On Tuesday, March 1, President Biden delivered his first State of the Union address. The speech that advisers originally indicated would focus on his economic agenda, and Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, pivoted to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Many lawmakers in attendance wore blue and yellow to show support for Ukraine as the Ukrainian ambassador sat with the first lady. The President described measures including sanctions and the closing of US airspace to Russian planes. He also announced humanitarian aid to Ukraine but was clear that while American forces will be mobilized to defend NATO allies, they will not be sent to Ukraine.
Biden, who is known for his gaffes made a notable slip up during his big speech when he referred to Ukrainians as “Iranians.”
Domestically President Biden’s mention of the American Rescue Plan drew both boos and cheers. House members Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Greene repeatedly heckled the President. Boebert specifically heckled him while he was talking about veterans and his deceased son Beau.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to Boebert and Greene’s heckling in a comment during a briefing on Wednesday saying, “I think that says a lot more about them than it does about how important these priorities are.”
The occasion also included a farewell to Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer who received a standing ovation.
Biden emphasized investment in domestic manufacturing to improve the economy as well as measures to reduce expenses for American families.
The President also announced a chief prosecutor for pandemic fraud investigations and new less stringent mask guidelines. The White House and Congress lifted mask mandates on Monday and Biden did not wear a mask at the State of the Union address.
Biden called on Congress to pass a raft of legislation including The John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
“The State of the Union is strong because you the American people are strong,” Biden concluded.
