 Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow citizens: Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results. Jobs are booming, incomes are soaring, poverty is plummeting, crime is falling, confidence is surging, and our country is thriving and highly respected again. America's enemies are on the run, America's fortunes are on the rise, and America's future is blazing bright. The years of economic decay are over. The days of our country being used, taken advantage of, and even scorned by other nations are long behind us. Gone too are the broken promises, jobless recoveries, tired platitudes, and constant excuses for the depletion of American wealth, power, and prestige. In just 3 short years, we have shattered the mentality of American decline, and we have rejected the downsizing of America's destiny. We have totally rejected the downsizing. We are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago, and we are never, ever going back. I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been. Our military is completely rebuilt, with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world, and it's not even close. Our borders are secure. Our families are flourishing. Our values are renewed. Our pride is restored. And for all of these reasons, I say to the people of our great country and to the Members of Congress: The state of our Union is stronger than ever before. The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world's most prosperous and inclusive society, one where every citizen can join in America's unparalleled success and where every community can take part in America's extraordinary rise. From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the U.S. economy, slashing a record number of job-killing regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements. Our agenda is relentlessly pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth, and, most of all, pro-American. [ ] Thank you. Thank you. We are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting our citizens of every race, color, religion, and creed very, very high. Since my election, we have created 7 million new jobs, 5 million more than Government experts projected during the previous administration. The unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century. And very incredibly, the average unemployment rate under my administration is lower than any administration in the history of our country. [ ] True. If we hadn't reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration, the world would not now be witnessing this great economic success. The unemployment rate for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans has reached the lowest levels in history. African American youth unemployment has reached an alltime low. African American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded. The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years. And last year, women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added. The veterans unemployment rate dropped to a record low. The unemployment rate for disabled Americans has reached an alltime low. Workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in U.S. history. A record number of young Americans are now employed. Under the last administration, more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls. Under my administration, 7 million Americans have come off food stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare. In 8 years under the last administration, over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce. In just 3 years of my administration, 3.5 million people—working-age people—have joined the workforce. Since my election, the net worth of the bottom half of wage earners has increased by 47 percent, three times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent. After decades of flat and falling incomes, wages are rising fast, and wonderfully, they are rising fastest for low-income workers, who have seen a 16-percent pay increase since my election. This is a blue-collar boom. Real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded. Since my election, U.S. stock markets have soared 70 percent, adding more than $12 trillion to our Nation's wealth, transcending anything anyone believed was possible. This is a record. It is something that every country in the world is looking up to. They admire. Consumer confidence has just reached amazing new highs. All of those millions of people with 401(k)s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 percent and even more. Jobs and investments are pouring into 9,000 previously neglected neighborhoods thanks to Opportunity Zones, a plan spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott as part of our great Republican tax cuts. In other words, wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that haven't seen investment in many decades, creating jobs, energy, and excitement. This is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this. It's all working. Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio. After struggling with drug addiction, Tony lost his job, his house, and his family. He was homeless. But then, Tony found a construction company that invests in Opportunity Zones. He is now a top tradesman, drug-free, reunited with his family, and he is here tonight. Tony, keep up the great work. Tony. Thank you, Tony. Our roaring economy has, for the first time ever, given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start. This second chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark criminal justice reform into law. Everybody said that criminal justice reform couldn't be done, but I got it done, and the people in this room got it done. Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world, by far. With the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years, America is now energy independent, and energy jobs, like so many other elements of our country, are at a record high. We are doing numbers that no one would have thought possible just 3 years ago. Likewise, we are restoring our Nation's manufacturing might, even though predictions were, as you all know, that this could never, ever be done. After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations, America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my administration, with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or being built. Companies are not leaving; they are coming back to the U.S.A. The fact is that everybody wants to be where the action is, and the United States of America is indeed the place where the action is. One of the biggest promises I made to the American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal. In fact, unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that I decided to run for President. Following NAFTA's adoption, our Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs. Many politicians came and went, pledging to change or replace NAFTA, only to do so, and then absolutely nothing happened. But unlike so many who came before me, I keep my promises: We did our job. Six days ago, I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand-new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement into law. The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs and massively boost exports for our farmers, ranchers, and factory workers. It will also bring trade with Mexico and Canada to a much higher level, but also to be a much greater degree of fairness and reciprocity. We will have that: fairness and reciprocity. And I say that, finally, because it's been many, many years that we were treated fairly on trade. This is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of America's labor unions. I also promised our citizens that I would impose tariffs to confront China's massive theft of America's jobs. Our strategy has worked. Days ago, we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers, protect our intellectual property, bring billions and billions of dollars into our treasury, and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the U.S.A. For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States. Now we have changed that, but, at the same time, we have perhaps the best relationship we've ever had with China, including with President Xi. They respect what we've done, because, quite frankly, they could never really believe that they were able to get away with what they were doing year after year, decade after decade, without someone in our country stepping up and saying, "That's enough." Now we want to rebuild our country, and that's exactly what we're doing. We are rebuilding our country. As we restore American leadership throughout the world, we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere. That's why my administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on Cuba. We are supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to restore democracy. The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, a tyrant who brutalizes his people. But Maduro's grip on tyranny will be smashed and broken. Here this evening is a very brave man who carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all Venezuelans. Joining us in the Gallery is the true and legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. Mr. President, please take this message back to your homeland. Thank you, Mr. President. Great honor. Thank you very much. Please take this message back that all Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you very much. Socialism destroys nations. But always remember: Freedom unifies the soul. To safeguard American liberty, we have invested a record-breaking $2.2 trillion in the United States military. We have purchased the finest planes, missiles, rockets, ships, and every other form of military equipment, and it's all made right here in the U.S.A. We are also getting our allies, finally, to help pay their fair share. I have raised contributions from the other NATO members by more than $400 billion, and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled. And just weeks ago, for the first time since President Truman established the Air Force more than 70 years earlier, we created a brand-new branch of the United States Armed Forces. It's called the Space Force. Very important. In the Gallery tonight, we have a young gentleman. And what he wants so badly—13 years old—Iain Lanphier. He's an eighth grader from Arizona. Iain, please stand up. Iain has always dreamed of going to space. He was the first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy. He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy, and then he has his eye on the Space Force. As Iain says: "Most people look up at space. I want to look down on the world." [ ] But sitting behind Iain tonight is his greatest hero of them all. Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one century ago. Charles is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen—the first Black fighter pilots—and he also happens to be Iain's great-grandfather. Incredible story. After more than 130 combat missions in World War II, he came back home to a country still struggling for civil rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7, Charles celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today I pinned the stars on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee, our Nation salutes you. Thank you, sir. From the pilgrims to the Founders, from the soldiers at Valley Forge to the marchers at Selma, and from President Lincoln to the Reverend Martin Luther King, Americans have always rejected limits on our children's future. Members of Congress, we must never forget that the only victories that matter in Washington are victories that deliver for the American people. The people are the heart of our country, their dreams are the soul of our country, and their love is what powers and sustains our country. We must always remember that our job is to put America first. The next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young American gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Yet, for too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools. To rescue these students, 18 States have created school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships. The programs are so popular that tens of thousands of students remain on a waiting list. One of those students is Janiyah Davis, a fourth grader from Philadelphia. Janiyah. Janiyah's mom, Stephanie, is a single parent. She would do anything to give her daughter a better future. But last year, that future was put further out of reach when Pennsylvania's Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice to 50,000 children. Janiyah and Stephanie are in the Gallery. Stephanie, thank you so much for being here with your beautiful daughter. Thank you very much. But, Janiyah, I have some good news for you, because I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over. I can proudly announce tonight that an "opportunity scholarship" has become available, it's going to you, and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice. Now I call on Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received. Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunities Act, because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school. Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and to grow. For this reason, our magnificent First Lady has launched the "Be Best" initiative to advance a safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free life for the next generation: online, in school, and in our communities. Thank you, Melania, for your extraordinary love and profound care for America's children. Thank you very much. My administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background. Through our Pledge to American Workers, over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million Americans. My budget also contains an exciting vision for our Nation's high schools. Tonight I ask Congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in America. To expand equal opportunity, I am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A good life for American families also requires the most affordable, innovative, and high-quality health care system on Earth. Before I took office, health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just 5 years. I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives. Our new plans are up to 60-percent less expensive and better. I've also made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with preexisting conditions. And we will always protect your Medicare, and we will always protect your Social Security. Always. The American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills. That is why I signed an Executive order requiring price transparency. Many experts believe that transparency, which will go into full effect at the beginning of next year, will be even bigger than health care reform. It will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care. But as we work to improve Americans' health care, there are those who want to take away your health care, take away your doctor, and abolish private insurance entirely.  Boo!  One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our health care system, wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million very happy Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American health care. Over 130 legislators in this Chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded health care to millions of illegal aliens, forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders. These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits of our seniors, and that our seniors depend on, while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration. That is what is happening in California and other States. Their systems are totally out of control, costing taxpayers vast and unaffordable amounts of money. If forcing American taxpayers to provide unlimited free health care to illegal aliens sounds fair to you, then stand with the radical left. But if you believe that we should defend American patients and American seniors, then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government health care for illegal aliens. This will be a tremendous boon to our already very strongly guarded southern border where, as we speak, a long, tall, and very powerful wall is being built. We have now completed over 100 miles and have over 500 miles fully completed in a very short period of time. Early next year, we will have substantially more than 500 miles completed. My administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies. We have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs, and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before. And I was pleased to announce last year that, for the first time in 51 years, the cost of prescription drugs actually went down. And working together, Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels. I've been speaking to Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and others in Congress in order to get something on drug pricing done, and done quickly and properly. I'm calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill on my desk, and I will sign it into law immediately.  H.R. 3! H.R. 3! H.R. 3! With unyielding commitment, we are curbing the opioid epidemic. Drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years. Among the States hardest hit, Ohio is down 22 percent, Pennsylvania is down 18 percent, Wisconsin is down 10 percent, and we will not quit until we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all. Protecting Americans' health also means fighting infectious diseases. We are coordinating with the Chinese Government and working closely together on the coronavirus outbreak in China. My administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat. We have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for Americans with kidney disease, Alzheimer's, and those struggling with mental health. And because Congress was so good as to fund my request, new cures for childhood cancer, and we will eradicate the AIDS epidemic in America by the end of this decade. Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Here tonight is a special man, beloved by millions of Americans who just received a stage-4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet. Rush Limbaugh, thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country. And, Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to present you with the honor. Please. [ ] Thank you, Rush! [ ] Rush and Kathryn, congratulations. Thank you, Kathryn. As we pray for all who are sick, we know that America is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs. In 2017, doctors at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive. Born at just 21 weeks and 6 days, and weighing less than a pound, Ellie Schneider was a born fighter. Through the skill of her doctors and the prayers of her parents, little Ellie kept on winning the battle of life. Today, Ellie is a strong, healthy 2-year-old girl sitting with her amazing mother Robin in the Gallery. Ellie and Robin, we are glad to have you with us tonight. Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life. And thanks to modern medical wonders, 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where Ellie was born now survive. It's an incredible thing. Thank you very much. Our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like Ellie. That is why I'm asking Congress to provide an additional $50 million to fund neonatal research for America's youngest patients. That is why I'm also calling upon Members of Congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the late-term abortion of babies. Whether we are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from God. As we support America's moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country. Now I call on the Congress to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across our Nation. Forty million American families have an average $2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit. I've also overseen historic funding increases for high-quality childcare, enabling 17 States to help more children, many of which have reduced or eliminated their wait-lists altogether. And I sent Congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to high-quality childcare and urge you to act immediately. To protect the environment, days ago, I announced that the United States will join the 1 Trillion Trees initiative, an ambitious effort to bring together government and private sector to plant new trees in America and all around the world. We must also rebuild America's infrastructure. I ask you to pass Senator John Barrasso's highway bill to invest in new roads, bridges, and tunnels all across our land. I'm also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including and especially in rural America. A better tomorrow for all Americans also requires us to keep America safe. That means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level, including our Nation's heroic ICE officers. Last year, our brave ICE officers arrested more than 120,000 criminal aliens charged with nearly 10,000 burglaries, 5,000 sexual assaults, 45,000 violent assaults, and 2,000 murders. Tragically, there are many cities in America where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens.  Boo!  In sanctuary cities, local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public, instead of handing them over to ICE to be safely removed. Just 29 days ago, a criminal alien freed by the sanctuary city of New York was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman. The killer had been previously arrested for assault, but under New York's sanctuary policies, he was set free. If the city had honored ICE's detainer request, his victim would still be alive today. The State of California passed an outrageous law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal immigrants—a very terrible sanctuary—with catastrophic results. Here is just one tragic example. In December 2018, California police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests, including convictions for robbery and assault. But as required by California's Sanctuary Law, local authorities released him. Days later, the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence. He viciously shot one man going about his daily work. He approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and in the chest. He walked into a convenience store and wildly fired his weapon. He hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles, critically injuring innocent victims. One of the victims is—a terrible, terrible situation; died—51-year-old American named Rocky Jones. Rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range, murdering him in cold blood. Rocky left behind a devoted family, including his brothers, who loved him more than anything else in the world. One of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight. Jody, would you please stand?  Jody!  Jody, thank you. Jody our hearts weep for your loss, and we will not rest until you have justice. Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation to allow Americans like Jody to sue sanctuary cities and States when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly practices. I ask Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately. The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans, not criminal aliens. In the last 3 years, ICE has arrested over 5,000 wicked human traffickers. And I have signed nine pieces of legislation to stamp out the menace of human trafficking, domestically and all around the globe. My administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States. Before I came into office, if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested, you were simply released and allowed into our country, never to be seen again. My administration has ended catch-and-release. If you come illegally, you will now be promptly removed from our country. Very importantly, we entered into historic cooperation agreements with the governments of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. As a result of our unprecedented efforts, illegal crossings are down 75 percent since May, dropping 8 straight months in a row. And as the wall rapidly goes up, drug seizures rise, and the border crossings are down, and going down very rapidly. Last year, I traveled to the border in Texas and met Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz. Over the last 24 months, Agent Ortiz and his team have seized more than 200,000 pounds of poisonous narcotics, arrested more than 3,000 human smugglers, and rescued more than 2,000 migrants. Days ago, Agent Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Border Patrol, and he joins us tonight. Chief Ortiz, please stand. A grateful nation thanks you and all of the heroes of Border Patrol and ICE. Thank you very much. Thank you. To build on these historic gains, we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit, welcoming those who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, support themselves financially, and uphold our values. With every action, my administration is restoring the rule of law and reasserting the culture of American freedom. Working with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell—thank you, Mitch—and his colleagues in the Senate, we have confirmed a record number of 187 new Federal judges to uphold our Constitution as written. This includes two brilliant new Supreme Court Justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Thank you. And we have many in the pipeline. [ ] My administration is also defending religious liberty, and that includes the constitutional right to pray in public schools. In America, we don't punish prayer. We don't tear down crosses. We don't ban symbols of faith. We don't muzzle preachers and pastors. In America, we celebrate faith, we cherish religion, we lift our voices in prayer, and we raise our sights to the glory of God. Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am President, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. In reaffirming our heritage as a free nation, we must remember that America has always been a frontier nation. Now we must embrace the next frontier, America's manifest destiny in the stars. I am asking Congress to fully fund the Artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the Moon will be American astronauts, using this as a launching pad to ensure that America is the first nation to plant its flag on Mars. My administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical Islamic terrorism. Last week, I announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Recognizing that all past attempts have failed, we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the chance to realize a better future. Three years ago, the barbarians of ISIS held over 20,000 square miles of territory in Iraq and Syria. Today, the ISIS territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed, and the founder and leader of ISIS—the bloodthirsty killer known as al-Baghdadi—is dead. We are joined this evening by Carl and Marsha Mueller. After graduating from college, their beautiful daughter Kayla became a humanitarian aid worker. She once wrote: "Some people find God in church. Some people find God in nature. Some people find God in love. I find God in suffering. I've known for some time what my life's work is, using my hands as tools to relieve suffering." In 2013, while caring for suffering civilians in Syria, Kayla was kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved by ISIS and kept as a prisoner of al-Baghdadi himself. After more than 500 horrifying days of captivity, al-Baghdadi murdered young, beautiful Kayla. She was just 26 years old. On the night that U.S. Special Forces Operations ended al-Baghdadi's miserable life, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, received a call in the Situation Room. He was told that the brave men of the elite special forces team that so perfectly carried out the operation had given their mission a name: "Task Force 8–14." It was a reference to a special day: August 14, Kayla's birthday. Carl and Marsha, America's warriors never forgot Kayla, and neither will we. Thank you. Every day, America's men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depth of love that dwells in the human heart. One of these American heroes was Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake. On his second deployment to Iraq in 2008, Sergeant Hake wrote a letter to his 1-year-old son, Gage: "I will be with you again," he wrote to Gage. "I will teach you to ride your first bike, build your first sandbox, watch you play sports, and see you have kids also. I love you, son. Take care of your mother. I am always with you. Daddy." On Easter Sunday of 2008, Chris was out on patrol in Baghdad when his Bradley fighting vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. That night, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sergeant Hake now rests in eternal glory in Arlington, and his wife Kelli is in the Gallery tonight, joined by their son, who is now a 13-year-old and doing very, very well. To Kelli and Gage: Chris will live in our hearts forever. He is looking down on you now. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you both very much. The terrorist responsible for killing Sergeant Hake was Qasem Soleimani, who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took Chris's life. Soleimani was the Iranian regime's most ruthless butcher, a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of American servicemembers in Iraq. As the world's top terrorist, Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men, women, and children. He directed the December assault and went on to assault U.S. forces in Iraq. Was actively planning new attacks when we hit him very hard. And that's why, last month, at my direction, the U.S. military executed a flawless precision strike that killed Soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever. Our message to the terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice. If you attack our citizens, you forfeit your life. In recent months, we have seen proud Iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers. The Iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons; stop spreading terror, death, and destruction; and start working for the good of its own people. Because of our powerful sanctions, the Iranian economy is doing very, very poorly. We can help them make a very good and short-time recovery. It can all go very quickly, but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help. We are here. Let's see which road they choose. It is totally up to them. As we defend American lives, we are working to end America's wars in the Middle East. In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress, and peace talks are now underway. I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them totally innocent. It is also not our function to serve other nations as law enforcement agencies. These are warfighters that we have—the best in the world—and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all. We are working to finally end America's longest war and bring our troops back home. War places a heavy burden on our Nation's extraordinary military families, especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and her two children, 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan. Amy works full-time and volunteers countless hours helping other military families. For the past 7 months, she has done it all while her husband, Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams, is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment in the Middle East. Amy's kids haven't seen their father's face in many months. Amy, your family's sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and in peace, and we want to thank you. Thank you, Amy. But, Amy, there is one more thing. Tonight we have a very special surprise. I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back from deployment. He is here with us tonight, and we couldn't keep him waiting any longer.  U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!  Welcome home, Sergeant Williams. Thank you very much. As the world bears witness tonight, America is a land of heroes. This is a place where greatness is born, where destinies are forged, and where legends come to life. This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt, of many great generals including Washington, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and so many more. This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, and Annie Oakley. This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo—[ ]—the beautiful, beautiful Alamo. The American nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest, strongest, fiercest, and most determined men and women ever to walk on the face of the Earth. Our ancestors braved the unknown; tamed the wilderness; settled the Wild West; lifted millions from poverty, disease, and hunger; vanquished tyranny and fascism; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine; laid down the railroads, dug out the canals, raised up the skyscrapers. And, ladies and gentlemen, our ancestors built the most exceptional republic ever to exist in all of human history, and we are making it greater than ever before. This is our glorious and magnificent inheritance. We are Americans. We are pioneers. We are the pathfinders. We settled the New World, we built the modern world, and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of Almighty God. America is the place where anything can happen. America is the place where anyone can rise. And here, on this land, on this soil, on this continent, the most incredible dreams come true. This Nation is our canvas, and this country is our masterpiece. We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored. Our brightest discoveries are not yet known. Our most thrilling stories are not yet told. Our grandest journeys are not yet made. The American age, the American epic, the American adventure has only just begun. Our spirit is still young, the Sun is still rising, God's grace is still shining, and, my fellow Americans, the best is yet to come. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow citizens: Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results. Jobs are booming, incomes are soaring, poverty is plummeting, crime is falling, confidence is surging, and our country is thriving and highly respected again. America's enemies are on the run, America's fortunes are on the rise, and America's future is blazing bright. The years of economic decay are over. The days of our country being used, taken advantage of, and even scorned by other nations are long behind us. Gone too are the broken promises, jobless recoveries, tired platitudes, and constant excuses for the depletion of American wealth, power, and prestige. In just 3 short years, we have shattered the mentality of American decline, and we have rejected the downsizing of America's destiny. We have totally rejected the downsizing. We are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago, and we are never, ever going back. I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been. Our military is completely rebuilt, with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world, and it is not even close. Our borders are secure. Our families are flourishing. Our values are renewed. Our pride is restored. And for all of these reasons, I say to the people of our great country and to the Members of Congress: The state of our Union is stronger than ever before. The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world's most prosperous and inclusive society, one where every citizen can join in America's unparalleled success and where every community can take part in America's extraordinary rise. From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the YOU.S. economy, slashing a record number of job-killing regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements. Our agenda is relentlessly pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth, and, most of all, pro-American. [ ] Thank you. Thank you. We are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting our citizens of every race, color, religion, and creed very, very high. Since my election, we have created 7 million new jobs, 5 million more than Government experts projected during the previous administration. The unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century. And very incredibly, the average unemployment rate under my administration is lower than any administration in the history of our country. [ ] True. If we had not reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration, the world would not now be witnessing this great economic success. The unemployment rate for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans has reached the lowest levels in history. African American youth unemployment has reached an alltime low. African American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded. The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years. And last year, women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added. The veterans unemployment rate dropped to a record low. The unemployment rate for disabled Americans has reached an alltime low. Workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in YOU.S. history. A record number of young Americans are now employed. Under the last administration, more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls. Under my administration, 7 million Americans have come off food stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare. In 8 years under the last administration, over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce. In just 3 years of my administration, 3.5 million people—working-age people—have joined the workforce. Since my election, the net worth of the bottom half of wage earners has increased by 47 percent, three times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent. After decades of flat and falling incomes, wages are rising fast, and wonderfully, they are rising fastest for low-income workers, who have seen a 16-percent pay increase since my election. This is a blue-collar boom. Real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded. Since my election, YOU.S. stock markets have soared 70 percent, adding more than $12 trillion to our Nation's wealth, transcending anything anyone believed was possible. This is a record. It is something that every country in the world is looking up to. They admire. Consumer confidence has just reached amazing new highs. All of those millions of people with 401(k)s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 percent and even more. Jobs and investments are pouring into 9,000 previously neglected neighborhoods thanks to Opportunity Zones, a plan spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott as part of our great Republican tax cuts. In other words, wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades, creating jobs, energy, and excitement. This is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this. It is all working. Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio. After struggling with drug addiction, Tony lost his job, his house, and his family. He was homeless. But then, Tony found a construction company that invests in Opportunity Zones. He is now a top tradesman, drug-free, reunited with his family, and he is here tonight. Tony, keep up the great work. Tony. Thank you, Tony. Our roaring economy has, for the first time ever, given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start. This second chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark criminal justice reform into law. Everybody said that criminal justice reform could not be done, but I got it done, and the people in this room got it done. Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world, by far. With the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years, America is now energy independent, and energy jobs, like so many other elements of our country, are at a record high. We are doing numbers that no one would have thought possible just 3 years ago. Likewise, we are restoring our Nation's manufacturing might, even though predictions were, as you all know, that this could never, ever be done. After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations, America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my administration, with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or being built. Companies are not leaving; they are coming back to the YOU.S.A. The fact is that everybody wants to be where the action is, and the United States of America is indeed the place where the action is. One of the biggest promises I made to the American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal. In fact, unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that I decided to run for President. Following NAFTA's adoption, our Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs. Many politicians came and went, pledging to change or replace NAFTA, only to do so, and then absolutely nothing happened. But unlike so many who came before me, I keep my promises: We did our job. Six days ago, I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand-new YOU.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement into law. The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs and massively boost exports for our farmers, ranchers, and factory workers. It will also bring trade with Mexico and Canada to a much higher level, but also to be a much greater degree of fairness and reciprocity. We will have that: fairness and reciprocity. And I say that, finally, because it is been many, many years that we were treated fairly on trade. This is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of America's labor unions. I also promised our citizens that I would impose tariffs to confront China's massive theft of America's jobs. Our strategy has worked. Days ago, we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers, protect our intellectual property, bring billions and billions of dollars into our treasury, and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the YOU.S.A. For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States. Now we have changed that, but, at the same time, we have perhaps the best relationship we have ever had with China, including with President Xi. They respect what we have done, because, quite frankly, they could never really believe that they were able to get away with what they were doing year after year, decade after decade, without someone in our country stepping up and saying, "That is enough." Now we want to rebuild our country, and that is exactly what we are doing. We are rebuilding our country. As we restore American leadership throughout the world, we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere. That is why my administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on Cuba. We are supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to restore democracy. The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, a tyrant who brutalizes his people. But Maduro's grip on tyranny will be smashed and broken. Here this evening is a very brave man who carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all Venezuelans. Joining us in the Gallery is the true and legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. Mr. President, please take this message back to your homeland. Thank you, Mr. President. Great honor. Thank you very much. Please take this message back that all Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you very much. Socialism destroys nations. But always remember: Freedom unifies the soul. To safeguard American liberty, we have invested a record-breaking $2.2 trillion in the United States military. We have purchased the finest planes, missiles, rockets, ships, and every other form of military equipment, and it is all made right here in the YOU.S.A. We are also getting our allies, finally, to help pay their fair share. I have raised contributions from the other NATO members by more than $400 billion, and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled. And just weeks ago, for the first time since President Truman established the Air Force more than 70 years earlier, we created a brand-new branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is called the Space Force. Very important. In the Gallery tonight, we have a young gentleman. And what he wants so badly—13 years old—Iain Lanphier. He is an eighth grader from Arizona. Iain, please stand up. Iain has always dreamed of going to space. He was the first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy. He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy, and then he has his eye on the Space Force. As Iain says: "Most people look up at space. I want to look down on the world." [ ] But sitting behind Iain tonight is his greatest hero of them all. Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one century ago. Charles is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen—the first Black fighter pilots—and he also happens to be Iain's great-grandfather. Incredible story. After more than 130 combat missions in World War II, he came back home to a country still struggling for civil rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7, Charles celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today I pinned the stars on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee, our Nation salutes you. Thank you, sir. From the pilgrims to the Founders, from the soldiers at Valley Forge to the marchers at Selma, and from President Lincoln to the Reverend Martin Luther King, Americans have always rejected limits on our children's future. Members of Congress, we must never forget that the only victories that matter in Washington are victories that deliver for the American people. The people are the heart of our country, their dreams are the soul of our country, and their love is what powers and sustains our country. We must always remember that our job is to put America first. The next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young American gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Yet, for too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools. To rescue these students, 18 States have created school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships. The programs are so popular that tens of thousands of students remain on a waiting list. One of those students is Janiyah Davis, a fourth grader from Philadelphia. Janiyah. Janiyah's mom, Stephanie, is a single parent. She would do anything to give her daughter a better future. But last year, that future was put further out of reach when Pennsylvania's Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice to 50,000 children. Janiyah and Stephanie are in the Gallery. Stephanie, thank you so much for being here with your beautiful daughter. Thank you very much. But, Janiyah, I have some good news for you, because I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over. I can proudly announce tonight that an "opportunity scholarship" has become available, it is going to you, and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice. Now I call on Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received. Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunities Act, because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school. Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and to grow. For this reason, our magnificent First Lady has launched the "Be Best" initiative to advance a safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free life for the next generation: online, in school, and in our communities. Thank you, Melania, for your extraordinary love and profound care for America's children. Thank you very much. My administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background. Through our Pledge to American Workers, over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million Americans. My budget also contains an exciting vision for our Nation's high schools. Tonight I ask Congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in America. To expand equal opportunity, I am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A good life for American families also requires the most affordable, innovative, and high-quality health care system on Earth. Before I took office, health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just 5 years. I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives. Our new plans are up to 60-percent less expensive and better. I have also made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with preexisting conditions. And we will always protect your Medicare, and we will always protect your Social Security. Always. The American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills. That is why I signed an Executive order requiring price transparency. Many experts believe that transparency, which will go into full effect at the beginning of next year, will be even bigger than health care reform. It will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care. But as we work to improve Americans' health care, there are those who want to take away your health care, take away your doctor, and abolish private insurance entirely. Boo! One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our health care system, wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million very happy Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American health care. Over 130 legislators in this Chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded health care to millions of illegal aliens, forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders. These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits of our seniors, and that our seniors depend on, while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration. That is what is happening in California and other States. Their systems are totally out of control, costing taxpayers vast and unaffordable amounts of money. If forcing American taxpayers to provide unlimited free health care to illegal aliens sounds fair to you, then stand with the radical left. But if you believe that we should defend American patients and American seniors, then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government health care for illegal aliens. This will be a tremendous boon to our already very strongly guarded southern border where, as we speak, a long, tall, and very powerful wall is being built. We have now completed over 100 miles and have over 500 miles fully completed in a very short period of time. Early next year, we will have substantially more than 500 miles completed. My administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies. We have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs, and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before. And I was pleased to announce last year that, for the first time in 51 years, the cost of prescription drugs actually went down. And working together, Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels. I have been speaking to Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and others in Congress in order to get something on drug pricing done, and done quickly and properly. I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill on my desk, and I will sign it into law immediately. H.R. 3! H.R. 3! H.R. 3! With unyielding commitment, we are curbing the opioid epidemic. Drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years. Among the States hardest hit, Ohio is down 22 percent, Pennsylvania is down 18 percent, Wisconsin is down 10 percent, and we will not quit until we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all. Protecting Americans' health also means fighting infectious diseases. We are coordinating with the Chinese Government and working closely together on the coronavirus outbreak in China. My administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat. We have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for Americans with kidney disease, Alzheimer's, and those struggling with mental health. And because Congress was so good as to fund my request, new cures for childhood cancer, and we will eradicate the AIDS epidemic in America by the end of this decade. Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Here tonight is a special man, beloved by millions of Americans who just received a stage-4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet. Rush Limbaugh, thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country. And, Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to present you with the honor. Please. [ ] Thank you, Rush! [ ] Rush and Kathryn, congratulations. Thank you, Kathryn. As we pray for all who are sick, we know that America is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs. In 2017, doctors at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive. Born at just 21 weeks and 6 days, and weighing less than a pound, Ellie Schneider was a born fighter. Through the skill of her doctors and the prayers of her parents, little Ellie kept on winning the battle of life. Today, Ellie is a strong, healthy 2-year-old girl sitting with her amazing mother Robin in the Gallery. Ellie and Robin, we are glad to have you with us tonight. Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life. And thanks to modern medical wonders, 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where Ellie was born now survive. It is an incredible thing. Thank you very much. Our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like Ellie. That is why I am asking Congress to provide an additional $50 million to fund neonatal research for America's youngest patients. That is why I am also calling upon Members of Congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the late-term abortion of babies. Whether we are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from God. As we support America's moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country. Now I call on the Congress to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across our Nation. Forty million American families have an average $2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit. I have also overseen historic funding increases for high-quality childcare, enabling 17 States to help more children, many of which have reduced or eliminated their wait-lists altogether. And I sent Congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to high-quality childcare and urge you to act immediately. To protect the environment, days ago, I announced that the United States will join the 1 Trillion Trees initiative, an ambitious effort to bring together government and private sector to plant new trees in America and all around the world. We must also rebuild America's infrastructure. I ask you to pass Senator John Barrasso's highway bill to invest in new roads, bridges, and tunnels all across our land. I am also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including and especially in rural America. A better tomorrow for all Americans also requires us to keep America safe. That means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level, including our Nation's heroic ICE officers. Last year, our brave ICE officers arrested more than 120,000 criminal aliens charged with nearly 10,000 burglaries, 5,000 sexual assaults, 45,000 violent assaults, and 2,000 murders. Tragically, there are many cities in America where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens. Boo! In sanctuary cities, local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public, instead of handing them over to ICE to be safely removed. Just 29 days ago, a criminal alien freed by the sanctuary city of New York was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman. The killer had been previously arrested for assault, but under New York's sanctuary policies, he was set free. If the city had honored ICE's detainer request, his victim would still be alive today. The State of California passed an outrageous law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal immigrants—a very terrible sanctuary—with catastrophic results. Here is just one tragic example. In December 2018, California police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests, including convictions for robbery and assault. But as required by California's Sanctuary Law, local authorities released him. Days later, the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence. He viciously shot one man going about his daily work. He approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and in the chest. He walked into a convenience store and wildly fired his weapon. He hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles, critically injuring innocent victims. One of the victims is—a terrible, terrible situation; died—51-year-old American named Rocky Jones. Rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range, murdering him in cold blood. Rocky left behind a devoted family, including his brothers, who loved him more than anything else in the world. One of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight. Jody, would you please stand? Jody! Jody, thank you. Jody our hearts weep for your loss, and we will not rest until you have justice. Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation to allow Americans like Jody to sue sanctuary cities and States when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly practices. I ask Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately. The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans, not criminal aliens. In the last 3 years, ICE has arrested over 5,000 wicked human traffickers. And I have signed nine pieces of legislation to stamp out the menace of human trafficking, domestically and all around the globe. My administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States. Before I came into office, if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested, you were simply released and allowed into our country, never to be seen again. My administration has ended catch-and-release. If you come illegally, you will now be promptly removed from our country. Very importantly, we entered into historic cooperation agreements with the governments of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. As a result of our unprecedented efforts, illegal crossings are down 75 percent since May, dropping 8 straight months in a row. And as the wall rapidly goes up, drug seizures rise, and the border crossings are down, and going down very rapidly. Last year, I traveled to the border in Texas and met Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz. Over the last 24 months, Agent Ortiz and his team have seized more than 200,000 pounds of poisonous narcotics, arrested more than 3,000 human smugglers, and rescued more than 2,000 migrants. Days ago, Agent Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Border Patrol, and he joins us tonight. Chief Ortiz, please stand. A grateful nation thanks you and all of the heroes of Border Patrol and ICE. Thank you very much. Thank you. To build on these historic gains, we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit, welcoming those who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, support themselves financially, and uphold our values. With every action, my administration is restoring the rule of law and reasserting the culture of American freedom. Working with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell—thank you, Mitch—and his colleagues in the Senate, we have confirmed a record number of 187 new Federal judges to uphold our Constitution as written. This includes two brilliant new Supreme Court Justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Thank you. And we have many in the pipeline. [ ] My administration is also defending religious liberty, and that includes the constitutional right to pray in public schools. In America, we do not punish prayer. We do not tear down crosses. We do not ban symbols of faith. We do not muzzle preachers and pastors. In America, we celebrate faith, we cherish religion, we lift our voices in prayer, and we raise our sights to the glory of God. Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am President, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. In reaffirming our heritage as a free nation, we must remember that America has always been a frontier nation. Now we must embrace the next frontier, America's manifest destiny in the stars. I am asking Congress to fully fund the Artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the Moon will be American astronauts, using this as a launching pad to ensure that America is the first nation to plant its flag on Mars. My administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical Islamic terrorism. Last week, I announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Recognizing that all past attempts have failed, we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the chance to realize a better future. Three years ago, the barbarians of ISIS held over 20,000 square miles of territory in Iraq and Syria. Today, the ISIS territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed, and the founder and leader of ISIS—the bloodthirsty killer known as al-Baghdadi—is dead. We are joined this evening by Carl and Marsha Mueller. After graduating from college, their beautiful daughter Kayla became a humanitarian aid worker. She once wrote: "Some people find God in church. Some people find God in nature. Some people find God in love. I find God in suffering. I have known for some time what my life's work is, using my hands as tools to relieve suffering." In 2013, while caring for suffering civilians in Syria, Kayla was kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved by ISIS and kept as a prisoner of al-Baghdadi himself. After more than 500 horrifying days of captivity, al-Baghdadi murdered young, beautiful Kayla. She was just 26 years old. On the night that YOU.S. Special Forces Operations ended al-Baghdadi's miserable life, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, received a call in the Situation Room. He was told that the brave men of the elite special forces team that so perfectly carried out the operation had given their mission a name: "Task Force 8–14." It was a reference to a special day: August 14, Kayla's birthday. Carl and Marsha, America's warriors never forgot Kayla, and neither will we. Thank you. Every day, America's men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depth of love that dwells in the human heart. One of these American heroes was Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake. On his second deployment to Iraq in 2008, Sergeant Hake wrote a letter to his 1-year-old son, Gage: "I will be with you again," he wrote to Gage. "I will teach you to ride your first bike, build your first sandbox, watch you play sports, and see you have kids also. I love you, son. Take care of your mother. I am always with you. Daddy." On Easter Sunday of 2008, Chris was out on patrol in Baghdad when his Bradley fighting vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. That night, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sergeant Hake now rests in eternal glory in Arlington, and his wife Kelli is in the Gallery tonight, joined by their son, who is now a 13-year-old and doing very, very well. To Kelli and Gage: Chris will live in our hearts forever. He is looking down on you now. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you both very much. The terrorist responsible for killing Sergeant Hake was Qasem Soleimani, who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took Chris's life. Soleimani was the Iranian regime's most ruthless butcher, a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of American servicemembers in Iraq. As the world's top terrorist, Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men, women, and children. He directed the December assault and went on to assault YOU.S. forces in Iraq. Was actively planning new attacks when we hit him very hard. And that is why, last month, at my direction, the YOU.S. military executed a flawless precision strike that killed Soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever. Our message to the terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice. If you attack our citizens, you forfeit your life. In recent months, we have seen proud Iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers. The Iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons; stop spreading terror, death, and destruction; and start working for the good of its own people. Because of our powerful sanctions, the Iranian economy is doing very, very poorly. We can help them make a very good and short-time recovery. It can all go very quickly, but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help. We are here. Let us see which road they choose. It is totally up to them. As we defend American lives, we are working to end America's wars in the Middle East. In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress, and peace talks are now underway. I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them totally innocent. It is also not our function to serve other nations as law enforcement agencies. These are warfighters that we have—the best in the world—and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all. We are working to finally end America's longest war and bring our troops back home. War places a heavy burden on our Nation's extraordinary military families, especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and her two children, 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan. Amy works full-time and volunteers countless hours helping other military families. For the past 7 months, she has done it all while her husband, Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams, is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment in the Middle East. Amy's kids have not seen their father's face in many months. Amy, your family's sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and in peace, and we want to thank you. Thank you, Amy. But, Amy, there is one more thing. Tonight we have a very special surprise. I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back from deployment. He is here with us tonight, and we could not keep him waiting any longer. YOU.S.A.! YOU.S.A.! YOU.S.A.! Welcome home, Sergeant Williams. Thank you very much. As the world bears witness tonight, America is a land of heroes. This is a place where greatness is born, where destinies are forged, and where legends come to life. This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt, of many great generals including Washington, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and so many more. This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, and Annie Oakley. This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo—[ ]—the beautiful, beautiful Alamo. The American nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest, strongest, fiercest, and most determined men and women ever to walk on the face of the Earth. Our ancestors braved the unknown; tamed the wilderness; settled the Wild West; lifted millions from poverty, disease, and hunger; vanquished tyranny and fascism; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine; laid down the railroads, dug out the canals, raised up the skyscrapers. And, ladies and gentlemen, our ancestors built the most exceptional republic ever to exist in all of human history, and we are making it greater than ever before. This is our glorious and magnificent inheritance. We are Americans. We are pioneers. We are the pathfinders. We settled the New World, we built the modern world, and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of Almighty God. America is the place where anything can happen. America is the place where anyone can rise. And here, on this land, on this soil, on this continent, the most incredible dreams come true. This Nation is our canvas, and this country is our masterpiece. We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored. Our brightest discoveries are not yet known. Our most thrilling stories are not yet told. Our grandest journeys are not yet made. The American age, the American epic, the American adventure has only just begun. Our spirit is still young, the Sun is still rising, God's grace is still shining, and, my fellow Americans, the best is yet to come. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you very much.
thank you very much thank you thank you very much madam speaker vice president members of congress the first lady of the united states and my fellow citizens three years ago we launched the great american comeback tonight i stand before you to share the incredible results jobs are booming incomes are soaring poverty is plummeting crime is falling confidence is surging and our country is thriving and highly respected again america enemies are on the run america fortunes are on the rise and america future is blazing bright the years of economic decay are over the days of our country being used taken advantage of and even scorned by other nations are long behind us gone too are the broken promises jobless recoveries tired platitudes and constant excuses for the depletion of american wealth power and prestige in just 3 short years we have shattered the mentality of american decline and we have rejected the downsizing of america destiny we have totally rejected the downsizing we are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago and we are never ever going back i am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been our military is completely rebuilt with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world and it is not even close our borders are secure our families are flourishing our values are renewed our pride is restored and for all of these reasons i say to the people of our great country and to the members of congress the state of our union is stronger than ever before the vision i will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world most prosperous and inclusive society one where every citizen can join in america unparalleled success and where every community can take part in america extraordinary rise from the instant i took office i moved rapidly to revive the economy slashing a record number of regulations enacting historic and tax cuts and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements our agenda is relentlessly and most of all thank you thank you we are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting our citizens of every race color religion and creed very very high since my election we have created 7 million new jobs 5 million more than government experts projected during the previous administration the unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century and very incredibly the average unemployment rate under my administration is lower than any administration in the history of our country true if we had not reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration the world would not now be witnessing this great economic success the unemployment rate for african americans hispanic americans and asian americans has reached the lowest levels in history african american youth unemployment has reached an alltime low african american poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded the unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years and last year women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added the veterans unemployment rate dropped to a record low the unemployment rate for disabled americans has reached an alltime low workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in history a record number of young americans are now employed under the last administration more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls under my administration 7 million americans have come off food stamps and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare in 8 years under the last administration over people dropped out of the workforce in just 3 years of my administration million joined the workforce since my election the net worth of the bottom half of wage earners has increased by 47 percent three times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent after decades of flat and falling incomes wages are rising fast and wonderfully they are rising fastest for workers who have seen a pay increase since my election this is a boom real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded since my election stock markets have soared 70 percent adding more than 12 trillion to our nation wealth transcending anything anyone believed was possible this is a record it is something that every country in the world is looking up to they admire consumer confidence has just reached amazing new highs all of those millions of people with 401 k s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60 70 80 90 and 100 percent and even more jobs and investments are pouring into previously neglected neighborhoods thanks to opportunity zones a plan spearheaded by senator tim scott as part of our great republican tax cuts in other words wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades creating jobs energy and excitement this is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this it is all working opportunity zones are helping americans like army veteran tony rankins from cincinnati ohio after struggling with drug addiction tony lost his job his house and his family he was homeless but then tony found a construction company that invests in opportunity zones he is now a top tradesman reunited with his family and he is here tonight tony keep up the great work tony thank you tony our roaring economy has for the first time ever given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start this second chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark criminal justice reform into law everybody said that criminal justice reform could not be done but i got it done and the people in this room got it done thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign the united states has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world by far with the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years america is now energy independent and energy jobs like so many other elements of our country are at a record high we are doing numbers that no one would have thought possible just 3 years ago likewise we are restoring our nation manufacturing might even though predictions were as you all know that this could never ever be done after losing factories under the previous two administrations america has now gained new factories under my administration with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or being built companies are not leaving they are coming back to the the fact is that everybody wants to be where the action is and the united states of america is indeed the place where the action is one of the biggest promises i made to the american people was to replace the disastrous nafta trade deal in fact unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that i decided to run for president