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there to achieve dignity and an independent state for palestinians and lasting peace and security for the state of israel a jewish state that knows america will always be at their side and it is american diplomacy backed by pressure that has halted the progress of iran nuclear program and rolled back parts of that program for the very first time in a decade as we gather here tonight iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched uranium it is not installing advanced centrifuges unprecedented inspections help the world verify every day that iran is not building a bomb and with our allies and partners we are engaged in negotiations to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share preventing iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon these negotiations will be difficult they may not succeed we are clear eyed about iran support for terrorist organizations like hizballah which threatens our allies and we are clear about the mistrust between our nations mistrust that can not be wished away but these negotiations do not rely on trust any deal we agree to must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the international community that iran is not building a nuclear bomb if john kennedy and ronald reagan could negotiate with the soviet union then surely a strong and confident america can negotiate with less powerful adversaries today the sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible but let me be clear if this congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks i will veto it for the sake of our national security we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed if iran leaders do not seize this opportunity then i will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to exercise all options to make sure iran does not build a nuclear weapon but if iran leaders do seize the we will know soon iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of nations and we will have resolved one of the leading security challenges of our time without the risks of war now finally let us remember that our leadership is defined not just by our defense against threats but by the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe to forge greater cooperation to expand new markets to free people from fear and want and no one is better positioned to take advantage of those opportunities than america our alliance with europe remains the strongest the world has ever known from tunisia to burma we are supporting those who are willing to do the hard work of building democracy in ukraine we stand for the principle that all people have the right to express themselves freely and peacefully and to have a say in their country future across africa we are bringing together businesses and governments to double access to electricity and help end extreme poverty in the americas we are building new ties of commerce but we are also expanding cultural and educational exchanges among young people and we will continue to focus on the where we support our allies shape a future of greater security and prosperity and extend a hand to those devastated by disaster as we did in the philippines when our marines and civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon and who were greeted with words like we will never forget your kindness and god bless america we do these things because they help promote our security and we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality of every human being regardless of race or religion creed or sexual orientation and next week the world will see one expression of that commitment when team marches the red white and blue into the olympic stadium and brings home the gold my fellow americans no other country in the world does what we do on every issue the world turns to us not simply because of the size of our economy or our military might but because of the ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them no one knows this better than those who serve in uniform as this time of war draws to a close a new generation of heroes returns to civilian life we will keep slashing that backlog so our veterans receive the benefits they have earned and our wounded warriors receive the health the mental health they need we will keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and leadership into jobs here at home and we will all continue to join forces to honor and support our remarkable military families let me tell you about one of those families i have come to know i first met cory remsburg a proud army ranger at omaha beach on the 65th anniversary of along with some of his fellow rangers he walked me through the program and the ceremony he was a strong impressive young man had an easy manner he was sharp as a tack and we joked around and took pictures and i told him to stay in touch a few months later on his 10th deployment cory was nearly killed by a massive roadside bomb in afghanistan his comrades found him in a canal face down underwater shrapnel in his brain for months he lay in a coma and the next time i met him in the hospital he could not speak could barely move over the years he is endured dozens of surgeries and procedures hours of grueling rehab every day even now cory is still blind in one eye still struggles on his left side but slowly steadily with the support of caregivers like his dad craig and the community around him cory has grown stronger and day by day he is learned to speak again and stand again and walk again and he is working toward the day when he can serve his country again my recovery has not been easy he says nothing in life that is worth anything is easy cory is here tonight and like the army he loves like the america he serves sergeant first class cory remsburg never gives up and he does not quit cory my fellow americans men and women like cory remind us that america has never come easy our freedom our democracy has never been easy sometimes we stumble we make mistakes we get frustrated or discouraged but for more than 200 years we have put those things aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress to create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement to free other nations from tyranny and fear to promote justice and fairness and equality under the law so that the words set to paper by our founders are made real for every citizen the america we want for our rising america where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong where prosperity is widely shared and opportunity for all let us us go as far as our dreams and toil will take of it is easy but if we work we summon what is best in us the way cory summoned what is best in our feet planted firmly in today but our eyes cast toward tomorrow i know it is within our reach believe it god bless you and god bless the united states of america
