Joe Biden in 2023 State of the Union address
On Tax Reform:
Reward work, not wealth: crack down on wealthy tax cheats
Let's close the loopholes that allow the very wealthy to avoid paying their taxes. Instead of cutting the number of audits of wealthy tax payers, I signed a law that will reduce the deficit by $114 billion by cracking down on wealthy tax cheats.
That's being fiscally responsible.We pay for investments in our future by finally making the wealthiest and the biggest corporations begin to pay their fair share.
Under my plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 a year will pay an additional penny in taxes. Nobody. Not one penny.
Let's reward work, not just wealth.
Pass my proposal for a billionaire minimum tax. Because no billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a school teacher or a firefighter.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Jobs:
12 million new jobs in 2 years; the most ever
We have created a record 12 million new jobs, more jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years. For decades, the middle class was hollowed out. Too many good-paying manufacturing jobs moved overseas. Factories at home
closed down. Once-thriving cities and towns became shadows of what they used to be.
And along the way, something else was lost. Pride. That sense of self-worth. I ran for President to fundamentally change things, to make sure the economy works for
everyone so we can all feel pride in what we do.
To build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out, not from the top down. Because when the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well.
So, let's look at the results. Unemployment rate at 3.4%, a 50-year low. Near record low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers. We've already created 800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, the fastest growth in 40 years.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Corporations:
Prevent "junk fees"; disclose all fees up front
My administration is taking on "junk" fees, those hidden surcharges too many businesses use to make you pay more. For example, we're making airlines show you the full ticket price upfront and refund your money if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
We've reduced exorbitant bank overdraft fees, saving consumers more than $1 billion a year. We're cutting credit card late fees by 75%, from $30 to $8.Junk fees may not matter to the very wealthy, but they matter to most folks in homes like the one
I grew up in. They add up to hundreds of dollars a month. They make it harder for you to pay the bills or afford that family trip. I know how unfair it feels when a company overcharges you and gets away with it.
Not anymore. We've written a bill to
stop all that. It's called the Junk Fee Prevention Act. We'll ban surprise "resort fees" that hotels tack on to your bill. We'll make cable internet & cellphone companies stop charging you up to $200 or more when you decide to switch to another provider.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Technology:
Largest investment in infrastructure since Interstates
To maintain the strongest economy in the world, we also need the best infrastructure in the world. We used to be #1 in the world in infrastructure, then we fell to #13th. Now we're coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System.Already, we've funded over 20,000 projects, including at major airports from Boston to Atlanta to Portland. These projects will put
hundreds of thousands of people to work rebuilding our highways, bridges, railroads, tunnels, ports and airports, clean water, and high-speed internet across America.
And we're just getting started. I sincerely thank my Republican friends who voted
for the law. And to my Republican friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in their districts, don't worry. I promised to be the president for all Americans. We'll fund your projects. And I'll see you at the ground-breaking.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Crime:
Brown and black parents tell kids "The Talk" about cops
Public safety depends on public trust. But too often that trust is violated.Joining us tonight are the parents of Tyre Nichols, who had to bury him just last week. Imagine what it's like to lose a child at the hands of the law. Imagine having to
worry whether your son or daughter will come home from walking down the street or playing in the park or just driving their car.
I've never had to have "The Talk" with my children that so many Black and Brown families have had with their children: "If
a police officer pulls you over, turn on your interior lights. Don't reach for your license. Keep your hands on the steering wheel." Imagine having to worry like that every day in America.
I know most cops are good. decent people. They risk their
lives every time they put on that shield. But what happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often. We have to do better. Give law enforcement the training they need, hold them to higher standards, and help them succeed in keeping everyone safe.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Principles & Values:
Time and again, Democrats and Republicans have come together
We're often told that Democrats and Republicans can't work together. But over these past two years, we proved the cynics and the naysayers wrong. Yes, we disagreed plenty. And yes, there were times when Democrats had to go it alone. But time and again,
Democrats and Republicans came together.- Came together to defend a stronger and safer Europe.
- Came together to pass a once-in-a-generation infrastructure law, building bridges to connect our nation and people.
