0:00:00.790,0:00:06.091 JOHN BOEHNER: Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you, 0:00:06.091,0:00:08.569 the President of the United States. (Applause.) 0:00:08.569,0:00:28.375 Thank you. (Continued applause.) 0:00:28.375,0:00:31.971 Thank you so much. Thank you. 0:00:31.971,0:00:40.308 Thank you very much. 0:00:40.308,0:00:50.487 Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President,[br]members of Congress, fellow Americans: 0:00:50.487,0:00:58.048 Fifty-one years ago, John F. Kennedy declared[br]to this chamber that “the Constitution makes 0:00:58.048,0:01:11.059 us not rivals for power but partners for progress.”[br](Applause.) 0:01:11.059,0:01:22.061 “It is my task,” he said,“to report the State of the Union -- to improve it is the task of us all.” 0:01:23.014,0:01:27.755 Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination[br]of the American people, 0:01:27.755,0:01:30.828 there is much progress to report. 0:01:32.367,0:01:58.640 After a decade of grinding war, our brave men and women in uniform are coming home. (Applause.) 0:01:59.040,0:02:06.482 After years of grueling recession, our businesses have created over six million new jobs. 0:02:07.651,0:02:10.784 We buy more American cars than we have in five years, 0:02:11.276,0:02:20.054 and less foreign oil than we have in 20. (Applause.) 0:02:20.054,0:02:25.135 Our housing market is healing, our stock market is rebounding, 0:02:25.135,0:02:35.783 and consumers, patients, and homeowners enjoy stronger protections than ever before. (Applause.) 0:02:35.783,0:02:41.027 So, together, we have cleared away the rubble[br]of crisis, 0:02:42.474,0:03:01.531 and we can say with renewed confidence that the State of our Union is stronger. (Applause.) 0:03:01.531,0:03:06.992 But we gather here knowing that there are[br]millions of Americans 0:03:07.345,0:03:11.038 whose hard work and dedication have not yet been rewarded. 0:03:12.054,0:03:17.216 Our economy is adding jobs -- but too many people still can’t find full-time employment. 0:03:18.247,0:03:21.772 Corporate profits have skyrocketed to all-time highs 0:03:22.712,0:03:26.807 -- but for more than a decade, wages and incomes[br]have barely budged. 0:03:28.407,0:03:34.859 It is our generation’s task, then, to reignite[br]the true engine of America’s economic growth 0:03:35.504,0:03:46.239 -- a rising, thriving middle class. (Applause.) 0:03:46.239,0:03:51.099 It is -- (Applause) 0:03:51.099,0:03:56.423 It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country -- 0:03:57.577,0:04:02.147 the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, 0:04:03.009,0:04:06.767 no matter where you come from, no matter what you look like, or who you love. 0:04:08.429,0:04:13.189 It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, 0:04:13.974,0:04:20.710 and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, 0:04:21.018,0:04:33.158 and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation. (Applause.) 0:04:33.158,0:04:38.128 The American people don’t expect government to solve every problem. 0:04:39.098,0:04:42.926 They don’t expect those of us in this chamber to agree on every issue. 0:04:44.034,0:05:09.284 But they do expect us to put the nation’s interests before party. (Applause.) 0:05:09.284,0:05:13.315 They do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can. 0:05:14.545,0:05:18.803 For they know that America moves forward only when we do so together, 0:05:18.803,0:05:24.789 and that the responsibility of improving this union remains the task of us all. 0:05:26.019,0:05:31.204 Our work must begin by making some basic decisions[br]about our budget -- 0:05:32.127,0:05:36.130 decisions that will have a huge impact on the strength of our recovery. 0:05:37.730,0:05:42.062 Over the last few years, both parties have[br]worked together to reduce the deficit 0:05:42.062,0:05:47.986 by more than $2.5 trillion -- mostly through spending[br]cuts, 0:05:47.986,0:05:52.212 but also by raising tax rates on the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. 0:05:53.351,0:05:59.734 As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $4 trillion in deficit reduction 0:05:59.734,0:06:02.867 that economists say we need to stabilize our finances. 0:06:04.452,0:06:08.754 Now we need to finish the job. And the question is, how? 0:06:10.769,0:06:15.775 In 2011, Congress passed a law saying that if both parties couldn’t agree 0:06:15.775,0:06:17.808 on a plan to reach our deficit goal, 0:06:18.408,0:06:23.983 about a trillion dollars’ worth of budget cuts would automatically go into effect this year. 0:06:25.260,0:06:31.957 These sudden, harsh, arbitrary cuts would jeopardize our military readiness. 0:06:32.972,0:06:37.735 They’d devastate priorities like education, and energy, and medical research. 0:06:39.012,0:06:44.473 They would certainly slow our recovery, and cost us hundreds of thousands of jobs. 0:06:46.027,0:06:50.163 That’s why Democrats, Republicans, business leaders, and economists 0:06:50.163,0:06:57.715 have already said that these cuts, known here in Washington as the sequester, are a really bad idea. 0:06:59.483,0:07:05.897 Now, some in Congress have proposed preventing[br]only the defense cuts 0:07:06.804,0:07:10.588 by making even bigger cuts to things like education and job training, 0:07:11.388,0:07:14.245 Medicare and Social Security benefits. 0:07:15.676,0:07:34.536 That idea is even worse. (Applause.) 0:07:34.536,0:07:37.762 Yes, the biggest driver of our long-term debt 0:07:37.762,0:07:41.141 is the rising cost of health care for an aging population. 0:07:41.757,0:07:48.202 And those of us who care deeply about programs like Medicare must embrace the need for modest reforms 0:07:48.925,0:07:54.102 -- otherwise, our retirement programs will crowd out the investments we need for our children, 0:07:54.764,0:07:58.648 and jeopardize the promise of a secure retirement for future generations. 0:08:00.171,0:08:06.195 But we can’t ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the entire burden of deficit reduction 0:08:06.225,0:08:15.700 while asking nothing more from the wealthiest and the most powerful. (Applause.) 0:08:15.700,0:08:20.341 We won’t grow the middle class simply by shifting the cost of health care or college 0:08:20.341,0:08:22.336 onto families that are already struggling, 0:08:22.797,0:08:27.582 or by forcing communities to lay off more teachers and more cops and more firefighters. 0:08:28.736,0:08:33.529 Most Americans -- Democrats, Republicans, and independents -- 0:08:33.529,0:08:37.096 understand that we can’t just cut our way to prosperity. 0:08:37.942,0:08:43.240 They know that broad-based economic growth requires a balanced approach to deficit reduction, 0:08:43.825,0:08:49.033 with spending cuts and revenue, and with everybody[br]doing their fair share. 0:08:50.079,0:08:52.426 And that’s the approach I offer tonight. 