speaker vice president members congress fellow americans today america teacher spent extra time student needed part lift america graduation rate highest levels three decades entrepreneur flipped lights tech startup part add 8 million new jobs businesses created past 4 years autoworker best cars world part help america wean foreign oil farmer prepared spring strongest stretch farm exports history rural doctor gave young child first prescription treat asthma mother could afford man took bus home graveyard shift dreaming big dreams son communities across america fathers mothers tuck kids put arm around spouse remember fallen comrades give thanks home war 12 long years finally coming end tonight chamber speaks one voice people represent citizens make state union strong results efforts lowest unemployment rate 5 years rebounding housing market manufacturing sector adding jobs first time since 1990s oil produced home buy rest world first time happened nearly 20 years deficits cut half first time decade business leaders around world declared china longer world place invest america believe breakthrough year america 5 years grit determined effort united states better positioned 21st century nation earth question everyone chamber running every decision make year whether going help hinder progress several years town consumed rancorous argument proper size federal government important debate one dates back founding debate prevents us carrying even basic functions differences shut government threaten full faith credit united right american people president committed making washington work better rebuilding trust people sent us believe last month thanks work democrats republicans congress finally produced budget undoes last year severe cuts priorities like education nobody got everything wanted still invest country future bringing deficit balanced way budget compromise leave us freer focus creating new jobs creating new crises coming months let us see else make progress together let us make year action americans want us chamber focus lives hopes aspirations believe unites people race region party young old rich simple profound belief opportunity notion work hard take responsibility get ahead america let us face belief suffered serious blows three decades even great recession hit massive shifts technology global competition eliminated lot good middle class jobs weakened economic foundations families depend today 4 years economic growth corporate profits stock prices rarely higher top never done better average wages barely budged inequality deepened upward mobility stalled cold hard fact even midst recovery many americans working ever get let alone get ahead many still working job reverse trends happen right away agree everything offer tonight set concrete practical proposals speed growth strengthen middle class build new ladders opportunity middle class require congressional action eager work america stand still neither wherever whenever take steps without legislation expand opportunity american families going usual first lady sets good example michelle let us move partnership schools businesses local leaders helped bring childhood obesity rates first time 30 years achievement improve lives reduce health care costs decades come joining forces alliance michelle jill biden launched already encouraged employers hire train nearly veterans military spouses taking page playbook white house organized college opportunity summit already 150 universities businesses nonprofits made concrete commitments reduce inequality access higher education help every kid go college succeed get campus across country partnering mayors governors state legislatures issues homelessness marriage equality point millions americans outside washington tired stale political arguments moving country forward america success depend accident birth strength work ethic scope dreams drew forebears daughter factory worker ceo america largest automaker son barkeep speaker house son single mom president greatest nation earth opportunity defining project generation must restore promise know start best measure opportunity access good job economy picking speed companies say intend hire people year half big manufacturers say thinking insourcing jobs abroad let us make decision easier companies democrats republicans argued tax code riddled wasteful complicated loopholes punish businesses investing reward companies keep profits abroad let us flip equation let us work together close loopholes end incentives ship jobs overseas lower tax rates businesses create jobs right home moreover take money save transition tax reform create jobs rebuilding roads upgrading ports unclogging commutes today global economy jobs gravitate infrastructure need congress protect 3 million jobs finishing transportation waterways bills summer happen act slash bureaucracy streamline permitting process key projects get construction workers job fast possible also chance right beat countries race next wave manufacturing jobs administration launched two hubs manufacturing raleigh north carolina youngstown ohio connected businesses research universities help america lead world advanced technologies tonight announcing launch six year bipartisan bills houses could double number hubs jobs create get bills desk put americans back work let us help entrepreneurs owners create new jobs america past 5 years administration made loans owners 98 percent exporters small businesses new trade partnerships europe help create jobs need work together tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority protect workers protect environment open new markets new goods stamped made listen china europe standing sidelines neither know nation goes innovation today global economy tomorrow edge america surrender federally funded research helped lead ideas inventions behind google smartphones congress undo damage done last year cuts basic research unleash next great american discovery entire industries built based vaccines stay ahead bacteria material stronger steel let us pass patent reform bill allows businesses stay focused innovation costly needless litigation one biggest factors bringing jobs back commitment american energy energy strategy announced years ago working today america closer energy independence decades one reasons natural gas extracted safely bridge fuel power economy less carbon pollution causes climate change businesses plan invest almost 100 billion new factories use natural gas cut redtape help states get factories built put folks work congress help putting people work building fueling stations shift cars trucks foreign oil american natural gas meanwhile administration keep working industry sustain production jobs growth strengthening protection air water communities use authority protect pristine federal lands future generations well oil natural gas production booming becoming global leader solar every 4 minutes another american home business goes solar every panel pounded place worker whose job outsourced let us continue progress smarter tax policy stops giving 4 billion year fossil fuel industries need invest fuels future even increased energy production partnered businesses builders local communities reduce energy consume rescued automakers example worked set higher fuel efficiency standards cars coming months build success setting new standards