Reuters Insider - Obama vows a volley of executive orders to help middle class
29/01/2014 04:56
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Description: Focusing his State of the Union address on income
inequality, President Obama pledged to issue a
series of executive orders to help lift more
Americans into the middle class and build the
economy.
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Transcript (May be auto-generated)
Okay. Members of congress. -- our privilege and distinct honor of presenting
June. The president of the United States. Mr. -- Mr. vice president. And members
of congress. My fellow Americans. Today in America.
A teacher. Spend extra time with a student who needed it. And did her part to
lift America's graduation rate to its highest levels. In more than three
decades. An entrepreneur or flipped on the lights in the tech start up. And did
-- part. To add to the more than eight million new jobs are businesses have
created over the past four years. And Gordon.
Fine tune some of the best most fuel efficient cars on the world. And did his
part to help America. Wean itself off foreign -- -- pharma prepared for the
spring after this. Strongest five -- stretch of farm exports in our history.
Well doctor David Young child the first prescription to treat asthma. That is
mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift. Bone
tired. Dreaming big dreams for us up.
And and tight knit communities. All across America. Fathers and mothers more
tuck in the kids. Put my arm around her spouse. Remember fallen comrades. And
give thanks for being caring for -- that after twelve long years. Is finally
coming to an. Tonight this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we
represent.
Our citizens. Who make a mistake of our -- strong. The results of your efforts.
The lowest unemployment rate in over five years. -- rebounding housing. A
manufacturing sector that's adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s. Well
produced and -- that we -- from the rest of the world. The first time that's
happened in nearly twenty years.
Our deficits. Cut by more than half. And for the first time. The first time --
over a decade. Business leaders around the world have declared that China is no
longer the world's number one place to invest. This. That's why I believe this
can be a breakthrough year for America.
25 years of -- and determined effort the United States is better positioned for
the 21 century. Than any other nation on -- The question for everyone in this
chamber. Running through every decision we make this year. Is whether we are
going to help. Or hinder this progress. For several years now this town has been
consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the federal government.
It's an important debate. When the dates back to what they found. When they had
the baby and prevents us. From carrying out even the most basic functions of our
democracy. -- our differences shut down government. -- run the full faith and
credit of the United States then we are not doing right by the American people.
Now as -- as an uncommitted. Making Washington work better. And rebuilding the
trust. Of the peoples who sent us here. Probably most of you are true. Last
month thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans. Congress finally produced
a budget that I'm does some of last year's severe cuts to priorities like
education. Nobody got everything they want. We can still do more. To invest in
this country's future while bringing down our deficit and a balanced way. But
the budget compromise should leave us freer to focus on creating new jobs not
creating new crisis. And in the coming months. In the coming months let's see
anywhere else we can make progress together.
Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans want. For all of us
in this chamber to focus on their lives. Their hopes. Their aspirations. When I
believe unites the people of this nation regardless of race or region or party.
Young old rich or poor. Is the simple profound belief and opportunity for all.
The notion that if you work hard and take responsibility. You can get ahead in
America. -- -- -- That belief has suffered some serious blows and or more than
three decades even before the Great Recession head. Massive shifts in technology
and global competition had eliminated a lot of good middle class jobs. And
weakened economic foundations the families depend -- Today after four years of
economic growth corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher. And
those -- the top have never done better.
But average wages have barely -- And equality as David. Upward mobility has
salt. The cold hard fact is that even in the midst of -- coverage to many
Americans are working more than ever just to get by let alone to get ahead. And
demanding. Still are working at all. So. Our job. Is to reverse these trends. It
won't happen right away and we won't agree on everything.
Well offered -- is a set of concrete practical proposals. To speed up growth.
Strength from the middle class and build new ladders of opportunity into the
middle class. Some require congressional action. And I'm eager to work -- all
up. But America does not stand still and neither will line up so wherever and
whenever. I can take steps. Without legislation to expand opportunity for more
American families that's what I'm gonna do it. As usual. Our First Lady so it's
a good example. -- --
Michelle let's move partnership with schools businesses local leaders this
helped bring down childhood obesity rates for the first time in thirty years.
And that's an achievement. Help improve lives and reduce health care costs for
decades to come. The joining forces lines the Michelle and Joseph Biden launched
his -- encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400000. Veterans and
military spouses. Taking a page from the playbook the White House just organized
a college opportunities summit where already. A 150 universities businesses
nonprofits. Have made concrete commitments. To reduce inequality in access to
higher education. And to help every hardworking kid go to college and succeed
when they get to campus. And across the country.