0:08:53.904,0:08:58.947 On Medicare, I’m prepared to enact reforms that will achieve the same amount of health care savings 0:08:58.947,0:09:00.961 by the beginning of the next decade 0:09:00.961,0:09:08.451 as the reforms proposed by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission. (Applause.) 0:09:08.451,0:09:16.004 Already, the Affordable Care Act is helping to slow the growth of health care costs. (Applause.) 0:09:16.004,0:09:19.686 And the reforms I’m proposing go even further. 0:09:20.486,0:09:23.648 We’ll reduce taxpayer subsidies to prescription drug companies 0:09:24.017,0:09:27.509 and ask more from the wealthiest seniors. (Applause.) 0:09:27.509,0:09:31.956 We’ll bring down costs by changing the way our government pays for Medicare, 0:09:31.956,0:09:37.462 because our medical bills shouldn’t be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital; 0:09:37.462,0:09:49.173 they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive. (Applause.) 0:09:49.173,0:09:52.917 And I am open to additional reforms from both parties, 0:09:53.717,0:09:57.304 so long as they don’t violate the guarantee of a secure retirement. 0:09:58.196,0:10:01.251 Our government shouldn’t make promises we cannot keep -- 0:10:01.759,0:10:21.365 but we must keepthe promises we’ve already made. (Applause.) 0:10:21.365,0:10:24.429 To hit the rest of our deficit reduction target, 0:10:25.106,0:10:28.705 we should do what leaders in both parties have already suggested, 0:10:29.074,0:10:34.365 and save hundreds of billions of dollars by getting rid of tax loopholes and deductions 0:10:34.365,0:10:36.069 for the well-off and the well-connected. 0:10:37.099,0:10:41.898 After all, why would we choose to make deeper cuts to education and Medicare, 0:10:42.744,0:10:45.279 just to protect special interest tax breaks? 0:10:45.955,0:10:47.443 How is that fair? 0:10:48.259,0:10:55.922 Why is it that deficit reduction is a big emergency justifying making cuts in Social Security benefits 0:10:55.922,0:10:58.048 but not closing some loopholes? 0:10:58.509,0:11:04.528 How does that promote growth? (Applause.) 0:11:04.528,0:11:10.738 Now is our best chance for bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform 0:11:10.738,0:11:19.142 that encourages job creation and helps bring down the deficit. (Applause.) 0:11:19.142,0:11:28.423 We can get this done. (Applause.) 0:11:28.423,0:11:32.123 The American people deserve a tax code that helps small businesses spend less time 0:11:32.123,0:11:36.806 filling out complicated forms, and more time expanding and hiring -- 0:11:37.498,0:11:41.380 a tax code that ensures billionaires with high-powered accountants can’t work the system 0:11:41.380,0:11:44.255 and pay a lower rate than their hardworking secretaries; 0:11:44.808,0:11:48.037 a tax code that lowers incentives to move jobs overseas, 0:11:48.775,0:11:51.323 and lowers tax rates for businesses and manufacturers 0:11:51.323,0:11:54.611 that are creating jobs right here in the United States of America. 0:11:54.611,0:12:08.006 That’s what tax reform can deliver. That’s what we can do together. (Applause.) 0:12:08.006,0:12:13.725 I realize that tax reform and entitlement reform will not be easy. 0:12:15.309,0:12:18.135 The politics will be hard for both sides. 0:12:19.120,0:12:22.203 None of us will get 100 percent of what we want. 0:12:23.265,0:12:28.594 But the alternative will cost us jobs, hurt our economy, 0:12:28.594,0:12:32.232 visit hardship on millions of hardworking Americans. 0:12:33.754,0:12:39.115 So let’s set party interests aside and work[br]to pass a budget that replaces reckless cuts 0:12:39.638,0:12:42.864 with smart savings and wise investments in[br]our future. 0:12:42.864,0:12:48.692 And let’s do it without the brinksmanship that stresses consumers and scares off investors. (Applause.) 0:12:48.738,0:12:53.018 The greatest nation on Earth (Applause.) 0:12:53.018,0:12:55.915 The greatest nation on Earth cannot keep conducting its business 0:12:55.915,0:13:00.197 by drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next. (Applause.) 0:13:00.197,0:13:08.438 We can't do it. (Applause.) 0:13:08.438,0:13:14.862 Let’s agree. Let's agree right here, right now to keep the people’s government open, 0:13:14.862,0:13:16.688 and pay our bills on time, 0:13:16.688,0:13:32.205 and always uphold the full faith and credit of the United States of America. (Applause.) 0:13:32.205,0:13:37.439 The American people have worked too hard, for too long, rebuilding from one crisis 0:13:37.439,0:13:42.637 to see their elected officials cause another. (Applause.) 0:13:42.637,0:13:50.892 Now, most of us agree that a plan to reducethe deficit must be part of our agenda. 0:13:51.968,0:14:03.041 But let’s be clear, deficit reduction alone is not an economic plan. (Applause.) 0:14:03.041,0:14:06.327 A growing economy that creates good, middle-class jobs -- 0:14:06.327,0:14:16.969 that must be the North Star that guides our efforts (Applause.) 0:14:16.969,0:14:21.320 Every day, we should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: 0:14:21.720,0:14:24.285 How do we attract more jobs to our shores? 0:14:24.823,0:14:28.898 How do we equip our people with the skills they need to get those jobs? 0:14:29.729,0:14:33.711 And how do we make sure that hard work leads to a decent living? 0:14:35.080,0:14:38.134 A year and a half ago, I put forward an American Jobs Act 0:14:38.134,0:14:41.712 that independent economists said would create more than 1 million new jobs. 0:14:41.712,0:14:45.761 And I thank the last Congress for passing some of that agenda. 0:14:46.145,0:14:49.800 I urge this Congress to pass the rest. (Applause.) 0:14:49.800,0:14:55.271 But tonight, I’ll lay out additional proposals that are fully paid for 0:14:55.871,0:15:02.474 and fully consistent with the budget framework both parties agreed to just 18 months ago. 0:15:03.198,0:15:09.918 Let me repeat -- nothing I’m proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime. 0:15:09.918,0:15:13.790 It is not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government 0:15:13.790,0:15:20.228 that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth. (Applause.) 0:15:20.228,0:15:31.822 That's what we should be looking for. (Applause.) 0:15:31.822,0:15:36.693 Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and manufacturing. 0:15:37.323,0:15:40.275 After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, 0:15:40.275,0:15:44.298 our manufacturers have added about 500,000 jobs over the past three. 0:15:44.928,0:15:50.879 Caterpillar is bringing jobs back from Japan. Ford is bringing jobs back from Mexico. 0:15:50.879,0:16:00.058 And this year, Apple will start making Macs in America again. (Applause.) 0:16:00.089,0:16:04.387 There are things we can do, right now, to accelerate this trend. 