trucks keep driving oil imports pay pump taken together energy policy creating jobs leading cleaner safer planet past 8 years united states reduced total carbon pollution nation earth act urgency changing climate already harming western communities struggling drought coastal cities dealing floods directed administration work states utilities others set new standards amount carbon pollution power plants allowed dump air shift cleaner energy economy happen overnight require tough choices along way debate settled climate change fact children children look us eye ask could leave safer stable world new sources energy want us able say yes finally serious economic growth time heed call business leaders labor leaders faith leaders law enforcement fix broken immigration system republicans democrats senate acted know members parties house want independent economists say immigration reform grow economy shrink deficits almost 1 trillion next two decades good reason people come fulfill study invent contribute make country attractive place businesses locate create jobs everybody let us get immigration reform done year let us get done time ideas outlined far speed growth create jobs rapidly changing economy make sure every american skills fill jobs good news know two years ago auto industry came roaring back andra rush opened manufacturing firm detroit knew ford needed parts best selling truck america knew make parts needed workforce dialed call american job center places folks walk get help training need find new job better job flooded new workers today detroit manufacturing systems 700 employees andra employees experienced every employer every job seeker tonight asked vice president biden lead reform america training programs make sure one mission train americans skills employers need match good jobs need filled right means training apprenticeships set young worker upward trajectory life means connecting companies community colleges help design training fill specific needs congress wants help concentrate funding proven programs connect americans jobs also convinced help americans return workforce faster reforming unemployment insurance effective today economy first congress needs restore unemployment insurance let expire million people let tell misty demars mother two young boys would steadily employed since teenager put college would never collected unemployment benefits would paying taxes may husband used life savings buy first home week later budget cuts claimed job loved last month unemployment insurance cut sat wrote letter kind get every day face unemployment crisis wrote dependent government country depends people like us build careers contribute society care neighbors confident time find job pay taxes raise children home community love please give us chance congress give responsible americans chance give chance give chance need help right important country needs game asking ceos give unemployed workers fair shot new jobs new chance support families fact week many come white house make commitment real tonight ask every business leader america join us stronger america fields full team course enough train today workforce also prepare tomorrow workforce guaranteeing every child access education estiven rodriguez could speak word english moved new york city age 9 last month thanks support great teachers innovative tutoring program led march classmates crowd cheering parents neighbors high school post office mailed college applications son factory worker found going college fall five years ago set change odds kids worked lenders reform student loans today young people earning college degrees ever race top help governors parties helped states raise expectations performance teachers principals schools tennessee washington dc making big strides preparing students skills new economy problem solving critical thinking science technology engineering math change hard requires everything challenging curriculums demanding parents better support teachers new ways measure well kids think well fill bubble test worth working problem still reaching enough kids reaching time change research shows one best investments make child life early education last year asked congress help states make available every parent well president repeat request tonight meantime 30 states raised funding know wait worked states reform schools year invest new partnerships states communities across country race top youngest children congress decides going going pull together coalition elected officials business leaders philanthropists willing help kids access need right america need get done last year also pledged connect 99 percent students broadband next 4 years tonight announce support fcc companies like apple microsoft sprint verizon got payment start connecting schools 20 million students next 2 years without adding dime deficit working redesign high schools partner colleges employers offer education training lead directly job career shaking system higher education give parents information colleges incentive offer better value middle class kid priced college education offering millions opportunity cap monthly student loan payments 10 percent income want work congress see help even americans feel trapped student loan debt reaching america leading foundations corporations new initiative help young men color facing especially tough odds stay track reach full potential bottom line michelle want every child chance country gave us know opportunity agenda complete many young people entering workforce today see american dream empty promise unless also make sure economy honors dignity work hard work pays every single american today women make half workforce still make 77 cents every dollar man earns wrong 2014 embarrassment women deserve equal pay equal work deserves baby without sacrificing job mother deserves day care sick child sick parent without running hardship know father time away workplace policies belong mad men episode year let us come white house businesses wall street main give every woman opportunity deserves believe women succeed america succeeds women hold majority lower wage jobs ones stifled stagnant wages americans understand people earn money others resent virtue efforts achieve incredible success america americans overwhelmingly agree one works ever raise family poverty year since asked congress raise minimum wage five states passed laws raise many businesses done nick chute today boss john soranno john owner punch pizza minneapolis nick helps make dough makes john gave employees raise 10 bucks hour decision eased financial stress boosted morale tonight ask america business leaders follow john lead raise employees wages good economy good america every mayor governor state legislator america say wait congress act americans support take chief executive intend lead example profitable corporations like costco see higher wages smart way boost productivity reduce turnover coming weeks issue executive order requiring federal contractors pay federally funded employees fair wage least 10 dollars 10 cents hour cook troops meals wash dishes live poverty course reach