Biden in State of Union exhorts Congress: ‘Finish the job’
Associated PressWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden exhorted Congress Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions. “That’s always been my vision for the country: to restore the soul of the nation, to rebuild the backbone of America — the middle class — and unite the country.” “We’ve been sent here to finish the job!” But the challenges for Biden are many: economic uncertainty, a wearying war in Ukraine, growing tensions with China and more. Biden drew bipartisan applause when he praised most law enforcement officers as “good, decent, honorable people” but added that “when police officers or police departments violate the public’s trust, they must be held accountable.” Members of the Congressional Black Caucus invited family members of those involved in police incidents, as they sought to press for action on police reform in the wake of Nichols’ death. As GOP lawmakers in the audience pushed back, Biden responded: “We’re not going to be moved into being threatened to default on the debt if we don’t respond.” Still, some Republicans refused to back down, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and others jumping to their feet, some yelling “Liar!” The president answered back, “Stand up and show them: We will not cut Social Security! “Make no mistake: As we made clear last week, if China’s threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country,” Biden said.