following nafta adoption our nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs many politicians came and went pledging to change or replace nafta only to do so and then absolutely nothing happened but unlike so many who came before me i keep my promises we did our job six days ago i replaced nafta and signed the agreement into law the usmca will create nearly new american auto jobs and massively boost exports for our farmers ranchers and factory workers it will also bring trade with mexico and canada to a much higher level but also to be a much greater degree of fairness and reciprocity we will have that fairness and reciprocity and i say that finally because it is been many many years that we were treated fairly on trade this is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of america labor unions i also promised our citizens that i would impose tariffs to confront china massive theft of america jobs our strategy has worked days ago we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with china that will defend our workers protect our intellectual property bring billions and billions of dollars into our treasury and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the for decades china has taken advantage of the united states now we have changed that but at the same time we have perhaps the best relationship we have ever had with china including with president xi they respect what we have done because quite frankly they could never really believe that they were able to get away with what they were doing year after year decade after decade without someone in our country stepping up and saying that is enough now we want to rebuild our country and that is exactly what we are doing we are rebuilding our country as we restore american leadership throughout the world we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere that is why my administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on cuba we are supporting the hopes of cubans nicaraguans and venezuelans to restore democracy the united states is leading a diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of venezuela nicolás maduro maduro is an illegitimate ruler a tyrant who brutalizes his people but maduro grip on tyranny will be smashed and broken here this evening is a very brave man who carries with him the hopes dreams and aspirations of all venezuelans joining us in the gallery is the true and legitimate president of venezuela juan guaidó president please take this message back to your homeland thank you president great honor thank you very much please take this message back that all americans are united with the venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom thank you very much president thank you very much socialism destroys nations but always remember freedom unifies the soul to safeguard american liberty we have invested a trillion in the united states military we have purchased the finest planes missiles rockets ships and every other form of military equipment and it is all made right here in the we are also getting our allies finally to help pay their fair share i have raised contributions from the other nato members by more than 400 billion and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled and just weeks ago for the first time since president truman established the air force more than 70 years earlier we created a branch of the united states armed forces it is called the space force very important in the gallery tonight we have a young gentleman and what he wants so years lanphier he is an eighth grader from arizona iain please stand up iain has always dreamed of going to space he was the first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy he aspires to go to the air force academy and then he has his eye on the space force as iain says most people look up at space i want to look down on the world but sitting behind iain tonight is his greatest hero of them all charles mcgee was born in cleveland ohio one century ago charles is one of the last surviving tuskegee first black fighter he also happens to be iain incredible story after more than 130 combat missions in world war ii he came back home to a country still struggling for civil rights and went on to serve america in korea and vietnam on december 7 charles celebrated his 100th birthday a few weeks ago i signed a bill promoting charles mcgee to brigadier general and earlier today i pinned the stars on his shoulders in the oval office general mcgee our nation salutes you thank you sir from the pilgrims to the founders from the soldiers at valley forge to the marchers at selma and from president lincoln to the reverend martin luther king americans have always rejected limits on our children future members of congress we must never forget that the only victories that matter in washington are victories that deliver for the american people the people are the heart of our country their dreams are the soul of our country and their love is what powers and sustains our country we must always remember that our job is to put america first the next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young american gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the american dream yet for too long countless american children have been trapped in failing government schools to rescue these students 18 states have created school choice in the form of opportunity scholarships the programs are so popular that tens of thousands of students remain on a waiting list one of those students is janiyah davis a fourth grader from philadelphia janiyah janiyah mom stephanie is a single parent she would do anything to give her daughter a better future but last year that future was put further out of reach when pennsylvania governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice to children janiyah and stephanie are in the gallery stephanie thank you so much for being here with your beautiful daughter thank you very much but janiyah i have some good news for you because i am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over i can proudly announce tonight that an opportunity scholarship has become available it is going to you and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice now i call on congress to give 1 million american children the same opportunity janiyah has just received pass the education freedom scholarships and opportunities act because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and to grow for this reason our magnificent first lady has launched the be best initiative to advance a safe healthy supportive and life for the next generation online in school and in our communities thank you melania for your extraordinary love and profound care for america children thank you very much my administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background through our pledge to american workers over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million americans my budget also contains an exciting vision for our nation high schools tonight i ask congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in america to expand equal opportunity i am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our nation historically black colleges and universities a good life for american families also requires the most affordable innovative and health care system on earth before i took office health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just 5 years i moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives our new plans are up to less expensive and better i have also made an ironclad pledge to american families we will always protect patients with preexisting conditions and we will always protect your medicare and we will always protect your social security always the american patient should never be blindsided by medical bills that is why i signed an executive order requiring price transparency many experts believe that transparency which will go into full effect at the beginning of next year will be even bigger than health care reform it will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care but as we work to improve americans health care there are those who want to take away your health care take away your doctor and abolish private insurance entirely boo one hundred lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our health care system wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million very happy americans to those watching at home tonight i want you to know we will never let socialism destroy american health care over 130 legislators in this chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our nation by providing free health care to millions of illegal aliens forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders these proposals would raid the medicare benefits of our seniors and that our seniors depend on while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration that is what is happening in california and other states their systems are totally out of control costing taxpayers vast and unaffordable amounts of money if forcing american taxpayers to provide unlimited free health care to illegal aliens sounds fair to you then stand with the radical left but if you believe that we should defend american patients and american seniors then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free government health care for illegal aliens this will be a tremendous boon to our already very strongly guarded southern border where as we speak a long tall and very powerful wall is being built we have now completed over 100 miles and have over 500 miles fully completed in a very short period of time early next year we will have substantially more than 500 miles completed my administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies we have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs and medicines are being approved by the fda at a faster clip than ever before and i was pleased to announce last year that for the first time in 51 years the cost of prescription drugs actually went down and working together congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels i have been speaking to senator chuck grassley of iowa and others in congress in order to get something on drug pricing done and done quickly and properly i am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices get a bill on my desk and i will sign it into law immediately 3 3 3 with unyielding commitment we are curbing the opioid epidemic drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years among the states hardest hit ohio is down 22 percent pennsylvania is down 18 percent wisconsin is down 10 percent and we will not quit until we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all protecting americans health also means fighting infectious diseases we are coordinating with the chinese government and working closely together on the coronavirus outbreak in china my administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat we have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for americans with kidney disease alzheimer and those struggling with mental health and because congress was so good as to fund my request new cures for childhood cancer and we will eradicate the aids epidemic in america by the end of this decade almost every american family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness here tonight is a special man beloved by millions of americans who just received a advanced cancer diagnosis this is not good news but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet rush limbaugh thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country and rush in recognition of all that you have done for our nation the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity i am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country highest civilian honor the presidential medal of freedom i will now ask the first lady of the united states to present you with the honor please thank you rush rush and kathryn congratulations thank you kathryn as we pray for all who are sick we know that america is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs in 2017 doctors at luke hospital in kansas city delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive born at just 21 weeks and 6 days and weighing less than a pound ellie schneider was a born fighter through the skill of her doctors and the prayers of her parents little ellie kept on winning the battle of life today ellie is a strong healthy girl sitting with her amazing mother robin in the gallery ellie and robin we are glad to have you with us tonight ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life and thanks to modern medical wonders 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where ellie was born now survive it is an incredible thing thank you very much our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like ellie that is why i am asking congress to provide an additional 50 million to fund neonatal research for america youngest patients that is why i am also calling upon members of congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the abortion of babies whether we are republican democrat or independent surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from god as we support america moms and dads i was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the federal workforce paid family leave serving as a model for the rest of the country now i call on the congress to pass the bipartisan advancing support for working families act extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across our nation forty million american families have an average extra thanks to our child tax credit i have also overseen historic funding increases for childcare enabling 17 states to help more children many of which have reduced or eliminated their altogether and i sent congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to childcare and urge you to act immediately to protect the environment days ago i announced that the united states will join the 1 trillion trees initiative an ambitious effort to bring together government and private sector to plant new trees in america and all around the world we must also rebuild america infrastructure i ask you to pass senator john barrasso highway bill to invest in new roads bridges and tunnels all across our land i am also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to internet including and especially in rural america a better tomorrow for all americans also requires us to keep america safe that means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level including our nation heroic ice officers last year our brave ice officers arrested more than criminal aliens charged with nearly burglaries sexual assaults violent assaults and murders tragically there are many cities in america where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens boo in sanctuary cities local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public instead of handing them over to ice to be safely removed just 29 days ago a criminal alien freed by the sanctuary city of new york was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a woman the killer had been previously arrested for assault but under new york sanctuary policies he was set free if the city had honored ice detainer request his victim would still be alive today the state of california passed an outrageous law declaring their whole state to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal very terrible catastrophic results here is just one tragic example in december 2018 california police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests including convictions for robbery and assault but as required by california sanctuary law local authorities released him days later the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence he viciously shot one man going about his daily work he approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and in the chest he walked into a convenience store and wildly fired his weapon he hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles critically injuring innocent victims one of the victims terrible terrible situation american named rocky jones rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range murdering him in cold blood rocky left behind a devoted family including his brothers who loved him more than anything else in the world one of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight jody would you please stand jody jody thank you jody our hearts weep for your loss and we will not rest until you have justice senator thom tillis has introduced legislation to allow americans like jody to sue sanctuary cities and states when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly practices i ask congress to pass the justice for victims of sanctuary cities act immediately the united states of america should be a sanctuary for americans not criminal aliens in the last 3 years ice has arrested over wicked human traffickers and i have signed nine pieces of legislation to stamp out the menace of human trafficking domestically and all around the globe my administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the united states before i came into office if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested you were simply released and allowed into our country never to be seen again my administration has ended if you come illegally you will now be promptly removed from our country very importantly we entered into historic cooperation agreements with the governments of mexico honduras el salvador and guatemala as a result of our unprecedented efforts illegal crossings are down 75 percent since may dropping 8 straight months in a row and as the wall rapidly goes up drug seizures rise and the border crossings are down and going down very rapidly last year i traveled to the border in texas and met chief patrol agent raul ortiz over the last 24 months agent ortiz and his team have seized more than pounds of poisonous narcotics arrested more than human smugglers and rescued more than migrants days ago agent ortiz was promoted to deputy chief of border patrol and he joins us tonight chief ortiz please stand a grateful nation thanks you and all of the heroes of border patrol and ice thank you very much thank you to build on these historic gains we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit welcoming those who follow the rules contribute to our economy support themselves financially and uphold our values with every action my administration is restoring the rule of law and reasserting the culture of american freedom working with senate majority leader mitch you his colleagues in the senate we have confirmed a record number of 187 new federal judges to uphold our constitution as written this includes two brilliant new supreme court justices neil gorsuch and brett kavanaugh thank you and we have