millions congress need get board today federal minimum wage worth 20 percent less ronald reagan first stood tom harkin george miller bill fix lifting minimum wage 10 dollars 10 cents easy remember help families give businesses customers money spend involve new bureaucratic program join rest country say yes give america raise give raise steps take help families make ends meet effective reducing inequality helping families pull hard work tax credit right helps half parents point think helps half parents america point lives agree republicans like senator rubio enough single workers kids let us work together strengthen credit reward work help americans get ahead let us help americans save retirement today workers pension social security check often enough stock market doubled last 5 years help folks 401 k tomorrow direct treasury create new way working americans start retirement savings new savings bond encourages folks build nest egg myra guarantees decent return risk losing put congress wants help work fix tax code gives big tax breaks help wealthy save little nothing middle class americans offer every american access automatic ira job save work like everybody chamber since important investment many families make home send legislation protects taxpayers footing bill housing crisis ever keeps dream homeownership alive future generations one last point financial security decades things exposed families economic hardship broken health care system case heard process fixing preexisting condition used mean someone like amanda shelley physician assistant single mom arizona could get health insurance january 1 got covered january 3 felt sharp pain january 6 emergency surgery one week earlier amanda said surgery would meant bankruptcy health insurance reform peace mind misfortune strikes lose everything already affordable care act 3 million americans age 26 gained coverage parent plan 9 million americans signed private health insurance medicaid coverage nine million another number zero law ever dropped denied coverage preexisting condition like asthma back pain cancer woman ever charged woman adding years medicare finances keeping medicare premiums flat lowering prescription costs millions seniors expect convince republican friends merits law know american people interested refighting old battles specific plans cut costs cover people increase choice tell america would differently let us see numbers add let us another votes repeal law already helping millions americans like amanda first 40 plenty owe american people say want know real impact law talk governor steve beshear kentucky tonight kentucky liberal part country got highest vote totals like man possessed comes covering commonwealth families neighbors friends said people shop go church farmers tractor grocery clerks people go work every morning praying get sick one deserves live way steve right tonight ask every american knows someone without health insurance help get covered march 31 help get covered moms get kids sign kids call mom walk application give peace mind plus appreciate hearing spirit always moved nation forward spirit citizenship recognition hard work responsibility pursue individual dreams still come together one american family make sure next generation pursue dreams well citizenship means standing everyone right vote last year part voting rights act weakened conservative republicans liberal democrats working together strengthen bipartisan commission appointed chaired campaign lawyer governor romney campaign lawyer came together offered reforms one wait half hour vote let us support efforts power vote size bank accounts drives democracy citizenship means standing lives gun violence steals us day seen courage parents students pastors police officers country say afraid intend keep trying without congress help stop tragedies visiting innocent americans movie theaters shopping malls schools like sandy hook citizenship demands sense common purpose participation hard work obligation serve communities know chamber agrees americans give country diplomats men women united states armed forces thank tonight extraordinary troops civilians risk lay lives keep us free united states secure took office nearly americans serving iraq afghanistan today troops iraq troops already come home afghanistan afghan forces lead security troops moved support role together allies complete mission end year america longest war finally 2014 support unified afghanistan takes responsibility future afghan government signs security agreement negotiated small force americans could remain afghanistan nato allies carry two narrow missions training assisting afghan forces counterterrorism operations pursue remnants al qaida relationship afghanistan change one thing resolve terrorists launch attacks country fact danger remains put al qaida core leadership path defeat threat evolved al qaida affiliates extremists take root different parts world yemen somalia iraq mali keep working partners disrupt disable networks syria support opposition rejects agenda terrorist networks home keep strengthening defenses combat new threats like cyber attacks reform defense budget keep faith men women uniform invest capabilities need succeed future missions remain vigilant strongly believe leadership security depend outstanding military alone commander chief used force needed protect american people never hesitate long hold office send troops harm way unless truly necessary allow sons daughters mired conflicts must fight battles need fought terrorists prefer us deployments drain strength may ultimately feed extremism even actively aggressively pursue terrorist networks targeted efforts building capacity foreign partners america must move permanent war footing imposed prudent limits use drones safer people abroad believe strike within countries without regard consequence working congress reform surveillance programs vital work intelligence community depends public confidence abroad privacy ordinary people violated afghan war ending needs year congress lifts remaining restrictions detainee transfers close prison guantanamo bay counter terrorism intelligence military actions remaining true constitutional ideals setting example rest world see world complex threats security leadership depends elements power including strong principled diplomacy american diplomacy rallied 50 countries prevent nuclear materials falling wrong hands allowed us reduce reliance cold war stockpiles american diplomacy backed threat force syria chemical weapons eliminated continue work international community usher future syrian people deserve future free dictatorship terror fear speak american diplomacy supporting israelis palestinians engage difficult necessary talks end conflict achieve dignity independent state palestinians lasting peace security state israel jewish state knows america always side american diplomacy backed pressure halted progress iran nuclear program rolled back parts program first time decade gather tonight iran begun eliminate stockpile higher levels enriched uranium installing advanced centrifuges unprecedented inspections