0:16:05.217,0:16:10.414 Last year, we created our first manufacturing innovation institute in Youngstown, Ohio. 0:16:10.414,0:16:16.971 A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the art lab where new workers are mastering the 3D printing 0:16:16.971,0:16:20.313 that has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. 0:16:20.913,0:16:24.096 There’s no reason this can’t happen in other towns. 0:16:24.542,0:16:29.029 So tonight, I’m announcing the launch of three more of these manufacturing hubs, 0:16:29.029,0:16:32.512 where businesses will partner with the Department of Defense and Energy 0:16:32.512,0:16:37.588 to turn regions left behind by globalization into global centers of high-tech jobs. 0:16:38.327,0:16:42.672 And I ask this Congress to help create a network of 15 of these hubs 0:16:42.689,0:16:47.953 and guarantee that the next revolution in manufacturing is made right here in America. 0:16:47.953,0:17:02.925 We can get that done. (Applause.) 0:17:02.925,0:17:09.040 Now, if we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas. 0:17:10.270,0:17:18.234 Every dollar we invested to map the human genome returned $140 to our economy -- every dollar. 0:17:19.234,0:17:24.443 Today, our scientists are mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer’s. 0:17:25.396,0:17:28.751 They’re developing drugs to regenerate damaged organs; 0:17:29.382,0:17:33.379 devising new material to make batteries 10 times more powerful. 0:17:34.348,0:17:39.036 Now is not the time to gut these job-creating investments in science and innovation. 0:17:39.036,0:17:42.763 Now is the time to reach a level of research and development 0:17:42.763,0:17:45.148 not seen since the height of the Space Race. 0:17:45.148,0:17:57.412 We need to make those investments. (Applause.) 0:17:57.412,0:18:02.069 Today, no area holds more promise than our investments in American energy. 0:18:03.529,0:18:09.819 After years of talking about it, we’re finally poised to control our own energy future. 0:18:10.896,0:18:14.003 We produce more oil at home than we have in 15 years (Applause.) 0:18:15.234,0:18:19.476 We have doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon of gas, 0:18:19.476,0:18:23.656 and the amount of renewable energy we generate from sources like wind and solar -- 0:18:23.656,0:18:26.753 with tens of thousands of good American jobs to show for it. 0:18:27.707,0:18:34.713 We produce more natural gas than ever before -- and nearly everyone’s energy bill is lower because of it. 0:18:35.589,0:18:39.477 And over the last four years, our emissions of the dangerous carbon pollution 0:18:39.477,0:18:42.482 that threatens our planet have actually fallen. 0:18:44.405,0:19:05.665 But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to combat climate change. (Applause.) 0:19:05.696,0:19:09.742 Now, it’s true that no single event makes a trend. 0:19:11.649,0:19:17.869 But the fact is the 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15. 0:19:19.453,0:19:28.700 Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, floods -- all are now more frequent and more intense. 0:19:29.731,0:19:35.482 We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, 0:19:35.482,0:19:40.257 and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. 0:19:41.641,0:19:45.637 Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science -- 0:19:45.637,0:19:55.853 and act before it’s too late. (Applause.) 0:19:55.853,0:19:59.023 Now, the good news is we can make meaningful progress on this issue 0:19:59.023,0:20:01.381 while driving strong economic growth. 0:20:02.350,0:20:07.277 I urge this Congress to get together, pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, 0:20:07.277,0:20:10.944 like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few years ago. 0:20:12.312,0:20:18.317 But if Congress won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will. 0:20:18.317,0:20:27.164 I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, 0:20:27.164,0:20:32.216 to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, 0:20:32.216,0:20:36.088 and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy. 0:20:37.810,0:20:40.860 Four years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market 0:20:40.860,0:20:42.684 and the jobs that came with it. 0:20:42.684,0:20:44.585 And we’ve begun to change that. 0:20:45.446,0:20:50.251 Last year, wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America. 0:20:50.251,0:20:51.789 So let’s generate even more. 0:20:52.912,0:20:57.397 Solar energy gets cheaper by the year -- let’s drive down costs even further. 0:20:58.182,0:21:02.483 As long as countries like China keep going all in on clean energy, so must we. 0:21:03.729,0:21:07.971 Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom[br]has led to cleaner power 0:21:07.971,0:21:11.538 and greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. 0:21:11.538,0:21:14.456 And that’s why my administration will keep cutting red tape 0:21:14.456,0:21:18.907 and speeding up new oil and gas permits.[br](Applause.) 0:21:18.907,0:21:21.250 That’s got to be part of an all-of-the-above plan. 0:21:21.250,0:21:25.314 But I also want to work with this Congress to encourage the research and technology 0:21:25.314,0:21:31.062 that helps natural gas burn even cleaner and protects our air and our water. 0:21:32.722,0:21:36.655 In fact, much of our new-found energy is drawn[br]from lands and waters that we, 0:21:37.362,0:21:39.353 the public, own together. 0:21:40.060,0:21:44.682 So tonight, I propose we use some of our oil and gas revenues to fund an Energy Security Trust 0:21:44.682,0:21:50.288 that will drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil for good. 0:21:51.287,0:21:56.783 If a nonpartisan coalition of CEOs and retired generals and admirals can get behind this idea, 0:21:57.413,0:21:58.389 then so can we. 0:21:58.758,0:22:01.719 Let’s take their advice and free our families and businesses 0:22:01.719,0:22:06.601 from the painful spikes in gas prices we’ve put up with for far too long. 0:22:08.185,0:22:10.250 I’m also issuing a new goal for America: 0:22:10.250,0:22:23.098 Let’s cut in half the energy wasted by our homes and businesses over the next 20 years. (Applause.) 0:22:23.098,0:22:24.671 We'll work with the states to do it. 0:22:24.671,0:22:28.081 Those states with the best ideas to create jobs and lower energy bills 0:22:28.081,0:22:33.282 by constructing more efficient buildings will receive federal support to help make that happen. 0:22:34.820,0:22:41.020 America’s energy sector is just one part of an aging infrastructure badly in need of repair. 0:22:42.296,0:22:44.845 Ask any CEO where they’d rather locate and hire -- 0:22:45.352,0:22:50.449 a country with deteriorating roads and bridges, or one with high-speed rail and Internet; 0:22:51.095,0:22:54.014 high-tech schools, self-healing power grids. 