We're partnering with the mayors governors. And state legislatures on issues
from homelessness to marriage quote. The point is there are millions of
Americans outside of Washington. Who are tired of stale political arguments and
are moving this country full. They belief. And I believe. Been here in America
our success. Should depend not on accident of birth. But the strength of our
work ethic. And the scope of our drinks. It would draw our forebears it.
That's not the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America's largest auto
maker. Other side of the marquee speaker of the house. -- the son of a single
mom.
Can be president of the greatest nation on -- -- Opportunity. Is who we are. And
the funny project of our generation. Must lead to restore that prompts. We know
where to start. The best measure of opportunity is access to a good job.
With the economy picking up speed companies say they intend to hire more people
this year. And over half a big manufacturers say they're thinking up in sourcing
jobs -- So let's make that decision easier for more confidence. Both Democrats
and Republicans. Have argued that our tax code is riddled with -- wasteful
complicated loopholes. The punish businesses investing here and reward companies
that keep profits of wrong let's put that equation. Let's work together to close
those loopholes. And those incentives to ship jobs overseas and lower tax breaks
for business of the great jobs. Right here at -- Moreover we can take the money
we saved from this transition the tax reform.
To great jobs rebuilding our roads upgrading our ports. I'm clocking our
commutes. Because today global economy first class jobs gravitate. To first
class infrastructure. -- need congress to protect more than three million jobs
by finishing transportation and waterways bills. This summer. But all act -- I
don't. To slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key
projects so we can get more construction workers on the job as best as possible.
We also have the chance right now. To beat other countries in the race for the
next wave hi tech manufacturing jobs. My administration's launched two hubs for
high tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina and Youngstown Ohio. Well we
connected businesses to research universities we can help. America lead the
world in advance technologies. Tonight I'm announcing it will launch six more
this year.
Bipartisan bills in both houses could double. The number of these cubs and the
jobs they create so get those bills to my desk put more Americans back to work.
Let's do more to help the entrepreneurs and small business owners who create
most new jobs in America. Over the past five years my administration has made
more loans to small business owners than any other. And when 98%. Of our
exporters. Are small businesses. New trade partnerships with -- Europe and Asia
the Asia Pacific we'll help them pretty even more jobs. We need to work
together. On tools like bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority to protect our
workers protect our environment and open new markets to new goods stamped.
Made in the USA right. -- in China and Europe are standing on the sidelines. --
neither should wait. We know that the nation that goes all in on animation today
will -- the global economy tomorrow. This is imagine America cannot surrender.
Federally funded research. Helped lead to -- ideas and inventions behind Google
and Smartphones. And that's what congress should undo the damage done by last
year's cuts to basically search. So we can unleash the next great. American
discover. -- entire industries to be belt.
Based on vaccines but stay ahead of drug resistant bacteria. -- paper thin
material that stronger than steel. And let's pass a patent reform bill that
allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation. Not costly and needless
litigation. Now one of the biggest back doesn't bring more jobs back. Is our
commitment to American energy. We all above. Energy strategy -- announced a few
years ago is working and today America is closer to energy independence. Then we
have been in decades. One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted
safely. Is the bridge fuel that empower our economy would lessen the carbon
pollution that causes climate change. -- this is planned to invest almost a
hundred billion dollars in new factories that use natural gas. All got -- take
to help states get those factories built. And put folks to work. In this
congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift
more cars and trucks from former oil. Two American natural --
Meanwhile my administration we'll keep working with the industry to sustain
production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air. Or water
-- our communities. And while we're out at all used my authority to protect more
of our pristine federal lands for future generations. It's not just oil and
natural gas production the moment. We're becoming a global leader in solar took.
Every format that's another American home or business -- -- Every panel pounded
into place by a worker whose job cannot be outsource. Let's continue that
progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving four billion dollars a year
to fossil fuel industries that don't need it. So we can invest more and fuels of
the future of the no. And even as we've increased energy production. We
partnered with -- businesses builders. And local communities. To reduce the
energy we -- When we rescued auto makers for example we worked -- them to set
higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. -- coming months I'll build on
that success by setting new standards for our trucks. So we can keep driving
down oil imports and what we have the pop. And taken together our energy policy
is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner safer plant. For the past eight years
the United States. Has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other
nation on earth. What we have to act would more urgency. Because changing
climate is already harming western community is struggling with a drought. And
coastal city is dealing with floods. That's why directed my administration to
work with states utilities. And others to set new standards on the amount of
carbon pollution -- power plants are allowed to dump into the -- The shift. The
shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight.