help world verify every day iran building bomb allies partners engaged negotiations see peacefully achieve goal share preventing iran obtaining nuclear weapon negotiations difficult may succeed clear eyed iran support terrorist organizations like hizballah threatens allies clear mistrust nations mistrust wished away negotiations rely trust deal agree must based verifiable action convinces us international community iran building nuclear bomb john kennedy ronald reagan could negotiate soviet union surely strong confident america negotiate less powerful adversaries today sanctions put place helped make opportunity possible let clear congress sends new sanctions bill threatens derail talks veto sake national security must give diplomacy chance succeed iran leaders seize opportunity first call sanctions stand ready exercise options make sure iran build nuclear weapon iran leaders seize know soon iran could take important step rejoin community nations resolved one leading security challenges time without risks war finally let us remember leadership defined defense threats enormous opportunities good promote understanding around globe forge greater cooperation expand new markets free people fear want one better positioned take advantage opportunities america alliance europe remains strongest world ever known tunisia burma supporting willing hard work building democracy ukraine stand principle people right express freely peacefully say country future across africa bringing together businesses governments double access electricity help end extreme poverty americas building new ties commerce also expanding cultural educational exchanges among young people continue focus support allies shape future greater security prosperity extend hand devastated disaster philippines marines civilians rushed aid battered typhoon greeted words like never forget kindness god bless america things help promote security believe inherent dignity equality every human regardless race religion creed sexual orientation next week world see one expression commitment team marches red white blue olympic stadium brings home gold fellow americans country world every issue world turns us simply size economy military might ideals stand burdens bear advance one knows better serve uniform time war draws close new generation heroes returns civilian life keep slashing backlog veterans receive benefits earned wounded warriors receive health mental health need keep working help veterans translate skills leadership jobs home continue join forces honor support remarkable military families let tell one families come know first met cory remsburg proud army ranger omaha beach 65th anniversary along fellow rangers walked program ceremony strong impressive young man easy manner sharp tack joked around took pictures told stay touch months later 10th deployment cory nearly killed massive roadside bomb afghanistan comrades found canal face underwater shrapnel brain months lay coma next time met hospital could speak could barely move years endured dozens surgeries procedures hours grueling rehab every day even cory still blind one eye still struggles left side slowly steadily support caregivers like dad craig community around cory grown stronger day day learned speak stand walk working toward day serve country recovery easy says nothing life worth anything easy cory tonight like army loves like america serves sergeant first class cory remsburg never gives quit cory fellow americans men women like cory remind us america never come easy freedom democracy never easy sometimes stumble make mistakes get frustrated discouraged 200 years put things aside placed collective shoulder wheel progress create build expand possibilities individual achievement free nations tyranny fear promote justice fairness equality law words set paper founders made real every citizen america want rising america honest work plentiful communities strong prosperity widely shared opportunity let us us go far dreams toil take easy work summon best us way cory summoned best feet planted firmly today eyes cast toward tomorrow know within reach believe god bless god bless united states america
speaker vice president member congress fellow american today america teacher spend extra time student need part lift america graduation rate high level three decade entrepreneur flip light tech startup part add 8 million new job business create past 4 year autoworker best car world part help america wean foreign oil farmer prepare spring strong stretch farm export history rural doctor give young child first prescription treat asthma mother could afford man take bus home graveyard shift dream big dream son community across america father mother tuck kid put arm around spouse remember fall comrade give thanks home war 12 long year finally come end tonight chamber speak one voice people represent citizen make state union strong result effort low unemployment rate 5 year rebound housing market manufacturing sector add job first time since 1990s oil produce home buy rest world first time happen nearly 20 year deficit cut half first time decade business leader around world declare china longer world place invest america believe breakthrough year america 5 year grit determine effort united state well position 21st century nation earth question everyone chamber run every decision make year whether go help hinder progress several year town consume rancorous argument proper size federal government important debate one date back founding debate prevents u carry even basic function difference shut government threaten full faith credit unite right american people president commit make washington work well rebuild trust people send u believe last month thanks work democrat republicans congress finally produce budget undoes last year severe cut priority like education nobody get everything want still invest country future bring deficit balance way budget compromise leave u free focus create new job create new crisis come month let u see else make progress together let u make year action american want u chamber focus life hop aspiration believe unite people race region party young old rich simple profound belief opportunity notion work hard take responsibility get ahead america let u face belief suffer serious blow three decade even great recession hit massive shift technology global competition eliminate lot good middle class job weaken economic foundation family depend today 4 year economic growth corporate profit stock price rarely high top never do good average wage barely budge inequality deepen upward mobility stall cold hard fact even midst recovery many american work ever get let alone get ahead many still work job reverse trend happen right away agree everything offer tonight set concrete practical proposal speed growth strengthen middle class build new ladder opportunity middle class require congressional action eager work america stand still neither wherever whenever take step without legislation expand opportunity american family go usual first lady set good example michelle let u move partnership school business local leader help