0:22:55.199,0:23:00.057 The CEO of Siemens America -- a company that brought hundreds of new jobs to North Carolina -- 0:23:00.057,0:23:04.407 said that if we upgrade our infrastructure, they’ll bring even more jobs. 0:23:04.760,0:23:07.358 And that’s the attitude of a lot of companies all around the world. 0:23:08.127,0:23:10.792 And I know you want these job-creating projects in your district. 0:23:10.792,0:23:15.314 I’ve seen all those ribbon-cuttings. (Laughter.) 0:23:18.360,0:23:25.067 So tonight, I propose a “Fix-It-First” program 0:23:25.067,0:23:28.859 to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, 0:23:28.859,0:23:48.201 like the nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. (Applause.) 0:23:48.231,0:23:50.738 And to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, 0:23:51.184,0:23:56.096 I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital 0:23:56.096,0:23:58.755 to upgrade what our businesses need most: 0:23:59.601,0:24:04.178 modern ports to move our goods, modern pipelines to withstand a storm, 0:24:04.947,0:24:08.643 modern schools worthy of our children. (Applause.) 0:24:08.643,0:24:13.831 Let’s prove that there’s no better place to do business than here in the United States of America, 0:24:13.831,0:24:16.069 and let’s start right away. We can get this done. 0:24:17.700,0:24:21.731 And part of our rebuilding effort must also involve our housing sector. 0:24:23.500,0:24:27.671 The good news is our housing market is finally healing from the collapse of 2007. 0:24:28.932,0:24:32.763 Home prices are rising at the fastest pace in six years. 0:24:32.763,0:24:38.430 Home purchases are up nearly 50 percent, and construction is expanding again. 0:24:39.876,0:24:43.294 But even with mortgage rates near a 50-year low, 0:24:43.985,0:24:48.774 too many families with solid credit who want to buy a home are being rejected. 0:24:49.789,0:24:56.251 Too many families who never missed a payment and want to refinance are being told no. 0:24:57.389,0:25:00.884 That’s holding our entire economy back. We need to fix it. 0:25:01.791,0:25:04.022 Right now, there’s a bill in this Congress 0:25:04.022,0:25:07.359 that would give every responsible homeowner in America 0:25:07.359,0:25:12.716 the chance to save $3,000 a year by refinancing at today’s rates. 0:25:14.131,0:25:18.904 Democrats and Republicans have supported it before, so what are we waiting for? 0:25:19.719,0:25:28.554 Take a vote, and send me that bill. (Applause.) 0:25:28.554,0:25:36.302 Why would we be against that? (Applause.) 0:25:36.302,0:25:40.248 Why would that be a partisan issue, helping folks refinance? 0:25:41.448,0:25:46.868 Right now, overlapping regulations keep responsible young families from buying their first home. 0:25:47.652,0:25:51.664 What’s holding us back? Let’s streamline the process, and help our economy grow. 0:25:54.029,0:25:59.519 These initiatives in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, housing -- 0:26:00.395,0:26:05.538 all these things will help entrepreneurs and small business owners expand and create new jobs. 0:26:06.829,0:26:12.167 But none of it will matter unless we also equip our citizens with the skills and training 0:26:12.424,0:26:19.981 to fill those jobs. (Applause.) 0:26:19.981,0:26:23.251 And that has to start at the earliest possible age. 0:26:25.144,0:26:30.645 You know, study after study shows that the sooner a child begins learning, 0:26:31.214,0:26:33.392 the better he or she does down the road. 0:26:34.485,0:26:40.402 But today, fewer than 3 in 10 four year-olds are enrolled in a high-quality preschool program. 0:26:41.848,0:26:45.755 Most middle-class parents can’t afford a few hundred bucks a week for a private preschool. 0:26:46.462,0:26:49.552 And for poor kids who need help the most, 0:26:50.043,0:26:54.561 this lack of access to preschool education can shadow them for the rest of their lives. 0:26:56.006,0:27:01.450 So tonight, I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool 0:27:01.450,0:27:07.886 available to every single child in America. (Applause.) 0:27:07.886,0:27:23.716 That's something we should be able to do. (Applause.) 0:27:23.716,0:27:27.556 Every dollar we invest in high-quality early childhood education 0:27:27.556,0:27:30.245 can save more than seven dollars later on -- 0:27:30.245,0:27:37.418 by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime. 0:27:38.741,0:27:44.938 In states that make it a priority to educate our youngest children, like Georgia or Oklahoma, 0:27:45.799,0:27:50.915 studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math at grade level, 0:27:51.499,0:27:57.040 graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable families of their own. 0:27:58.163,0:27:59.855 We know this works. 0:28:00.409,0:28:05.517 So let’s do what works and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind. 0:28:05.517,0:28:19.745 Let’s give our kids that chance. (Applause.) 0:28:19.745,0:28:25.061 Let’s also make sure that a high school diploma puts our kids on a path to a good job. 0:28:26.645,0:28:30.420 Right now, countries like Germany focus on graduating their high school students 0:28:30.420,0:28:34.746 with the equivalent of a technical degree from one of our community colleges. 0:28:35.284,0:28:38.708 So those German kids, they're ready for a job when they graduate high school. 0:28:39.477,0:28:41.561 They've been trained for the jobs that are there. 0:28:42.946,0:28:45.343 Now at schools like P-Tech in Brooklyn, 0:28:45.712,0:28:50.768 a collaboration between New York Public Schools and City University of New York and IBM, 0:28:51.168,0:28:57.103 students will graduate with a high school diploma and an associate's degree in computers or engineering. 0:28:58.318,0:29:02.565 We need to give every American student opportunities[br]like this. (Applause.) 0:29:02.565,0:29:08.898 And four years ago -- four years ago, we started Race to the Top -- 0:29:09.344,0:29:15.378 a competition that convinced almost every state to develop smarter curricula and higher standards, 0:29:15.378,0:29:18.688 all for about 1 percent of what we spend on education each year. 0:29:19.796,0:29:24.358 Tonight, I’m announcing a new challenge to redesign America’s high schools 0:29:24.358,0:29:28.705 so they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy. 0:29:28.705,0:29:32.682 And we’ll reward schools that develop new partnerships with colleges and employers, 0:29:33.312,0:29:39.061 and create classes that focus on science, technology, engineering and math -- 0:29:39.599,0:29:44.057 the skills today’s employers are looking for to fill the jobs that are there right now 0:29:44.057,0:29:45.645 and will be there in the future. 0:29:47.552,0:29:52.480 Now, even with better high schools, most young people will need some higher education. 0:29:53.372,0:29:56.801 It’s a simple fact the more education you’ve got, 0:29:56.801,0:30:01.222 the more likely you are to have a good job and work your way into the middle class. 