many in the pipeline my administration is also defending religious liberty and that includes the constitutional right to pray in public schools in america we do not punish prayer we do not tear down crosses we do not ban symbols of faith we do not muzzle preachers and pastors in america we celebrate faith we cherish religion we lift our voices in prayer and we raise our sights to the glory of god just as we believe in the first amendment we also believe in another constitutional right that is under siege all across our country so long as i am president i will always protect your second amendment right to keep and bear arms in reaffirming our heritage as a free nation we must remember that america has always been a frontier nation now we must embrace the next frontier america manifest destiny in the stars i am asking congress to fully fund the artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the moon will be american astronauts using this as a launching pad to ensure that america is the first nation to plant its flag on mars my administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical islamic terrorism last week i announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between israel and the palestinians recognizing that all past attempts have failed we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the chance to realize a better future three years ago the barbarians of isis held over square miles of territory in iraq and syria today the isis territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed and the founder and leader of bloodthirsty killer known as dead we are joined this evening by carl and marsha mueller after graduating from college their beautiful daughter kayla became a humanitarian aid worker she once wrote some people find god in church some people find god in nature some people find god in love i find god in suffering i have known for some time what my life work is using my hands as tools to relieve suffering in 2013 while caring for suffering civilians in syria kayla was kidnapped tortured and enslaved by isis and kept as a prisoner of himself after more than 500 horrifying days of captivity murdered young beautiful kayla she was just 26 years old on the night that special forces operations ended miserable life the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff general mark milley received a call in the situation room he was told that the brave men of the elite special forces team that so perfectly carried out the operation had given their mission a name task force it was a reference to a special day august 14 kayla birthday carl and marsha america warriors never forgot kayla and neither will we thank you every day america men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depth of love that dwells in the human heart one of these american heroes was army staff sergeant christopher hake on his second deployment to iraq in 2008 sergeant hake wrote a letter to his son gage i will be with you again he wrote to gage i will teach you to ride your first bike build your first sandbox watch you play sports and see you have kids also i love you son take care of your mother i am always with you daddy on easter sunday of 2008 chris was out on patrol in baghdad when his bradley fighting vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb that night he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country sergeant hake now rests in eternal glory in arlington and his wife kelli is in the gallery tonight joined by their son who is now a and doing very very well to kelli and gage chris will live in our hearts forever he is looking down on you now thank you thank you very much thank you both very much the terrorist responsible for killing sergeant hake was qasem soleimani who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took chris life soleimani was the iranian regime most ruthless butcher a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of american servicemembers in iraq as the world top terrorist soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men women and children he directed the december assault and went on to assault forces in iraq was actively planning new attacks when we hit him very hard and that is why last month at my direction the military executed a flawless precision strike that killed soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever our message to the terrorists is clear you will never escape american justice if you attack our citizens you forfeit your life in recent months we have seen proud iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers the iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons stop spreading terror death and destruction and start working for the good of its own people because of our powerful sanctions the iranian economy is doing very very poorly we can help them make a very good and recovery it can all go very quickly but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help we are here let us see which road they choose it is totally up to them as we defend american lives we are working to end america wars in the middle east in afghanistan the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress and peace talks are now underway i am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in afghanistan many of them totally innocent it is also not our function to serve other nations as law enforcement agencies these are warfighters that we best in the they either want to fight to win or not fight at all we are working to finally end america longest war and bring our troops back home war places a heavy burden on our nation extraordinary military families especially spouses like amy williams from fort bragg north carolina and her two children elliana and rowan amy works and volunteers countless hours helping other military families for the past 7 months she has done it all while her husband sergeant first class townsend williams is in afghanistan on his fourth deployment in the middle east amy kids have not seen their father face in many months amy your family sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and in peace and we want to thank you thank you amy but amy there is one more thing tonight we have a very special surprise i am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back from deployment he is here with us tonight and we could not keep him waiting any longer welcome home sergeant williams thank you very much as the world bears witness tonight america is a land of heroes this is a place where greatness is born where destinies are forged and where legends come to life this is the home of thomas edison and teddy roosevelt of many great generals including washington pershing patton and macarthur this is the home of abraham lincoln frederick douglass amelia earhart harriet tubman the wright brothers neil armstrong and so many more this is the country where children learn names like wyatt earp davy crockett and annie oakley this is the place where the pilgrims landed at plymouth and where texas patriots made their last stand at the beautiful beautiful alamo the american nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest strongest fiercest and most determined men and women ever to walk on the face of the earth our ancestors braved the unknown tamed the wilderness settled the wild west lifted millions from poverty disease and hunger vanquished tyranny and fascism ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine laid down the railroads dug out the canals raised up the skyscrapers and ladies and gentlemen our ancestors built the most exceptional republic ever to exist in all of human history and we are making it greater than ever before this is our glorious and magnificent inheritance we are americans we are pioneers we are the pathfinders we settled the new world we built the modern world and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of almighty god america is the place where anything can happen america is the place where anyone can rise and here on this land on this soil on this continent the most incredible dreams come true this nation is our canvas and this country is our masterpiece we look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored our brightest discoveries are not yet known our most thrilling stories are not yet told our grandest journeys are not yet made the american age the american epic the american adventure has only just begun our spirit is still young the sun is still rising god grace is still shining and my fellow americans the best is yet to come thank you god bless you and god bless america thank you very much
thank much thank thank much madam speaker vice president members congress first lady united states fellow citizens three years ago launched great american comeback tonight stand share incredible results jobs booming incomes soaring poverty plummeting crime falling confidence surging country thriving highly respected america enemies run america fortunes rise america future blazing bright years economic decay days country used taken advantage even scorned nations long behind us gone broken promises jobless recoveries tired platitudes constant excuses depletion american wealth power prestige 3 short years shattered mentality american decline rejected downsizing america destiny totally rejected downsizing moving forward pace unimaginable short time ago never ever going back thrilled report tonight economy best ever military completely rebuilt power unmatched anywhere world even close borders secure families flourishing values renewed pride restored reasons say people great country members congress state union stronger ever vision lay evening demonstrates building world prosperous inclusive society one every citizen join america unparalleled success every community take part america extraordinary rise instant took office moved rapidly revive economy slashing record number regulations enacting historic tax cuts fighting fair reciprocal trade agreements agenda relentlessly thank thank advancing unbridled optimism lifting citizens every race color religion creed high since election created 7 million new jobs 5 million government experts projected previous administration unemployment rate lowest half century incredibly average unemployment rate administration lower administration history country true reversed failed economic policies previous administration world would witnessing great economic success unemployment rate african americans hispanic americans asian americans reached lowest levels history african american youth unemployment reached alltime low african american poverty declined lowest rate ever recorded unemployment rate women reached lowest level almost 70 years last year women filled 72 percent new jobs added veterans unemployment rate dropped record low unemployment rate disabled americans reached alltime low workers without high school diploma achieved lowest unemployment rate recorded history record number young americans employed last administration 10 million people added food stamp rolls administration 7 million americans come food stamps 10 million people lifted welfare 8 years last administration people dropped workforce 3 years administration million joined workforce since election net worth bottom half wage earners increased 47 percent three times faster increase top 1 percent decades flat falling incomes wages rising fast wonderfully rising fastest workers seen pay increase since election boom real median household income highest level ever recorded since election stock markets soared 70 percent adding 12 trillion nation wealth transcending anything anyone believed possible record something every country world looking admire consumer confidence reached amazing new highs millions people 401 k pensions far better ever done increases 60 70 80 90 100 percent even jobs investments pouring previously neglected neighborhoods thanks opportunity zones plan spearheaded senator tim scott part great republican tax cuts words wealthy people companies pouring money poor neighborhoods areas seen investment many decades creating jobs energy excitement first time deserving communities seen anything like working opportunity zones helping americans like army veteran tony rankins cincinnati ohio struggling drug addiction tony lost job house family homeless tony found construction company invests opportunity zones top tradesman reunited family tonight tony keep great work tony thank tony roaring economy first time ever given many former prisoners ability get great job fresh start second chance life made possible passed landmark criminal justice reform law everybody said criminal justice reform could done got done people room got done thanks bold regulatory reduction campaign united states become number one producer oil natural gas anywhere world far tremendous progress made past 3 years america energy independent energy jobs like many elements country record high numbers one would thought possible 3 years ago likewise restoring nation manufacturing might even though predictions know could never ever done losing factories previous two administrations america gained new factories administration thousands upon thousands plants factories planned built companies leaving coming back fact everybody wants action united states america indeed place action one biggest promises made american people replace disastrous nafta trade deal fact unfair trade perhaps single biggest reason decided run president following nafta adoption nation lost one four manufacturing jobs many politicians came went pledging change replace nafta absolutely nothing happened unlike many came keep promises job six days ago replaced nafta signed agreement law usmca create nearly new american auto jobs massively boost exports farmers ranchers factory workers also bring trade mexico canada much higher level also much greater degree fairness reciprocity fairness reciprocity say finally many many years treated fairly trade first major trade deal many years earn strong backing america labor unions also promised citizens would impose tariffs confront china massive theft america jobs strategy worked days ago signed groundbreaking new agreement china defend workers protect intellectual property bring billions billions dollars treasury open vast new markets products made grown right decades china taken advantage united states changed time perhaps best relationship ever china including president xi respect done quite frankly could never really believe able get away year year decade decade without someone country stepping saying enough want rebuild country exactly rebuilding country restore american leadership throughout world standing freedom hemisphere administration reversed failing policies previous administration cuba supporting hopes cubans nicaraguans venezuelans restore democracy united states leading diplomatic coalition socialist dictator venezuela nicolás maduro maduro illegitimate ruler tyrant brutalizes people maduro grip tyranny smashed broken evening brave man carries hopes dreams aspirations venezuelans joining us gallery true legitimate president venezuela juan guaidó president please take message back homeland thank president great honor thank much please take message back americans united venezuelan people righteous struggle freedom thank much president thank much socialism destroys nations always remember freedom unifies soul safeguard american liberty invested trillion united states military purchased finest planes missiles rockets ships every form military equipment made right also getting allies finally help pay fair share raised contributions nato members 400 billion number allies meeting minimum obligations doubled weeks ago first time since president truman established air force 70 years earlier created branch united states armed forces called space force important gallery tonight young gentleman wants years lanphier eighth grader arizona iain please stand iain always dreamed going space first class among youngest aviation academy aspires go air force academy eye space force iain says people look space want look world sitting behind iain tonight greatest hero charles mcgee born cleveland ohio one century ago charles one last surviving tuskegee first black fighter also happens iain incredible story 130 combat missions world war ii came back home country still struggling civil rights went serve america korea vietnam december 7 charles celebrated 100th birthday weeks ago signed bill promoting charles mcgee brigadier general earlier today pinned stars shoulders oval office general mcgee nation salutes thank sir pilgrims founders soldiers valley forge marchers selma president lincoln reverend martin luther king americans always rejected limits children future members congress must never forget victories matter washington victories deliver american people people heart country dreams soul country love powers sustains country must always remember job put america first next step forward building inclusive society making sure every young american gets great education opportunity achieve american dream yet long countless american children trapped failing government schools rescue students 18 states created school choice form opportunity scholarships programs popular tens thousands students remain waiting list one students janiyah davis fourth grader philadelphia janiyah janiyah mom stephanie single parent would anything give daughter better future last year future put reach pennsylvania governor vetoed legislation expand school choice children janiyah stephanie gallery stephanie thank much beautiful daughter thank much janiyah good news pleased inform long wait proudly announce tonight opportunity scholarship become available going soon heading school choice call congress give 1 million american children opportunity janiyah received pass education freedom scholarships opportunities act parent forced send child failing government school every young person safe secure environment learn grow reason magnificent first lady launched best initiative advance safe healthy supportive life next generation online school communities thank melania extraordinary love profound care america children thank much administration determined give citizens opportunities need regardless age background pledge american workers 400 companies also provide new jobs education opportunities almost 15 million americans budget also contains exciting vision nation high schools tonight ask congress support students back plan offer vocational technical education every single high school america expand equal opportunity also proud achieved record permanent funding nation historically black colleges universities good life american families also requires affordable innovative health care system earth took office health insurance premiums doubled 5 years moved quickly provide affordable alternatives new plans less expensive better also made ironclad pledge american families always