bring childhood obesity rate first time 30 year achievement improve life reduce health care cost decade come join force alliance michelle jill biden launch already encourage employer hire train nearly veterans military spouse take page playbook white house organize college opportunity summit already 150 university business nonprofit make concrete commitment reduce inequality access high education help every kid go college succeed get campus across country partner mayor governor state legislature issue homelessness marriage equality point million american outside washington tire stale political argument move country forward america success depend accident birth strength work ethic scope dream draw forebear daughter factory worker ceo america large automaker son barkeep speaker house son single mom president great nation earth opportunity define project generation must restore promise know start best measure opportunity access good job economy pick speed company say intend hire people year half big manufacturer say think insourcing job abroad let u make decision easy company democrat republicans argue tax code riddle wasteful complicated loophole punish business invest reward company keep profit abroad let u flip equation let u work together close loophole end incentive ship job overseas low tax rate business create job right home moreover take money save transition tax reform create job rebuild road upgrade port unclog commute today global economy job gravitate infrastructure need congress protect 3 million job finish transportation waterway bill summer happen act slash bureaucracy streamline permit process key project get construction worker job fast possible also chance right beat country race next wave manufacturing job administration launch two hub manufacture raleigh north carolina youngstown ohio connect business research university help america lead world advance technology tonight announce launch six year bipartisan bill house could double number hub job create get bill desk put american back work let u help entrepreneurs owner create new job america past 5 year administration make loan owner 98 percent exporter small business new trade partnership europe help create job need work together tool like bipartisan trade promotion authority protect worker protect environment open new market new good stamp make listen china europe stand sideline neither know nation go innovation today global economy tomorrow edge america surrender federally fund research help lead ideas invention behind google smartphones congress undo damage do last year cut basic research unleash next great american discovery entire industry build base vaccine stay ahead bacteria material strong steel let u pass patent reform bill allow business stay focused innovation costly needless litigation one big factor bring job back commitment american energy energy strategy announce year ago work today america close energy independence decade one reason natural gas extract safely bridge fuel power economy less carbon pollution cause climate change business plan invest almost 100 billion new factory use natural gas cut redtape help state get factory build put folk work congress help put people work build fuel station shift car truck foreign oil american natural gas meanwhile administration keep work industry sustain production job growth strengthen protection air water community use authority protect pristine federal land future generation well oil natural gas production boom become global leader solar every 4 minute another american home business go solar every panel pound place worker whose job outsource let u continue progress smart tax policy stop give 4 billion year fossil fuel industry need invest fuel future even increase energy production partner business builder local community reduce energy consume rescue automaker example work set high fuel efficiency standard car come month build success set new standard truck keep drive oil import pay pump take together energy policy create job lead cleaner safer planet past 8 year united state reduce total carbon pollution nation earth act urgency change climate already harm western community struggle drought coastal city deal flood direct administration work state utility others set new standard amount carbon pollution power plant allow dump air shift cleaner energy economy happen overnight require tough choice along way debate settle climate change fact child child look u eye ask could leave safe stable world new source energy want u able say yes finally serious economic growth time heed call business leader labor leader faith leader law enforcement fix break immigration system republicans democrat senate act know member party house want independent economist say immigration reform grow economy shrink deficit almost 1 trillion next two decade good reason people come fulfill study invent contribute make country attractive place business locate create job everybody let u get immigration reform do year let u get do time idea outline far speed growth create job rapidly change economy make sure every american skill fill job good news know two year ago auto industry come roar back andra rush open manufacture firm detroit know ford need part best sell truck america know make part need workforce dial call american job center place folks walk get help train need find new job well job flood new worker today detroit manufacture system 700 employee andra employee experience every employer every job seeker tonight ask vice president biden lead reform america train program make sure one mission train american skills employer need match good job need fill right mean train apprenticeship set young worker upward trajectory life mean connect company community college help design training fill specific need congress want help concentrate fund proven program connect american job also convince help american return workforce faster reform unemployment insurance effective today economy first congress need restore unemployment insurance let expire million people let tell misty demars mother two young boy would steadily employ since teenager put college would never collect unemployment benefit would pay tax may husband use life saving buy first home week later budget cut claim job love last month unemployment insurance cut sit write letter kind get every day face unemployment crisis write dependent government country depend people like u build career contribute society care neighbor confident time find job pay tax raise child home community love please give u chance congress give responsible american chance give chance give chance need help right important country need game ask ceo give unemployed worker fair shot new job new chance support family fact week many come white house make commitment real tonight ask every business leader america join u strong america field full team course enough train today workforce also prepare tomorrow workforce guarantee every child access education estiven rodriguez could speak word english move new york city age 9 last month thanks support great teacher innovative tutor program lead march classmates