And it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled.
Climate change is they've backed and went our children's children look us in the
eyes and ask. If we did all we could to leave them a safer more stable world.
With the new sources of energy I want us to be able to say yes we did. Finally
if we're serious about economic growth.
It is time made the call business leaders labor leaders faith leaders law
enforcement. And fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in
the senate -- back to. And I know the members of both parties in the house wanna
do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform won't grow our
economy and shrink our deficits by almost one trillion dollars in the next two
decades. And for good reason. When people come here to fulfill their dreams to
study and that. Contribute to our culture. They make our country a more
attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody. So
let's get immigration reform done this year. The idea is all about I'm so far
can speed up growth and create more jobs. But as rapidly changing economy. We
have to make sure that every American has the skills to fill those jobs. The
good news is we ought to know what. Two years ago as the auto industry came
roaring back. Onto a rush opened up a manufacturing -- short. She knew that --
needed parts of the best selling truck in America. And she knew how to make
those parts she just needed the work force. So she dialed up what we call an
American jobs that. Places where folks can walk in to get the help for training
they need to find a new job or a better job. She was what -- your workers. And
today -- manufacturing systems has more than 700 employees. What under and her
employees experience. Is how it should be for every employer and every job that.
So tonight I've asked vice president bite. To lead and across the border reform.
Of America's training programs to make sure they have one mission. Trying
Americans with the skills employers need. And -- them. To good jobs that need to
be filled right now. That means more on the job training and more partnerships
that -- a young worker on an upward trajectory for life. It means connecting
companies to Community Colleges they can help designed training to fill their
specific needs. If congress wants to help. You can concentrate funding on proven
programs that combat more ready to work Americans. -- ready to be filled jobs.
I'm also convinced we can help Americans return of the workforce faster. By
reforming. Unemployment insurance so that it's more effective in today's
economy. But first. This congress needs to restore the unemployment insurance
you just let expire for one point six. -- Let me tell you want.
Mister Dumars. Is the mother of two young -- She'd been steadily employed since
she was a -- Put herself through college. She'd never collected unemployment
benefits but you've been paying taxes. In May she and her husband used their
life savings to buy their personal. A week later budget cut claimed the job she
left. Last month when there unemployment insurance was cut off she said -- Romeo
and the -- I get every bit. We are the face of the unemployment crisis she --
I'm not dependent on the government. Our country depends on people like us who
built careers. Contribute to society. Care about our neighbors. I'm confident
that in time I will find a job I won't pay my taxes and we will raise our
children. In their own home in the community we love. Please give us this
chance. Congress. Give these hard working responsible Americans that chance.
They need our help right now but more important this country needs them in the
game. That's why I've been asking CEOs to give more long term unemployed workers
a fair shot. The new jobs a new chance to support their families. In fact this
week -- many welcomed the White House to make that commitment real.
Tonight I ask every business leader. In America to join us and do the same
because we are stronger. When America fields eight faulty. Of course. It's not
enough to train today -- workforce. We also to prepare tomorrow's workforce. By
guaranteeing every child access to world class education. The Steven Rodriguez.
Couldn't speak a word of English when he moved to New York City and -- not.
The last month thanks to the support of great teachers and an innovative
tutoring program. You -- -- march. But his classmates. Through a crowd of
cheering parents and neighbors. From her high -- to the post office where they
mailed off their college applications. And the son of a factory worker just
found out he's going to college this fall. Five years ago we set out to change
the odds for all our kids. We worked for lenders to reform student loans and
today more young people are earning college degrees than ever before. Race to
the top with the help of governors from both parties. This helps states raise
expectations. And performance. Teachers and principals and schools from
Tennessee to Washington DC are making big strides in preparing students with the
skills for the new economy. Problem salt critical thinking. Science technology.
Engineering. Math. Some of those changes are. It requires everything from more
challenging curriculums and more demanding parents. To better support for
teachers and new ways to measure how well our kids think not how well they can
fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it. And it is working.
The problem is we're still not reaching enough -- We're not reaching them in
time that asked to change. Research shows that one of the best investments we
can make in a child's life. Is high quality early education. Last year I ask
this congress to help states make high quality pre K available to every four
year old.
And as a parent as well as the president I repeat their request tonight. But in
the meantime thirty states have raised -- coming on all they know we can't wait.
So just as we worked with states to reform our schools. This year we'll invest
in new partnerships with states and communities across the country in a race to
the top -- our youngest children. And as congress decides what it's gonna do.