0:30:02.114,0:30:07.027 But today, skyrocketing costs price too many young people out of a higher education, 0:30:07.488,0:30:10.206 or saddle them with unsustainable debt. 0:30:11.852,0:30:17.049 Through tax credits, grants and better loans, we’ve made college more affordable 0:30:17.049,0:30:20.161 for millions of students and families over the last few[br]years. 0:30:20.837,0:30:27.237 But taxpayers can’t keep on subsidizing higher and higher and higher costs for higher education. 0:30:27.945,0:30:39.957 Colleges must do their part to keep costs down, and it’s our job to make sure that they do. (Applause.) 0:30:39.957,0:30:43.779 So tonight, I ask Congress to change the Higher Education Act 0:30:43.779,0:30:47.562 so that affordability and value are included in determining 0:30:47.562,0:30:52.597 which colleges receive certain types of federal aid. (Applause.) 0:30:52.597,0:30:58.650 And -- and tomorrow, my administration will release a new “College Scorecard” 0:30:58.650,0:31:03.255 that parents and students can use to compare schools based on a simple criteria -- 0:31:03.255,0:31:07.059 where you can get the most bang for your educational buck. 0:31:08.889,0:31:14.435 Now, to grow our middle class, our citizens have to have access to the education and training 0:31:14.435,0:31:16.549 that today’s jobs require. 0:31:17.211,0:31:22.671 But we also have to make sure that America remains a place where everyone who’s willing to work -- 0:31:22.671,0:31:26.041 everybody who’s willing to work hard has the chance to get ahead. 0:31:27.548,0:31:34.330 Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of striving, hopeful immigrants. (Applause.) 0:31:35.022,0:31:42.499 And right now, leaders from the business, labor, law enforcement, faith communities -- 0:31:42.499,0:31:47.885 they all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform. 0:31:47.885,0:31:54.606 Now is the time to do it. Now is the time to get it done. (Applause.) 0:31:54.606,0:32:09.002 Now is the time to get it done. (Applause.) 0:32:09.002,0:32:12.021 Real reform means strong border security, 0:32:12.021,0:32:15.307 and we can build on the progress my administration has already made -- 0:32:15.723,0:32:19.596 putting more boots on the Southern border than at any time in our history 0:32:19.949,0:32:24.644 and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years. 0:32:26.028,0:32:31.062 Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned citizenship -- 0:32:31.062,0:32:36.122 a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty 0:32:36.122,0:32:46.738 learning English, and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally. (Applause.) 0:32:46.738,0:32:52.559 And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut waiting periods 0:32:52.559,0:32:55.999 and attract the highly-skilled entrepreneurs and engineers 0:32:55.999,0:33:11.185 that will help create jobs and grow our economy (Applause.) 0:33:11.185,0:33:15.343 In other words, we know what needs to be done. 0:33:16.111,0:33:21.867 And as we speak, bipartisan groups in both chambers are working diligently to draft a bill, 0:33:21.867,0:33:24.945 and I applaud their efforts. So let’s get this done. 0:33:25.376,0:33:30.901 Send me a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I will sign it right away. 0:33:30.901,0:33:45.793 And America will be better for it. Let's get it done. Let's get it done. (Applause.) 0:33:45.793,0:33:47.288 But we can’t stop there. 0:33:48.672,0:33:53.233 We know our economy is stronger when our wives, our mothers, our daughters 0:33:53.233,0:33:56.732 can live their lives free from discrimination in the workplace, 0:33:57.194,0:33:59.928 and free from the fear of domestic violence. 0:34:00.712,0:34:03.216 Today, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act 0:34:03.216,0:34:06.364 that Joe Biden originally wrote almost 20 years ago. 0:34:06.364,0:34:12.852 And I now urge the House to do the same. (Applause.) 0:34:12.852,0:34:22.761 Good job, Joe. (Applause.) 0:34:22.761,0:34:29.412 And I ask this Congress to declare that women should earn a living equal to their efforts, 0:34:29.412,0:34:45.025 and finally pass the Paycheck Fairness Act this year. (Applause.) 0:34:45.025,0:34:50.684 We know our economy is stronger when we reward an honest day’s work with honest wages. 0:34:52.099,0:34:58.664 But today, a full-time worker making the minimum wage earns $14,500 a year. 0:35:00.571,0:35:06.832 Even with the tax relief we put in place, a family with two[br]kids that earns the minimum wage 0:35:06.832,0:35:09.621 still lives below the poverty line. 0:35:10.791,0:35:16.185 That’s wrong. That’s why, since the last time this Congress raised the minimum wage, 0:35:16.185,0:35:18.886 19 states have chosen to bump theirs even higher. 0:35:20.332,0:35:24.089 Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, 0:35:24.089,0:35:28.315 no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, 0:35:28.315,0:35:35.651 and raise the federal minimum wage to $9.00 an hour. (Applause.) 0:35:35.651,0:35:44.241 We should be able to get that done. (Applause.) 0:35:44.241,0:35:48.384 This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families. 0:35:49.599,0:35:54.520 It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank; rent or eviction; 0:35:55.166,0:35:57.632 scraping by or finally getting ahead. 0:35:58.924,0:36:02.800 For businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money in their pockets. 0:36:04.600,0:36:07.875 And a whole lot of folks out there would probably need less help from government. 0:36:08.982,0:36:12.878 In fact, working folks shouldn’t have to wait year after year 0:36:12.878,0:36:16.462 for the minimum wage to go up while CEO pay has never been higher. 0:36:16.462,0:36:20.997 So here’s an idea that Governor Romney and I actually agreed on last year -- 0:36:21.859,0:36:24.089 let’s tie the minimum wage to the cost of living, 0:36:24.089,0:36:38.410 so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on. (Applause.) 0:36:38.410,0:36:42.068 Tonight, let’s also recognize that there are communities in this country 0:36:42.068,0:36:46.081 where no matter how hard you work, it is virtually impossible to get ahead. 0:36:46.819,0:36:50.319 Factory towns decimated from years of plants packing up. 0:36:51.211,0:36:58.565 Inescapable pockets of poverty, urban and rural, where young adults are still fighting for their first job. 0:36:59.934,0:37:04.654 America is not a place where the chance of birth or circumstance should decide our destiny. 0:37:05.561,0:37:09.100 And that’s why we need to build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class 0:37:09.952,0:37:10.805 for all who are willing to climb them. 0:37:12.066,0:37:14.788 Let’s offer incentives to companies that hire Americans 0:37:14.788,0:37:16.872 who’ve got what it takes to fill that job opening, 0:37:16.872,0:37:20.416 but have been out of work so long that no one will give them a chance anymore. 