crowd cheer parent neighbor high school post office mail college application son factory worker find go college fall five year ago set change odds kid work lender reform student loan today young people earn college degree ever race top help governor party help state raise expectation performance teacher principals school tennessee washington dc make big stride prepare student skills new economy problem solve critical thinking science technology engineering math change hard require everything challenge curriculum demand parent well support teacher new way measure well kid think well fill bubble test worth work problem still reach enough kid reach time change research show one best investment make child life early education last year ask congress help state make available every parent well president repeat request tonight meantime 30 state raise funding know wait work state reform school year invest new partnership state community across country race top young child congress decide go go pull together coalition elect official business leader philanthropists willing help kid access need right america need get do last year also pledge connect 99 percent student broadband next 4 year tonight announce support fcc company like apple microsoft sprint verizon get payment start connect school 20 million student next 2 year without add dime deficit work redesign high school partner colleges employer offer education training lead directly job career shake system high education give parent information college incentive offer well value middle class kid price college education offering million opportunity cap monthly student loan payment 10 percent income want work congress see help even american feel trap student loan debt reaching america lead foundation corporation new initiative help young men color face especially tough odds stay track reach full potential bottom line michelle want every child chance country give u know opportunity agenda complete many young people enter workforce today see american dream empty promise unless also make sure economy honor dignity work hard work pay every single american today woman make half workforce still make 77 cent every dollar man earn wrong 2014 embarrassment woman deserve equal pay equal work deserves baby without sacrifice job mother deserve day care sick child sick parent without run hardship know father time away workplace policy belong mad men episode year let u come white house business wall street main give every woman opportunity deserve believe woman succeed america succeed woman hold majority low wage job one stifle stagnant wage american understand people earn money others resent virtue effort achieve incredible success america americans overwhelmingly agree one work ever raise family poverty year since ask congress raise minimum wage five state pass law raise many business do nick chute today bos john soranno john owner punch pizza minneapolis nick help make dough make john give employee raise 10 buck hour decision ease financial stress boost morale tonight ask america business leader follow john lead raise employee wage good economy good america every mayor governor state legislator america say wait congress act americans support take chief executive intend lead example profitable corporation like costco see high wage smart way boost productivity reduce turnover come week issue executive order require federal contractor pay federally fund employee fair wage least 10 dollar 10 cent hour cook troop meal wash dish live poverty course reach million congress need get board today federal minimum wage worth 20 percent less ronald reagan first stand tom harkin george miller bill fix lift minimum wage 10 dollar 10 cent easy remember help family give business customer money spend involve new bureaucratic program join rest country say yes give america raise give raise step take help family make end meet effective reduce inequality help family pull hard work tax credit right help half parent point think help half parent america point life agree republican like senator rubio enough single worker kid let u work together strengthen credit reward work help american get ahead let u help american save retirement today worker pension social security check often enough stock market double last 5 year help folks 401 k tomorrow direct treasury create new way work american start retirement saving new saving bond encourages folks build nest egg myra guarantee decent return risk lose put congress want help work fix tax code give big tax break help wealthy save little nothing middle class american offer every american access automatic ira job save work like everybody chamber since important investment many family make home send legislation protect taxpayer foot bill housing crisis ever keep dream homeownership alive future generation one last point financial security decade thing expose family economic hardship break health care system case heard process fix preexist condition use mean someone like amanda shelley physician assistant single mom arizona could get health insurance january 1 get cover january 3 felt sharp pain january 6 emergency surgery one week earlier amanda say surgery would mean bankruptcy health insurance reform peace mind misfortune strike lose everything already affordable care act 3 million american age 26 gain coverage parent plan 9 million american signed private health insurance medicaid coverage nine million another number zero law ever drop deny coverage preexist condition like asthma back pain cancer woman ever charge woman add year medicare finance keep medicare premium flat lower prescription cost million senior expect convince republican friend merit law know american people interested refighting old battle specific plan cut cost cover people increase choice tell america would differently let u see number add let u another vote repeal law already help million american like amanda first 40 plenty owe american people say want know real impact law talk governor steve beshear kentucky tonight kentucky liberal part country get high vote total like man possess come cover commonwealth family neighbor friend say people shop go church farmer tractor grocery clerk people go work every morning pray get sick one deserve live way steve right tonight ask every american know someone without health insurance help get cover march 31 help get cover mom get kid sign kid call mom walk application give peace mind plus appreciate hearing spirit always move nation forward spirit citizenship recognition hard work responsibility pursue individual dream still come together one american family make sure next generation pursue dream well citizenship mean stand everyone right vote last year part voting right act weaken conservative republican liberal democrat work together strengthen bipartisan commission appoint chair campaign lawyer governor romney campaign lawyer come together offer reform one wait half hour vote let u support effort power vote size bank account drive democracy citizenship mean stand life gun violence steal u day see courage parent student pastor police officer country say afraid