protect patients preexisting conditions always protect medicare always protect social security always american patient never blindsided medical bills signed executive order requiring price transparency many experts believe transparency go full effect beginning next year even bigger health care reform save families massive amounts money substantially better care work improve americans health care want take away health care take away doctor abolish private insurance entirely boo one hundred lawmakers room endorsed legislation impose socialist takeover health care system wiping private health insurance plans 180 million happy americans watching home tonight want know never let socialism destroy american health care 130 legislators chamber endorsed legislation would bankrupt nation providing free health care millions illegal aliens forcing taxpayers subsidize free care anyone world unlawfully crosses borders proposals would raid medicare benefits seniors seniors depend acting powerful lure illegal immigration happening california states systems totally control costing taxpayers vast unaffordable amounts money forcing american taxpayers provide unlimited free health care illegal aliens sounds fair stand radical left believe defend american patients american seniors stand pass legislation prohibit free government health care illegal aliens tremendous boon already strongly guarded southern border speak long tall powerful wall built completed 100 miles 500 miles fully completed short period time early next year substantially 500 miles completed administration also taking big pharmaceutical companies approved record number affordable generic drugs medicines approved fda faster clip ever pleased announce last year first time 51 years cost prescription drugs actually went working together congress reduce drug prices substantially current levels speaking senator chuck grassley iowa others congress order get something drug pricing done done quickly properly calling bipartisan legislation achieves goal dramatically lowering prescription drug prices get bill desk sign law immediately 3 3 3 unyielding commitment curbing opioid epidemic drug overdose deaths declined first time nearly 30 years among states hardest hit ohio 22 percent pennsylvania 18 percent wisconsin 10 percent quit beaten opioid epidemic protecting americans health also means fighting infectious diseases coordinating chinese government working closely together coronavirus outbreak china administration take necessary steps safeguard citizens threat launched ambitious new initiatives substantially improve care americans kidney disease alzheimer struggling mental health congress good fund request new cures childhood cancer eradicate aids epidemic america end decade almost every american family knows pain loved one diagnosed serious illness tonight special man beloved millions americans received advanced cancer diagnosis good news good news greatest fighter winner ever meet rush limbaugh thank decades tireless devotion country rush recognition done nation millions people day speak inspire incredible work done charity proud announce tonight receiving country highest civilian honor presidential medal freedom ask first lady united states present honor please thank rush rush kathryn congratulations thank kathryn pray sick know america constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs 2017 doctors luke hospital kansas city delivered one earliest premature babies ever survive born 21 weeks 6 days weighing less pound ellie schneider born fighter skill doctors prayers parents little ellie kept winning battle life today ellie strong healthy girl sitting amazing mother robin gallery ellie robin glad us tonight ellie reminds us every child miracle life thanks modern medical wonders 50 percent premature babies delivered hospital ellie born survive incredible thing thank much goal ensure every baby best chance thrive grow like ellie asking congress provide additional 50 million fund neonatal research america youngest patients also calling upon members congress tonight pass legislation finally banning abortion babies whether republican democrat independent surely must agree every human life sacred gift god support america moms dads recently proud sign law providing new parents federal workforce paid family leave serving model rest country call congress pass bipartisan advancing support working families act extending family leave mothers fathers across nation forty million american families average extra thanks child tax credit also overseen historic funding increases childcare enabling 17 states help children many reduced eliminated altogether sent congress plan vision expand access childcare urge act immediately protect environment days ago announced united states join 1 trillion trees initiative ambitious effort bring together government private sector plant new trees america around world must also rebuild america infrastructure ask pass senator john barrasso highway bill invest new roads bridges tunnels across land also committed ensuring every citizen access internet including especially rural america better tomorrow americans also requires us keep america safe means supporting men women law enforcement every level including nation heroic ice officers last year brave ice officers arrested criminal aliens charged nearly burglaries sexual assaults violent assaults murders tragically many cities america radical politicians chosen provide sanctuary criminal illegal aliens boo sanctuary cities local officials order police release dangerous criminal aliens prey upon public instead handing ice safely removed 29 days ago criminal alien freed sanctuary city new york charged brutal rape murder woman killer previously arrested assault new york sanctuary policies set free city honored ice detainer request victim would still alive today state california passed outrageous law declaring whole state sanctuary criminal illegal terrible catastrophic results one tragic example december 2018 california police detained illegal alien five prior arrests including convictions robbery assault required california sanctuary law local authorities released days later criminal alien went gruesome spree deadly violence viciously shot one man going daily work approached woman sitting car shot arm chest walked convenience store wildly fired weapon hijacked truck smashed vehicles critically injuring innocent victims one victims terrible terrible situation american named rocky jones rocky gas station vile criminal fired eight bullets close range murdering cold blood rocky left behind devoted family including brothers loved anything else world one grieving brothers us tonight jody would please stand jody jody thank jody hearts weep loss rest justice senator thom tillis introduced legislation allow americans like jody sue sanctuary cities states loved one hurt killed result deadly practices ask congress pass justice victims sanctuary cities act immediately united states america sanctuary americans criminal aliens last 3 years ice arrested wicked human traffickers signed nine pieces legislation stamp menace human trafficking domestically around globe administration undertaken unprecedented effort secure southern border united states came office showed illegally southern border arrested simply released allowed country never seen administration ended come illegally promptly removed country importantly entered historic cooperation agreements governments mexico honduras el salvador guatemala result unprecedented efforts illegal crossings 75 percent since may dropping 8 straight months row wall rapidly goes drug seizures rise border crossings going rapidly last year traveled border texas met chief patrol agent raul ortiz last 24 months agent ortiz team seized pounds poisonous narcotics arrested human smugglers rescued migrants days ago agent ortiz promoted deputy chief border patrol joins us tonight chief ortiz please stand grateful nation thanks heroes border patrol ice thank much thank build historic gains working legislation replace outdated randomized immigration system one based merit welcoming follow rules contribute economy support financially uphold values every action administration restoring rule law reasserting culture american freedom working senate majority leader mitch colleagues senate confirmed record number 187 new federal judges uphold constitution written includes two brilliant new supreme court justices neil gorsuch brett kavanaugh thank many pipeline administration also defending religious liberty includes constitutional right pray public schools america punish prayer tear crosses ban symbols faith muzzle preachers pastors america celebrate faith cherish religion lift voices prayer raise sights glory god believe first amendment also believe another constitutional right siege across country long president always protect second amendment right keep bear arms reaffirming heritage free nation must remember america always frontier nation must embrace next frontier america manifest destiny stars asking congress fully fund artemis program ensure next man first woman moon american astronauts using launching pad ensure america first nation plant flag mars administration also strongly defending national security combating radical islamic terrorism last week announced groundbreaking plan peace israel palestinians recognizing past attempts failed must determined creative order stabilize region give millions young people chance realize better future three years ago barbarians isis held square miles territory iraq syria today isis territorial caliphate 100 percent destroyed founder leader bloodthirsty killer known dead joined evening carl marsha mueller graduating college beautiful daughter kayla became humanitarian aid worker wrote people find god church people find god nature people find god love find god suffering known time life work using hands tools relieve suffering 2013 caring suffering civilians syria kayla kidnapped tortured enslaved isis kept prisoner 500 horrifying days captivity murdered young beautiful kayla 26 years old night special forces operations ended miserable life chairman joint chiefs staff general mark milley received call situation room told brave men elite special forces team perfectly carried operation given mission name task force reference special day august 14 kayla birthday carl marsha america warriors never forgot kayla neither thank every day america men women uniform demonstrate infinite depth love dwells human heart one american heroes army staff sergeant christopher hake second deployment iraq 2008 sergeant hake wrote letter son gage wrote gage teach ride first bike build first sandbox watch play sports see kids also love son take care mother always daddy easter sunday 2008 chris patrol baghdad bradley fighting vehicle hit roadside bomb night made ultimate sacrifice country sergeant hake rests eternal glory arlington wife kelli gallery tonight joined son well kelli gage chris live hearts forever looking thank thank much thank much terrorist responsible killing sergeant hake qasem soleimani provided deadly roadside bomb took chris life soleimani iranian regime ruthless butcher monster murdered wounded thousands american servicemembers iraq world top terrorist soleimani orchestrated deaths countless men women children directed december assault went assault forces iraq actively planning new attacks hit hard last month direction military executed flawless precision strike killed soleimani terminated evil reign terror forever message terrorists clear never escape american justice attack citizens forfeit life recent months seen proud iranians raise voices oppressive rulers iranian regime must abandon pursuit nuclear weapons stop spreading terror death destruction start working good people powerful sanctions iranian economy poorly help make good recovery go quickly perhaps proud foolish ask help let us see road choose totally defend american lives working end america wars middle east afghanistan determination valor warfighters allowed us make tremendous progress peace talks underway looking kill hundreds thousands people afghanistan many totally innocent also function serve nations law enforcement agencies warfighters best either want fight win fight working finally end america longest war bring troops back home war places heavy burden nation extraordinary military families especially spouses like amy williams fort bragg north carolina two children elliana rowan amy works volunteers countless hours helping military families past 7 months done husband sergeant first class townsend williams afghanistan fourth deployment middle east amy kids seen father face many months amy family sacrifice makes possible families live safety peace want thank thank amy amy one thing tonight special surprise thrilled inform husband back deployment us tonight could keep waiting longer welcome home sergeant williams thank much world bears witness tonight america land heroes place greatness born destinies forged legends come life home thomas edison teddy roosevelt many great generals including washington pershing patton macarthur home abraham lincoln frederick douglass amelia earhart harriet tubman wright brothers neil armstrong many country children learn names like wyatt earp davy crockett annie oakley place pilgrims landed plymouth texas patriots made last stand beautiful beautiful alamo american nation carved vast frontier toughest strongest fiercest determined men women ever walk face earth ancestors braved unknown tamed wilderness settled wild west lifted millions poverty disease hunger vanquished tyranny fascism ushered world new heights science medicine laid railroads dug canals raised skyscrapers ladies gentlemen ancestors built exceptional republic ever exist human history making greater ever glorious magnificent inheritance americans pioneers pathfinders settled new world built modern world changed history forever embracing eternal truth everyone made equal hand almighty god america place anything happen america place anyone rise land soil continent incredible dreams come true nation canvas country masterpiece look tomorrow see unlimited frontiers waiting explored brightest discoveries yet known thrilling stories yet told grandest journeys yet made american age american epic american adventure begun spirit still young sun still rising god grace still shining fellow americans best yet come thank god bless god bless america thank much
thank much thank thank much madam speaker vice president member congress first lady united state fellow citizen three year ago launch great american comeback tonight stand share incredible result job boom income soar poverty plummeting crime fall confidence surge country thrive highly respect america enemy run america fortune rise america future blaze bright year economic decay day country use take advantage even scorn nation long behind u go broken promise jobless recovery tire platitude constant excuse depletion american wealth power prestige 3 short year shatter mentality american decline reject downsize america destiny totally reject downsize move forward pace unimaginable short time ago never ever go back thrill report tonight economy best ever military completely rebuilt power unmatched anywhere world even close border secure family flourish value renew pride restored reason say people great country member congress state union strong ever vision lay even demonstrates build world prosperous inclusive society one every citizen join america unparalleled success every community take part america extraordinary rise instant take office move rapidly revive economy slash record number regulation enact historic tax cut fight fair reciprocal trade agreement agenda relentlessly thank thank advance unbridled optimism lift citizen every race color religion creed high since election create 7 million new job 5 million government expert project previous administration unemployment rate low half century incredibly average unemployment rate administration low administration history country true reverse failed economic policy previous administration world would witness great economic success unemployment rate african american hispanic american asian american reach low level history african american youth unemployment reach alltime low african american poverty decline low rate ever record unemployment rate woman reach low level almost 70 year last year woman fill 72 percent new job add veteran unemployment rate drop record low unemployment rate disabled american reach alltime low worker without high school diploma achieve low unemployment rate record history record number young american employ last administration 10 million people add food stamp roll administration 7 million american come food stamp 10 million people lift welfare 8 year last administration people drop workforce 3 year administration million join workforce since election net worth bottom half wage earner increase 47 percent three time faster increase top 1 percent decade flat fall income wage rise fast wonderfully rise fast worker see pay increase since election boom real median household income high level ever record since election stock market soar 70 percent add 12 trillion nation wealth transcend anything anyone believe possible record something every country world look admire consumer confidence reach amaze new high million people 401 k pension far well ever do increase 60 70 80 90 100 percent even job investment pour previously neglect neighborhood thanks opportunity zone plan spearhead senator tim scott part great republican tax cut word wealthy people company pour money poor neighborhood area see investment many decade create job energy excitement first time deserve community see anything like work opportunity zone help american like army veteran tony rankins cincinnati ohio struggle drug addiction tony lose job house family homeless tony find construction company invest opportunity zone top tradesman reunite family tonight tony keep great work tony thank tony roar economy first time ever give many former prisoner ability get great job fresh start second chance life make possible passed landmark criminal justice reform law everybody say criminal justice reform could do get do people room get do thanks bold regulatory reduction campaign united state become number one producer oil natural gas anywhere world far tremendous progress make past 3 year america energy independent energy job like many element country record high number one would think possible 3 year ago likewise restore nation manufacturing might even though prediction know could never ever do lose factory previous two administration america gain new factory administration thousand upon thousand plant factory plan build company leave come back fact everybody want action united state america indeed place action one big promise make american people replace disastrous nafta trade deal fact unfair trade perhaps single big reason