0:37:21.246,0:37:25.222 Let’s put people back to work rebuilding vacant homes in run-down neighborhoods. 0:37:26.345,0:37:31.892 And this year, my administration will begin to partner with 20 of the hardest-hit towns in America 0:37:31.923,0:37:34.088 to get these communities back on their feet. 0:37:34.088,0:37:40.762 We’ll work with local leaders to target resources at public safety, and education, and housing. 0:37:41.592,0:37:44.291 We’ll give new tax credits to businesses that hire and invest. 0:37:45.075,0:37:47.468 And we’ll work to strengthen families 0:37:47.468,0:37:51.790 by removing the financial deterrents to marriage for low-income couples, 0:37:51.790,0:37:53.620 and do more to encourage fatherhood -- 0:37:54.435,0:37:57.130 because what makes you a man isn’t the ability to conceive a child; 0:37:57.130,0:37:59.132 it’s having the courage to raise one. 0:37:59.793,0:38:16.828 And we want to encourage that. We want to help that. (Applause.) 0:38:16.828,0:38:23.084 Stronger families. Stronger communities. A stronger America. 0:38:24.591,0:38:31.766 It is this kind of prosperity -- broad, shared, built on a thriving middle class -- 0:38:32.350,0:38:35.351 that has always been the source of our progress at home. 0:38:36.689,0:38:40.262 It’s also the foundation of our power and influence throughout the world. 0:38:41.908,0:38:48.785 Tonight, we stand united in saluting the troop and civilians who sacrifice every day to protect us. 0:38:49.631,0:38:55.940 Because of them, we can say with confidence that America will complete its mission in Afghanistan 0:38:55.940,0:39:17.187 and achieve our objective of defeating the core of al Qaeda. (Applause.) 0:39:17.187,0:39:22.078 Already, we have brought home 33,000 of our brave servicemen and women. 0:39:22.970,0:39:29.046 This spring, our forces will move into a support role, while Afghan security forces take the lead. 0:39:29.999,0:39:33.103 Tonight, I can announce that over the next year, 0:39:33.103,0:39:37.501 another 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan. 0:39:37.501,0:40:00.588 This drawdown will continue and by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over. (Applause.) 0:40:00.588,0:40:06.824 Beyond 2014, America’s commitment to a unified and sovereign Afghanistan will endure, 0:40:07.608,0:40:09.724 but the nature of our commitment will change. 0:40:11.016,0:40:15.735 We're negotiating an agreement with the Afghan government that focuses on two missions -- 0:40:15.751,0:40:20.382 training and equipping Afghan forces so that the country does not again slip into chaos, 0:40:20.382,0:40:26.559 and counterterrorism efforts that allow us to pursue the remnants of al Qaeda and their affiliates. 0:40:28.728,0:40:40.948 Today, the organization that attacked us on 9/11 is a shadow of its former self. (Applause.) 0:40:40.948,0:40:44.604 It's true, different al Qaeda affiliates and extremist groups have emerged -- 0:40:44.604,0:40:47.084 from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa. 0:40:48.437,0:40:51.199 The threat these groups pose is evolving. 0:40:52.399,0:40:53.651 But to meet this threat, 0:40:53.651,0:40:59.487 we don’t need to send tens of thousands of our sons and daughters abroad or occupy other nations. 0:41:00.071,0:41:05.785 Instead, we'll need to help countries like Yemen, and Libya, and Somalia provide for their own security, 0:41:06.385,0:41:09.970 and help allies who take the fight to terrorists, as we have in Mali. 0:41:10.785,0:41:17.463 And where necessary, through a range of capabilities, we will continue to take direct action 0:41:17.463,0:41:25.202 against those terrorists who pose the gravest threat to Americans. (Applause.) 0:41:25.218,0:41:34.412 Now, as we do, we must enlist our values in[br]the fight. 0:41:35.996,0:41:42.080 That's why my administration has worked tirelessly to forge a durable legal and policy framework 0:41:42.390,0:41:44.110 to guide our counterterrorism efforts. 0:41:45.787,0:41:49.725 Throughout, we have kept Congress fully informed of our efforts. 0:41:50.755,0:41:53.337 And I recognize that in our democracy, 0:41:53.337,0:41:56.805 no one should just take my word for it that we’re doing things the right way. 0:41:57.712,0:42:01.319 So in the months ahead, I will continue to engage Congress to ensure 0:42:01.319,0:42:06.680 not only that our targeting, detention and prosecution of terrorists remains consistent 0:42:06.680,0:42:12.759 with our laws and system of checks and balances, but that our efforts are even more transparent 0:42:12.759,0:42:16.737 to the American people and to the world. (Applause.) 0:42:16.737,0:42:22.804 Of course, our challenges don’t end with al Qaeda. 0:42:24.004,0:42:29.119 America will continue to lead the effort to prevent the spread of the world’s most dangerous weapons. 0:42:30.548,0:42:34.902 The regime in North Korea must know they will only achieve security and prosperity 0:42:34.902,0:42:37.293 by meeting their international obligations. 0:42:38.293,0:42:41.927 Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only further isolate them, 0:42:42.419,0:42:45.761 as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense 0:42:46.176,0:42:49.651 and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats. 0:42:50.666,0:42:55.572 Likewise, the leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a diplomatic solution, 0:42:55.572,0:43:00.639 because a coalition stands united in demanding that they meet their obligations, 0:43:00.639,0:43:20.304 and we will do what is necessary to prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon. (Applause.) 0:43:20.304,0:43:26.462 At the same time, we’ll engage Russia to seek further reductions in our nuclear arsenals, 0:43:26.462,0:43:30.321 and continue leading the global effort to secure nuclear materials 0:43:30.321,0:43:34.831 that could fall into the wrong hands -- because our ability to influence others 0:43:35.247,0:43:38.969 depends on our willingness to lead and meet our obligations. 0:43:41.260,0:43:46.585 America must also face the rapidly growing threat from cyber-attacks. (Applause.) 0:43:46.585,0:43:53.259 Now, we know hackers steal people’s identities and infiltrate private emails. 0:43:54.397,0:43:58.332 We know foreign countries and companies swipe our corporate secrets. 0:43:59.424,0:44:03.337 Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, 0:44:03.937,0:44:08.276 our financial institutions, our air traffic control systems. 0:44:09.276,0:44:13.542 We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing 0:44:13.542,0:44:17.109 in the face of real threats to our security and our economy. 