intend keep try without congress help stop tragedy visit innocent american movie theater shop mall school like sandy hook citizenship demand sense common purpose participation hard work obligation serve community know chamber agrees american give country diplomat men woman unite state arm force thank tonight extraordinary troop civilian risk lay life keep u free united state secure take office nearly americans serve iraq afghanistan today troop iraq troop already come home afghanistan afghan force lead security troop move support role together ally complete mission end year america long war finally 2014 support unify afghanistan take responsibility future afghan government sign security agreement negotiate small force american could remain afghanistan nato ally carry two narrow mission train assist afghan force counterterrorism operation pursue remnant al qaida relationship afghanistan change one thing resolve terrorist launch attack country fact danger remain put al qaida core leadership path defeat threat evolve al qaida affiliate extremist take root different part world yemen somalia iraq mali keep work partner disrupt disable network syria support opposition reject agenda terrorist network home keep strengthen defense combat new threat like cyber attack reform defense budget keep faith men woman uniform invest capability need succeed future mission remain vigilant strongly believe leadership security depend outstanding military alone commander chief use force need protect american people never hesitate long hold office send troop harm way unless truly necessary allow son daughter mire conflict must fight battle need fought terrorist prefer u deployment drain strength may ultimately fee extremism even actively aggressively pursue terrorist network target effort build capacity foreign partner america must move permanent war footing impose prudent limit use drone safer people abroad believe strike within country without regard consequence work congress reform surveillance program vital work intelligence community depend public confidence abroad privacy ordinary people violate afghan war end need year congress lift remain restriction detainee transfer close prison guantanamo bay counter terrorism intelligence military action remain true constitutional ideal set example rest world see world complex threat security leadership depend element power include strong principled diplomacy american diplomacy rally 50 country prevent nuclear material fall wrong hand allow u reduce reliance cold war stockpile american diplomacy back threat force syria chemical weapon eliminate continue work international community usher future syrian people deserve future free dictatorship terror fear speak american diplomacy support israeli palestinian engage difficult necessary talk end conflict achieve dignity independent state palestinian last peace security state israel jewish state know america always side american diplomacy back pressure halt progress iran nuclear program roll back part program first time decade gather tonight iran begin eliminate stockpile high level enrich uranium installing advance centrifuge unprecedented inspection help world verify every day iran build bomb ally partner engage negotiation see peacefully achieve goal share prevent iran obtain nuclear weapon negotiation difficult may succeed clear eye iran support terrorist organization like hizballah threatens ally clear mistrust nation mistrust wish away negotiation rely trust deal agree must base verifiable action convince u international community iran building nuclear bomb john kennedy ronald reagan could negotiate soviet union surely strong confident america negotiate less powerful adversary today sanction put place help make opportunity possible let clear congress send new sanction bill threaten derail talk veto sake national security must give diplomacy chance succeed iran leader seize opportunity first call sanction stand ready exercise option make sure iran build nuclear weapon iran leader seize know soon iran could take important step rejoin community nation resolve one lead security challenge time without risk war finally let u remember leadership define defense threat enormous opportunity good promote understand around globe forge great cooperation expand new market free people fear want one good position take advantage opportunity america alliance europe remain strong world ever know tunisia burma support willing hard work build democracy ukraine stand principle people right express freely peacefully say country future across africa bring together business government double access electricity help end extreme poverty america build new tie commerce also expand cultural educational exchange among young people continue focus support ally shape future great security prosperity extend hand devastate disaster philippine marine civilian rush aid batter typhoon greeted word like never forget kindness god bless america thing help promote security believe inherent dignity equality every human regardless race religion creed sexual orientation next week world see one expression commitment team march red white blue olympic stadium bring home gold fellow american country world every issue world turn u simply size economy military might ideal stand burden bear advance one know good serve uniform time war draw close new generation hero return civilian life keep slash backlog veteran receive benefit earn wound warrior receive health mental health need keep work help veteran translate skill leadership job home continue join force honor support remarkable military family let tell one family come know first meet cory remsburg proud army ranger omaha beach 65th anniversary along fellow ranger walk program ceremony strong impressive young man easy manner sharp tack joke around take picture tell stay touch month later 10th deployment cory nearly kill massive roadside bomb afghanistan comrade find canal face underwater shrapnel brain month lay coma next time meet hospital could speak could barely move year endure dozen surgery procedure hour grueling rehab every day even cory still blind one eye still struggle left side slowly steadily support caregiver like dad craig community around cory grown strong day day learn speak stand walk work toward day serve country recovery easy say nothing life worth anything easy cory tonight like army love like america serf sergeant first class cory remsburg never give quit cory fellow american men woman like cory remind u america never come easy freedom democracy never easy sometimes stumble make mistake get frustrate discourage 200 year put thing aside place collective shoulder wheel progress create build expand possibility individual achievement free nation tyranny fear promote justice fairness equality law word set paper founder make real every citizen america want rise america honest work plentiful community strong prosperity widely share opportunity let u u go far dreams toil take easy work summon best u way cory summon best foot plant firmly today eye cast toward tomorrow know within reach believe god bless god bless united state america