- Came together to pass one of
the most significant laws ever, helping veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
In fact, I signed over 300 bipartisan laws since becoming President. To my Republican friends, if we could work together in the last Congress, there is no reason we can't
work together in this new Congress. The people sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, conflict for the sake of conflict, gets us nowhere. And that's always been my vision for our country.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Corporations:
Tax code just isn't fair; quadruple tax on stock buybacks
I'm a capitalist. But just pay your fair share. And I think a lot of you at home agree with me that our present tax system is simply unfair.The idea that in 2020, 55 of the biggest companies in America made $40 billion in profits and paid zero in
federal income taxes? That's simply not fair. But now, because of the law I signed, billion-dollar companies have to pay a minimum of 15%.
You may have noticed that Big Oil just reported record profits. Last year, they made $200 billion in the midst
of a global energy crisis. They invested too little of that profit to increase domestic production and keep gas prices down. Instead, they used those record profits to buy back their own stock, rewarding their CEOs and shareholders.
Corporations ought
to do the right thing. That's why I propose that we quadruple the tax on corporate stock buybacks to encourage long term investments instead. They will still make a considerable profit.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Free Trade:
Buy American has been the law since 1933; now new standards
Buy American has been the law of the land since 1933. But for too long, past administrations have found ways to get around it. Not anymore.Tonight, I'm also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure
projects to be made in America. American-made lumber, glass, drywall, fiber optic cables. And on my watch, American roads, American bridges, and American highways will be made with American products.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Corporations:
Capitalism without competition is exploitation of consumers
Big corporations aren't just taking advantage of the tax code. They're taking advantage of you, the American consumer. Capitalism without competition is not capitalism. It is exploitation. I signed a bipartisan bill that cut shipping costs by 90%,
helping American farmers, businesses, and consumers. Pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen antitrust enforcement and prevent big online platforms from giving their own products an unfair advantage.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Energy & Oil:
The climate crisis doesn't care if your state is red or blue
In addition to emergency recovery from Puerto Rico to Florida to Idaho, we are rebuilding for the long term. Let's face reality. The climate crisis doesn't care if your state is red or blue.
It is an existential threat. We have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to confront it. I'm proud of how America is at last stepping up to the challenge. But there's so much more to do. We will finish the job
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Drugs:
Work with couriers like Fed Ex to inspect for fentanyl
Fentanyl is killing more than 70,000 Americans a year. Let's launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production, sale, and trafficking, with more drug detection machines to inspect cargo and stop pills and powder at the border.
Working with couriers like Fed Ex to inspect more packages for drugs. Strong penalties to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Health Care:
Cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American
We pay more for prescription drugs than any major country on Earth. Every day, millions need insulin to control their diabetes so they can stay alive. It costs drug companies just $10 a vial to make. Big Pharma has been unfairly charging people hundreds
of dollars and making record profits. We capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare. But there are millions of other Americans who are not on Medicare. Let's cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Gun Control:
Ban assault weapons once and for all; we did it before
That was the same plea of parents who lost their children in Uvalde: Do something on gun violence. Thank God we did, passing the most sweeping gun safety law in three decades. Ban assault weapons once and for all. We did it before.