0:44:17.878,0:44:20.924 And that’s why, earlier today, I signed a new executive order 0:44:20.924,0:44:25.073 that will strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing information sharing, 0:44:25.073,0:44:35.442 and developing standards to protect our national security, our jobs, and our privacy. (Applause.) 0:44:35.442,0:44:42.535 But now -- now Congress must act as well, by passing legislation to give our government 0:44:42.535,0:44:46.910 a greater capacity to secure our networks and deter attacks. 0:44:47.356,0:44:58.297 This is something we should be able to get done on a bipartisan basis. (Applause.) 0:44:58.297,0:45:00.337 Now, even as we protect our people, 0:45:00.752,0:45:04.917 we should remember that today’s world presents not just dangers, not just threats, 0:45:05.794,0:45:07.124 it presents opportunities. 0:45:07.971,0:45:11.377 To boost American exports, support American jobs 0:45:12.101,0:45:15.181 and level the playing field in the growing markets of Asia, 0:45:15.657,0:45:18.954 we intend to complete negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership. 0:45:19.678,0:45:21.898 And tonight, I’m announcing that we will launch talks 0:45:21.898,0:45:26.719 on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union -- 0:45:27.135,0:45:30.549 because trade that is fair and free across the Atlantic 0:45:30.549,0:45:40.601 supports millions of good-paying American jobs. (Applause.) 0:45:40.601,0:45:46.961 We also know that progress in the most impoverished parts of our world enriches us all -- 0:45:48.484,0:45:55.395 not only because it creates new markets, more stable order in certain regions of the world, 0:45:55.395,0:45:56.964 but also because it’s the right thing to do. 0:45:58.702,0:46:01.898 You know, in many places, people live on little more than a dollar a day. 0:46:03.621,0:46:08.165 So the United States will join with our allies to eradicate such extreme poverty 0:46:08.165,0:46:12.166 in the next two decades by connecting more people to the global economy; 0:46:12.181,0:46:17.767 by empowering women; by giving our young and brightest minds new opportunities to serve, 0:46:18.428,0:46:21.924 and helping communities to feed, empower, and educate themselves; 0:46:22.724,0:46:26.002 by saving the world’schildren from preventable deaths; 0:46:26.541,0:46:39.764 and by realizing the promise of an AIDS-free generation, which is within our reach. (Applause.) 0:46:39.764,0:46:51.101 You see, America must remain a beacon to all who seek freedom during this period of historic change. 0:46:52.639,0:46:57.925 I saw the power of hope last year in Rangoon, in Burma, when Aung San Suu Kyi 0:46:57.925,0:47:02.318 welcomed an American President into the home where she had been imprisoned for years; 0:47:03.594,0:47:07.167 when thousands of Burmese lined the streets, waving American flags, 0:47:07.167,0:47:09.157 including a man who said: 0:47:09.157,0:47:15.240 “There is justice and law in the United States. I want our country to be like that.” 0:47:17.640,0:47:21.629 In defense of freedom, we’ll remain the anchor of strong alliances 0:47:21.629,0:47:25.232 from the Americas to Africa; from Europe to Asia. 0:47:26.586,0:47:31.458 In the Middle East,we will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights, 0:47:31.458,0:47:41.899 and support stable transitions to democracy. (Applause.) 0:47:41.899,0:47:43.631 We know the process will be messy, 0:47:46.200,0:47:50.454 and we cannot presume to dictate the course of change in countries like Egypt, 0:47:50.454,0:47:56.447 but we can -- and will -- insist on respect for the fundamental rights of all people. 0:47:57.493,0:48:01.128 We’ll keep the pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people, 0:48:01.128,0:48:05.578 and support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian. 0:48:06.393,0:48:27.933 And we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a lasting peace. (Applause.) 0:48:28.625,0:48:31.991 These are the messages I'll deliver when I travel to the Middle East next month. 0:48:34.175,0:48:38.238 And all this work depends on the courage and sacrifice 0:48:38.792,0:48:42.499 of those who serve in dangerous places at great personal risk –- 0:48:43.730,0:48:50.985 our diplomats, our intelligence officers, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. 0:48:52.400,0:48:55.490 As long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will do whatever we must 0:48:55.490,0:48:57.917 to protect those who serve their country abroad, 0:48:57.917,0:49:16.384 and we will maintain the best military the world has ever known. (Applause.) 0:49:16.384,0:49:21.297 We'll invest in new capabilities, even as we reduce waste and wartime spending. 0:49:22.158,0:49:25.592 We will ensure equal treatment for all service members, 0:49:25.592,0:49:39.632 and equal benefits for their families -- gay and straight. (Applause.) 0:49:39.632,0:49:44.951 We will draw upon the courage and skills of our sisters and daughters and moms, 0:49:44.967,0:49:48.806 because women have proven under fire that they are ready for combat. 0:49:49.990,0:49:54.075 We will keep faith with our veterans, investing in world-class care, 0:49:54.075,0:50:11.545 including mental healthcare, for our wounded warriors -- (applause) 0:50:11.545,0:50:16.599 supporting our military families; giving our veterans the benefits and education 0:50:16.599,0:50:19.082 and job opportunities that they have earned. 0:50:19.082,0:50:23.765 And I want to thank my wife, Michelle, and Dr. Jill Biden for their continued dedication 0:50:23.765,0:50:26.373 to serving our military families as well as they have served us. 0:50:27.665,0:50:43.345 Thank you, honey. Thank you, Jill. (Applause.) 0:50:44.237,0:50:49.119 Defending our freedom, though, is not just the job of our military alone. 0:50:50.626,0:50:55.526 We must all do our part to make sure our God-given rights are protected here at home. 0:50:57.480,0:51:01.541 That includes one of the most fundamental right of a democracy: 0:51:02.588,0:51:14.413 the right to vote. (Applause.) 0:51:14.413,0:51:23.713 When any American, no matter where they live or what their party, 0:51:24.436,0:51:31.814 are denied that right because they can’t afford to wait for five or six or seven hours 0:51:31.814,0:51:39.269 just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals. (Applause.) 0:51:39.269,0:51:47.134 So tonight, I’m announcing a nonpartisan commission 0:51:47.134,0:51:50.223 to improve the voting experience in America. 0:51:50.223,0:51:52.300 And it definitely needs improvement. 0:51:53.992,0:51:56.592 I’m asking two long-time experts in the field -- 0:51:56.592,0:52:01.136 who, by the way, recently served as the top attorneys for my campaign 0:52:01.136,0:52:04.189 and for Governor Romney’s campaign -- to lead it. 0:52:04.189,0:52:07.002 We can fix this, and we will. 0:52:07.002,0:52:23.399 The American people demand it, and so does our democracy. (Applause.) 