United States President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union address on Tuesday with a major focus on the Russian-Ukraine crisis, trumpeting a unified answer of the US and its allies to Moscow's aggression against the Eastern European nation. He also laid out measures on addressing pressing economic issues and announced that America has begun moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the start of his speech, which lasted for an hour, Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, saying that it was a big mistake on the Kremlin's leader's part and "He has no idea what's coming."
"Six days ago, Russia's Vladimir Putin sought to shake the very foundations of the free world, thinking he could make it bend to his menacing ways. But he badly miscalculated," the President said, as per The Guardian.
Biden unified Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Capitol's House Chamber to rally on Ukraine amid the crisis it is facing.
"Let each of us if you're able to stand, stand and send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world," Biden said.
President Biden said Putin thought he could "roll into" Ukraine but, on the other hand, the Russian head of state "met a wall of strength" the citizens of Ukraine.
"From President Zelenskiy to every Ukrainian, their fearlessness, their courage, their determination, inspires the world," Biden said, with Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova in attendance.
Biden also confirmed that the US would impose a ban on Russian planes from its airspace following the lead of the European Union and Canada. Per Al Jazeera, he also rebuked Russian oligarchs and warned them that the West would seize their "ill-begotten gains."
More Made in the USA Products
To fight the 40-year high inflation in the US, Biden said that his administration's strategy to lower prices is to invest in American supply chains that will also make more good-paying jobs available. He said the country should produce more cars and semiconductors, which will also solve the supply deficit.
"Instead of relying on foreign supply chains, let's make it in America," Biden said.
Biden also highlighted his reason for proposing the 15% minimum tax rate for corporations, citing that in the Fortune 500 companies, 55 firms earned $40 billion in profit but did not pay federal taxes.
"Let's make corporations and wealthy Americans start paying their fair share," Biden, a Democrat, said.
On the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President noted that there is "a new moment" in America's battle against the dreaded virus as the number of cases continues to go down.
America Going Back to Normal
According to Reuters' report, the President mentioned that Americans are already "moving forward safely to more normal routines" and urged the reopening of businesses so people can get back to work.
Biden also announced the launching of the "Test to Treat" program wherein people can get tested at pharmacies. If they tested positive with COVID-19, they could receive antiviral drugs right away for free.
However, the President said that the vaccination program would continue.
"Scientists are working hard to get that done and we'll be ready with plenty of vaccines if and when they do. We are also ready with antiviral treatments."
To close his address, the 46th President of the United States emphasized that in the 245th year of the nation, "the State of the Union is strong."
"We are stronger today than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger a year from now than we are today," Biden said.
Related Article : Joe Biden Approves Use of 30 Million Barrels of Oil Reserves Amid Russia -Ukraine War; US Senator Wants To Ban Russian Oil Import