I led the fight to ban them in 1994. In the 10 years the ban was law, mass shootings went down. After Republicans let it expire, mass shootings tripled. Let's finish the job and ban assault weapons again.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Social Security:
Won't allow Social Security or Medicare to be taken away
Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. Americans have been paying into them with every single paycheck since they started working. Those benefits belong to the American people. They earned them. If anyone tries to cut
Social Security, I will stop them. And if anyone tries to cut Medicare, I will stop them. I will not allow them to be taken away. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Principles & Values:
The story of America is unique among all nations
The story of America is a story of progress and resilience. A story unique among all nations. We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. Two years ago, our economy was reeling, COVID had shut
down our businesses, closed our schools, and robbed us of so much. Today, COVID no longer controls our lives. Two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Families & Children:
Paid family leave & Child Tax Credit increase productivity
Let's make sure working parents can afford to raise a family with sick days, paid family and medical leave, and affordable child care that will enable millions more people to go to work. Let's also restore the full Child Tax Credit, which gave tens of
millions of parents some breathing room and cut child poverty in half, to the lowest level in history. And by the way, when we do all of these things, we increase productivity. We increase economic growth.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Education:
Reduce student debt; increase Pell Grants
We're making progress by reducing student debt and increasing Pell Grants for working- and middle-class families. Let's finish the job, connect students to career opportunities starting in high school and provide two years of community college,
some of the best career training in America, in addition to being a pathway to a four-year degree. Let's offer every American the path to a good career whether they go to college or not.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Crime:
Ten times the return for every dollar spent fighting fraud
Before I came to office many inspector generals who protect taxpayer dollars were sidelined. Fraud was rampant. Let's triple our anti-fraud strike forces going after these criminals, double the statute of limitations on these crimes, and
crack down on identity fraud by criminal syndicates stealing billions of dollars from the American people. For every dollar we put into fighting fraud, taxpayers get back at least ten times as much.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On War & Peace:
America is united in support of Ukraine as long as it takes
Together, we did what America always does at our best. We led. We united NATO and built a global coalition. We stood against Putin's aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people. Tonight, we are once again joined by
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States. She represents not just her nation, but the courage of her people. Ambassador, America is united in our support for your country. We will stand with you as long as it takes.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Budget & Economy:
Blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America
My economic plan is about investing in places and people that have been forgotten. You remember the jobs that went away. And you wonder whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to get ahead without moving away. I get it. That's why
we're building an economy where no one is left behind. Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back, because of the choices we made in the last two years. This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America and make a real difference in your lives.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Abortion:
If Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it
Congress must restore the right the Supreme Court took away last year and codify Roe v. Wade to protect every woman's constitutional right to choose. The Vice President and I are doing everything we can to protect access to reproductive
health care and safeguard patient privacy. But already, more than a dozen states are enforcing extreme abortion bans. Make no mistake; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech as prepared for delivery
Feb 7, 2023
On Social Security:
Some Republicans want to cut Social Security and Medicare
Biden accused members of the GOP of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare and was met with an angry reaction from some Republicans. Some shouted "You lie!" and "No," but Biden responded to their criticism, arguing that he was not "saying it's a
majority" of Republicans who support the idea."Anybody who doubts it, contact my office," Biden said. "I'll give you a copy of the proposal." The president was referring to a proposal last year from Republican Senator Rick Scott that would have
required Congress to reauthorize the programs every five years and would have made Medicare and Social Security vulnerable to cuts.
On Tuesday, the president suggested that Republicans in the chamber were agreeing not to cut
Social Security and Medicare. "So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right?" Biden said. "We got unanimity!" Biden shouted over cheers in the chamber.
Source: Newsweek Magazine on 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Social Security:
Public commitment from both parties: no cuts to entitlements
Biden has won praise for an exchange with Republican hecklers during his State of the Union address when he suggested the GOP had agreed not to make cuts to Social Security and Medicare.During his speech [Republicans shouted "No!" when Biden
mentioned a sunset plan, and Biden responded], "As we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right?" Biden said. "We got unanimity!" Biden shouted over cheers in the chamber.
That moment led to praise from social
media users, who argued that Biden had successfully baited Republicans into making a public commitment not to cut Social Security and Medicare. [One OpEd writer] wrote: "Dark Brandon gets Republicans to cheerily promise not to cut Social Security and
Medicare live during the #SOTU speech!"
"This rather savvy usage of the public bully pulpit, in a nutshell, is the argument for continuing to have and televise SOTU," tweeted 2020 Pulitzer prize nominee Soraya McDonald, sharing a video of the moment.
Source: Newsweek Magazine on 2023 State of the Union speech
Feb 7, 2023
On Principles & Values:
There is no place for political violence in America
For the last few years our democracy has been threatened, attacked, and put at risk. Put to the test here, in this very room, on January 6th.We must all speak out. There is no place for political violence in America.
In America, we must protect the right to vote, not suppress that fundamental right. We honor the results of our elections, not subvert the will of the people. We must uphold the rule of the law and restore trust in our institutions of democracy.
And we must give hate and extremism in any form no safe harbor. Democracy must not be a partisan issue. It must be an American issue.
Every generation of Americans has faced a moment where they have been called on to protect our democracy, to defend it, to stand up for it. And this is our moment.
Source: 2023 State of the Union speech on Jan. 6 2021 Insurrection
Feb 7, 2023
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2023