decide run president follow nafta adoption nation lose one four manufacturing job many politician come go pledge change replace nafta absolutely nothing happen unlike many come keep promise job six day ago replace nafta sign agreement law usmca create nearly new american auto job massively boost export farmer rancher factory worker also bring trade mexico canada much high level also much great degree fairness reciprocity fairness reciprocity say finally many many year treat fairly trade first major trade deal many year earn strong backing america labor union also promise citizen would impose tariff confront china massive theft america job strategy work day ago sign groundbreaking new agreement china defend worker protect intellectual property bring billion billion dollar treasury open vast new market product make grown right decade china take advantage united state change time perhaps best relationship ever china include president xi respect do quite frankly could never really believe able get away year year decade decade without someone country step say enough want rebuild country exactly rebuild country restore american leadership throughout world stand freedom hemisphere administration reverse fail policy previous administration cuba support hope cuban nicaraguan venezuelan restore democracy united state lead diplomatic coalition socialist dictator venezuela nicolás maduro maduro illegitimate ruler tyrant brutalize people maduro grip tyranny smash broken evening brave man carry hop dreams aspiration venezuelan join u gallery true legitimate president venezuela juan guaidó president please take message back homeland thank president great honor thank much please take message back americans united venezuelan people righteous struggle freedom thank much president thank much socialism destroy nation always remember freedom unifies soul safeguard american liberty invest trillion united state military purchase fine plane missile rocket ship every form military equipment make right also get ally finally help pay fair share raise contribution nato member 400 billion number ally meet minimum obligation double week ago first time since president truman establish air force 70 year earlier create branch united state arm force call space force important gallery tonight young gentleman want year lanphier eighth grader arizona iain please stand iain always dream go space first class among young aviation academy aspires go air force academy eye space force iain say people look space want look world sit behind iain tonight great hero charles mcgee bear cleveland ohio one century ago charles one last survive tuskegee first black fighter also happen iain incredible story 130 combat mission world war ii come back home country still struggle civil right go serve america korea vietnam december 7 charles celebrate 100th birthday week ago sign bill promote charles mcgee brigadier general earlier today pin star shoulder oval office general mcgee nation salute thank sir pilgrims founder soldier valley forge marcher selma president lincoln reverend martin luther king american always reject limit child future member congress must never forget victory matter washington victory deliver american people people heart country dream soul country love power sustains country must always remember job put america first next step forward build inclusive society making sure every young american get great education opportunity achieve american dream yet long countless american child trap fail government school rescue student 18 state create school choice form opportunity scholarship program popular ten thousand student remain wait list one student janiyah davis fourth grader philadelphia janiyah janiyah mom stephanie single parent would anything give daughter good future last year future put reach pennsylvania governor vetoed legislation expand school choice child janiyah stephanie gallery stephanie thank much beautiful daughter thank much janiyah good news please inform long wait proudly announce tonight opportunity scholarship become available go soon head school choice call congress give 1 million american child opportunity janiyah receive pass education freedom scholarship opportunity act parent force send child fail government school every young person safe secure environment learn grow reason magnificent first lady launch best initiative advance safe healthy supportive life next generation online school community thank melania extraordinary love profound care america child thank much administration determine give citizen opportunity need regardless age background pledge american worker 400 company also provide new job education opportunities almost 15 million american budget also contain exciting vision nation high school tonight ask congress support student back plan offer vocational technical education every single high school america expand equal opportunity also proud achieve record permanent funding nation historically black college university good life american family also require affordable innovative health care system earth take office health insurance premium double 5 year move quickly provide affordable alternative new plan less expensive better also make ironclad pledge american family always protect patient preexist condition always protect medicare always protect social security always american patient never blindside medical bill sign executive order require price transparency many expert believe transparency go full effect begin next year even big health care reform save family massive amount money substantially well care work improve americans health care want take away health care take away doctor abolish private insurance entirely boo one hundred lawmaker room endorsed legislation impose socialist takeover health care system wipe private health insurance plan 180 million happy american watch home tonight want know never let socialism destroy american health care 130 legislator chamber endorsed legislation would bankrupt nation provide free health care million illegal alien force taxpayer subsidize free care anyone world unlawfully cross border proposal would raid medicare benefit senior senior depend act powerful lure illegal immigration happen california state system totally control cost taxpayer vast unaffordable amount money force american taxpayer provide unlimited free health care illegal alien sound fair stand radical leave believe defend american patient american senior stand pass legislation prohibit free government health care illegal alien tremendous boon already strongly guard southern border speak long tall powerful wall build complete 100 mile 500 mile fully complete short period time early next year substantially 500 mile complete administration also take big pharmaceutical company approve record number affordable generic drug medicine approve fda faster clip ever please announce last year first time 51 year cost prescription drug actually go work together congress reduce drug price substantially current level speak senator chuck grassley iowa others congress order get something drug pricing do do quickly properly call bipartisan legislation achieves goal dramatically lowering prescription drug price get bill desk sign law immediately 3 3 3 unyielding commitment curb opioid epidemic drug overdose death decline first time nearly 30 year among state hardest hit ohio 22 percent pennsylvania 18 percent wisconsin 10 percent quit beat opioid epidemic protect american health also mean fight infectious disease coordinate chinese government work closely together coronavirus outbreak china administration take necessary step safeguard citizens threat launch ambitious new initiative substantially improve care american kidney disease alzheimer struggle mental health congress good fund request new cure childhood cancer eradicate aid epidemic america end decade almost every american family know pain loved one diagnose serious illness tonight special man beloved million american receive advanced cancer diagnosis good news good news great fighter winner ever meet rush limbaugh thank decade tireless devotion country rush recognition do nation million people day speak inspire incredible work do charity proud announce tonight receive country high civilian honor presidential medal freedom ask first lady united state present honor please thank rush rush kathryn congratulation thank kathryn pray sick know america constantly achieve new medical breakthrough 2017 doctor luke hospital kansa city deliver one early premature baby ever survive born 21 week 6 day weigh less pound ellie schneider bear fighter skill doctor prayer parent little ellie keep win battle life today ellie strong healthy girl sit amaze mother robin gallery ellie robin glad u tonight ellie remind u every child miracle life thanks modern medical wonder 50 percent premature baby deliver hospital ellie bear survive incredible thing thank much goal ensure every baby best chance thrive grow like ellie ask congress provide additional 50 million fund neonatal research america young patient also call upon member congress tonight pas legislation finally ban abortion baby whether republican democrat independent surely must agree every human life sacred gift god support america mom dads recently proud sign law provide new parent federal workforce pay family leave serve model rest country call congress pas bipartisan advance support work family act extend family leave mother father across nation forty million american family average extra thanks child tax credit also overseen historic funding increase childcare enable 17 state help child many reduce eliminated altogether send congress plan vision expand access childcare urge act immediately protect environment day ago announce united state join 1 trillion tree initiative ambitious effort bring together government private sector plant new tree america around world must also rebuild america infrastructure ask pas senator john barrasso highway bill invest new road bridge tunnel across land also commit ensure every citizen access internet include especially rural america well tomorrow american also require u keep america safe mean support men woman law enforcement every level include nation heroic ice officer last year brave ice officer arrest criminal alien charge nearly burglary sexual assault violent assault murder tragically many city america radical politician choose provide sanctuary criminal illegal alien boo sanctuary city local official order police release dangerous criminal alien prey upon public instead hand ice safely remove 29 day ago criminal alien free sanctuary city new york charge brutal rape murder woman killer previously arrest assault new york sanctuary policy set free city honor ice detainer request victim would still alive today state california pass outrageous law declare whole state sanctuary criminal illegal terrible catastrophic result one tragic example december 2018 california police detain illegal alien five prior arrest include conviction robbery assault require california sanctuary law local authority release day later criminal alien go gruesome spree deadly violence viciously shot one man go daily work approach woman sit car shot arm chest walk convenience store wildly fire weapon hijack truck smashed vehicle critically injure innocent victim one victim terrible terrible situation american name rocky jones rocky gas station vile criminal fired eight bullet close range murder cold blood rocky leave behind devoted family include brother love anything else world one grieving brother u tonight jody would please stand jody jody thank jody heart weep loss rest justice senator thom tillis introduce legislation allow american like jody sue sanctuary city state love one hurt kill result deadly practice ask congress pas justice victim sanctuary city act immediately united state america sanctuary american criminal alien last 3 year ice arrest wicked human trafficker sign nine piece legislation stamp menace human traffic domestically around globe administration undertaken unprecedented effort secure southern border united state come office show illegally southern border arrest simply release allow country never see administration end come illegally promptly remove country importantly enter historic cooperation agreement government mexico honduras el salvador guatemala result unprecedented effort illegal crossing 75 percent since may drop 8 straight month row wall rapidly go drug seizure rise border crossing go rapidly last year travel border texas meet chief patrol agent raul ortiz last 24 month agent ortiz team seize pound poisonous narcotic arrest human smuggler rescue migrant day ago agent ortiz promote deputy chief border patrol join u tonight chief ortiz please stand grateful nation thanks hero border patrol ice thank much thank build historic gain work legislation replace outdated randomize immigration system one base merit welcome follow rule contribute economy support financially uphold value every action administration restore rule law reassert culture american freedom work senate majority leader mitch colleague senate confirm record number 187 new federal judge uphold constitution write include two brilliant new supreme court justice neil gorsuch brett kavanaugh thank many pipeline administration also defend religious liberty include constitutional right pray public school america punish prayer tear cross ban symbol faith muzzle preacher pastor america celebrate faith cherish religion lift voice prayer raise sight glory god believe first amendment also believe another constitutional right siege across country long president always protect second amendment right keep bear arm reaffirm heritage free nation must remember america always frontier nation must embrace next frontier america manifest destiny star ask congress fully fund artemis program ensure next man first woman moon american astronaut use launch pad ensure america first nation plant flag mar administration also strongly defend national security combat radical islamic terrorism last week announce groundbreaking plan peace israel palestinian recognize past attempt fail must determine creative order stabilize region give million young people chance realize good future three year ago barbarians isis hold square mile territory iraq syria today isis territorial caliphate 100 percent destroy founder leader bloodthirsty killer know dead join even carl marsha mueller graduate college beautiful daughter kayla become humanitarian aid worker write people find god church people find god nature people find god love find god suffer know time life work use hand tool relieve suffer 2013 care suffer civilian syria kayla kidnap tortured enslaved isi keep prisoner 500 horrify day captivity murder young beautiful kayla 26 year old night special force operation end miserable life chairman joint chief staff general mark milley receive call situation room tell brave men elite special force team perfectly carry operation give mission name task force reference special day august 14 kayla birthday carl marsha america warrior never forget kayla neither thank every day america men woman uniform demonstrate infinite depth love dwell human heart one american hero army staff sergeant christopher hake second deployment iraq 2008 sergeant hake write letter son gage write gage teach ride first bike build first sandbox watch play sport see kid also love son take care mother always daddy easter sunday 2008 chris patrol baghdad bradley fight vehicle hit roadside bomb night make ultimate sacrifice country sergeant hake rest eternal glory arlington wife kelli gallery tonight join son well kelli gage chris live heart forever look thank thank much thank much terrorist responsible kill sergeant hake qasem soleimani provide deadly roadside bomb take chris life soleimani iranian regime ruthless butcher monster murder wound thousand american servicemembers iraq world top terrorist soleimani orchestrate death countless men woman child direct december assault go assault force iraq actively plan new attack hit hard last month direction military execute flawless precision strike kill soleimani terminate evil reign terror forever message terrorist clear never escape american justice attack citizen forfeit life recent month see proud iranian raise voice oppressive ruler iranian regime must abandon pursuit nuclear weapon stop spread terror death destruction start work good people powerful sanction iranian economy poorly help make good recovery go quickly perhaps proud foolish ask help let u see road choose totally defend american life work end america war middle east afghanistan determination valor warfighters allow u make tremendous progress peace talk underway look kill hundred thousand people afghanistan many totally innocent also function serve nation law enforcement agency warfighters best either want fight win fight work finally end america long war bring troop back home war place heavy burden nation extraordinary military family especially spouse like amy williams fort bragg north carolina two child elliana rowan amy work volunteer countless hour help military family past 7 month do husband sergeant first class townsend williams afghanistan fourth deployment middle east amy kid see father face many month amy family sacrifice make possible family live safety peace want thank thank amy amy one thing tonight special surprise thrill inform husband back deployment u tonight could keep wait longer welcome home sergeant williams thank much world bear witness tonight america land hero place greatness born destiny forge legend come life home thomas edison teddy roosevelt many great general include washington pershing patton macarthur home abraham lincoln frederick douglas amelia earhart harriet tubman wright brother neil armstrong many country child learn name like wyatt earp davy crockett annie oakley place pilgrim land plymouth texas patriot make last stand beautiful beautiful alamo american nation carve vast frontier tough strong fiercest determine men woman ever walk face earth ancestor brave unknown tamed wilderness settle wild west lift million poverty disease hunger vanquish tyranny fascism usher world new height science medicine lay railroad dug canal raise skyscraper lady gentlemen ancestor build exceptional republic ever exist human history making great ever glorious magnificent inheritance americans pioneer pathfinder settle new world build modern world change history forever embrace eternal truth everyone make equal hand almighty god america place anything happen america place anyone rise land soil continent incredible dream come true nation canvas country masterpiece look tomorrow see unlimited frontier wait explored brightest discovery yet know thrilling story yet tell grand journey yet make american age american epic american adventure begin spirit still young sun still rise god grace still shin fellow american best yet come thank god bless god bless america thank much