0:52:24.968,0:52:29.481 Of course, what I’ve said tonight matters little 0:52:30.865,0:52:36.638 if we don’t come together to protect our most precious resource: our children. 0:52:38.792,0:52:41.851 It has been two months since Newtown. 0:52:43.528,0:52:48.003 I know this is not the first time this country has debated how to reduce gun violence. 0:52:49.956,0:52:51.415 But this time is different. 0:52:53.907,0:52:56.915 Overwhelming majorities of Americans 0:52:56.961,0:52:59.721 -- Americans who believe in the Second Amendment -- 0:52:59.721,0:53:03.609 have come together around common-sense reform, like background checks 0:53:03.610,0:53:07.328 that will make it harder for criminals to get their hands on a gun. (Applause.) 0:53:08.220,0:53:17.064 Senators - senators of both parties are working together on tough new laws 0:53:17.064,0:53:20.671 to prevent anyone from buying guns for resale to criminals. 0:53:21.748,0:53:25.259 Police chiefs are asking our help to get weapons of war 0:53:25.259,0:53:28.411 and massive ammunition magazines off our streets, 0:53:28.426,0:53:33.538 because these police chiefs, they’re tired of seeing their guys and gals being outgunned. 0:53:36.291,0:53:55.559 Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress. (Applause.) 0:53:55.559,0:53:58.708 Now, if you want to vote no, that’s your choice. 0:54:00.523,0:54:02.454 But these proposals deserve a vote. 0:54:04.176,0:54:06.092 Because in the two months since Newtown, 0:54:06.738,0:54:11.971 more than a thousand birthdays, graduations, anniversaries 0:54:11.971,0:54:19.461 have been stolen from our lives by a bullet from a gun -- more than a thousand. 0:54:20.953,0:54:26.182 One of those we lost was a young girl named Hadiya Pendleton. 0:54:27.920,0:54:30.051 She was 15 years old. 0:54:30.912,0:54:36.658 She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. She was a[br]majorette. 0:54:38.089,0:54:42.198 She was so good to her friends they all thought they were her best friend. 0:54:44.120,0:54:48.802 Just three weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her classmates, 0:54:49.710,0:54:52.241 performing for her country at my inauguration. 0:54:53.703,0:54:58.911 And a week later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, 0:54:59.849,0:55:01.528 just a mile away from my house. 0:55:04.143,0:55:08.175 Hadiya’s parents, Nate and Cleo, are in this chamber tonight, 0:55:08.175,0:55:13.875 along with more than two dozen Americans whose lives have been torn apart by gun violence. 0:55:15.736,0:55:30.759 They deserve a vote. They deserve a vote. (Applause.) 0:55:30.759,0:55:40.720 They deserve a vote. (Applause.) 0:55:40.720,0:55:45.631 Gabby Giffords deserves a vote. (Applause.) 0:55:45.631,0:55:50.297 The families of Newtown deserve a vote. (Applause.) 0:55:50.297,0:55:54.591 The families of Aurora deserve a vote. (Applause.) 0:55:54.591,0:55:58.360 The families of Oak Creek and Tucson and Blacksburg, 0:55:58.361,0:56:02.270 and the countless other communities ripped open by gun violence –- 0:56:02.270,0:56:12.250 they deserve a simple vote. (Applause.) 0:56:12.250,0:56:15.254 They deserve - they deserve a simple vote. 0:56:18.561,0:56:23.797 Our actions will not prevent every senseless act of violence in this country. 0:56:25.412,0:56:31.510 In fact, no laws, no initiatives, no administrativeacts will perfectly solve 0:56:31.510,0:56:33.721 all the challenges I’ve outlined tonight. 0:56:35.430,0:56:37.677 But we were never sent here to be perfect. 0:56:40.000,0:56:45.801 We were sent here to make what difference we can, to secure this nation, 0:56:46.293,0:56:52.647 expand opportunity, uphold our ideals through the hard, often frustrating, 0:56:52.647,0:56:56.017 but absolutely necessary work of self-government. 0:56:59.615,0:57:02.800 We were sent here to look out for our fellow Americans 0:57:02.800,0:57:07.189 the same way they look out for one another, every single day, 0:57:07.958,0:57:11.160 usually without fanfare, all across this country. 0:57:13.067,0:57:14.576 We should follow their example. 0:57:16.314,0:57:20.812 We should follow the example of a New York City nurse named Menchu Sanchez. 0:57:22.288,0:57:24.998 When Hurricane Sandy plunged her hospital into darkness, 0:57:26.060,0:57:29.417 she wasn’t thinking about how her own home was faring. 0:57:30.555,0:57:34.300 Her mind was on the 20 precious newborns in her care 0:57:34.300,0:57:37.855 and the rescue plan she devised that kept them all safe. 0:57:40.162,0:57:45.518 We should follow the example of a North Miami woman named Desiline Victor. 0:57:47.164,0:57:49.047 When Desiline arrived at her polling place, 0:57:49.047,0:57:52.000 she was told the wait to vote might be six hours. 0:57:52.800,0:57:57.768 And as time ticked by, her concern was not with her tired body or aching feet, 0:57:57.768,0:58:00.985 but whether folks like her would get to have their say. 0:58:02.123,0:58:06.246 And hour after hour, a throng of people stayed in line to support her -- 0:58:07.292,0:58:09.366 because Desiline is 102 years old. 0:58:10.228,0:58:48.858 And they erupted in cheers when she finally put on a sticker that read, “I voted.” (Applause.) 0:58:48.858,0:58:52.095 We should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. 0:58:53.941,0:58:58.187 When a gunman opened fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin 0:59:00.033,0:59:03.690 Brian was the first to arrive, and he did not consider his own safety. 0:59:05.013,0:59:10.101 He fought back until help arrived and ordered his fellow officers to protect 0:59:10.101,0:59:13.536 the safety of the Americans worshipping inside, 0:59:14.136,0:59:17.534 even as he lay bleeding from 12 bullet wounds. 0:59:19.226,0:59:24.239 And when asked how he did that, Brian said, “That’s just the way we’re made.” 0:59:26.715,0:59:28.362 That’s just the way we’re made. 0:59:30.654,0:59:34.525 We may do different jobs and wear different uniforms, 0:59:35.079,0:59:38.567 and hold different views than the person beside[br]us. 0:59:39.967,0:59:46.682 But as Americans, we all share the same proud title -- we are citizens. 0:59:48.375,0:59:52.507 It’s a word that doesn’t just describe our nationality or legal status. 0:59:54.338,0:59:59.842 It describes the way we’re made. It describes what we believe. 1:00:00.857,1:00:04.825 It captures the enduring idea that this country only works 1:00:04.840,1:00:09.515 when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, 1:00:10.638,1:00:13.266 that our rights are wrapped up in the rights of others; 1:00:14.081,1:00:19.818 and that well into our third century as a nation, it remains the task of us all, 1:00:20.479,1:00:23.125 as citizens of these United States, 1:00:23.786,1:00:27.456 to be the authors of the next great chapter of our American story. 1:00:28.244,1:00:29.813 Thank you. God bless you. 1:00:29.859,1:00:38.724 And God bless these United States of America. (Applause.)