I'm gonna put together a coalition of elected officials. Business leaders and
philanthropist willing to help more kids access the high quality pre K that they
need. It is right format. Lester also pledged to connect.
99%. Of our students to high speed broadband over the next four years. Tonight I
can announce that with the support of the FCC and companies like apple
Microsoft. Sprint and Verizon. We've got to down payment to start connecting
more than 151000. Schools. And twenty million students over the next two years
without adding a dime to the depths. Working to redesign high schools and
partner them with colleges and employers that offer the real world education and
hands on training. They can lead directly to a job and career. We're shaking up
our system of higher education to give parents more information. And colleges
more incentive to offer better value. That no middle class kid is priced out of
a college education. Well offering millions. Yeah -- to cap the monthly student
loan payments. To 10% of their income. I want to work with congress to see. How
we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by student loan debt. And
reaching out to some America's leading foundations and corporations on a new
initiative to help more young man. Of color.
Facing especially tough -- to stay on track to reach their full potential. The
bottom line is. Michelle and I want every child to have the same chance this
country gave us. We know. Our opportunity agenda won't be complete. And too many
young people entering the workforce today. We'll see the American dream has
meant to promise. Unless we also do more to make sure our economy honors the
dignity of work. And hard work pays off for every single American. But today
women make up about half our workforce.
But they still make 77 cents for every dollar manners. That is wrong. And then
what fourteen it's. Embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. He
deserves to have a baby without sacrificing your job. A mother deserves the day
off. To care for a sick child or sick parent without running on the hard -- And
you know -- a father does too. It is time to do away it would work -- balls in
the -- and a madman episode this year let's all.
Painless polite and -- -- it from the streets of millions. Now.
Women hold a majority of lower wage jobs. But they're not the only one stifled
by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people will earn more money
than others and we don't resent those who by virtual of -- efforts. Achieve
incredible success that's what. America's all about. But Americans
overwhelmingly agree. That no one who works full time. Should ever have to raise
a family in poverty. In this sense I ask this congress to raise the minimum
wage. Five states have passed laws to raise -- Many businesses have done it on
the wrong. But shooters they're dead. Where the cost down -- Johns and owner
punch beats Minneapolis. And nick helps make the vote. Only now it makes more
out. John -- just gave his employees are raised to ten bucks an hour. And that's
the decision that is eased their financial stress and boosted their morale.
Tonight I ask more of America's business leaders to follow John's late. Do what
you can to raise your employer -- way. It's good. Dublin mayor. Governor and
state legislator in America I say you don't have to wait for congress that.
Americans will support you if you take this wrong. And as chief executive I
intend to lead by example. Profitable corporations like Costco. -- higher wages
is the Smart way to boost productivity. And reduce turnover. We should do. In
the coming weeks I will issue an executive order requiring. Federal contractors
to pay their federally funded employers -- their wage. Of at least ten dollars
and ten cents an hour because if you. -- -- -- -- Of course. To reach millions
more. Congress does need to get on board. Today the federal minimum wage is
worth about 20% less. Than it was when Ronald Reagan first earlier. The Tom --
and George Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to ten
dollars and ten cents a Cesar murmured Tencent. This will help families. -- give
businesses customers -- more money to spend. It does not involve any new
bureaucratic program. Enjoy the rest of the country. Say yes. Give America no
way. Okay. There other steps we can take to help families make ends meet. And
you're more effective at reducing inequality and helping families pull
themselves up through hard work than they earned income tax credit. Right now it
helps about half of all parents at some point think about that. It helps about
half of all parents of America at some point in the lives. But I agree what
Republicans like senator revealed that it doesn't do enough for single workers
who don't have kids. So let's work together to strengthen the credit reward work
help more Americans get ahead. Let's do more to help Americans save for
retirement. Today most workers don't have a pension. The Social Security check
often isn't enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the
last five years that doesn't help folks who don't have 41 carries. That's why
tomorrow I will direct the treasury to create a new way. For working Americans
to start their own retirement six. -- I got my art. It's this it's a new savings
bond and encourages folks. To build an aspect. My. And this congress wants to
help work with me. To fix them upside down tax code that gives big tax breaks to
help the wealthy save. But does little or nothing for middle class Americans.
Off every American access to an automatic IRA on the job so they -- work just
like her body in this chamber can't. And so is the most important investment
many families make is their home. Send me legislation that protects taxpayers
from footing the bill.
Free housing crisis ever again and keep the dream of homeownership alive for
future generations. One last point on financial security. For decades. Few
things are exposed are working families to economic hardship. More than a broken
health care system. And in case you haven't heard were in the process of fixing
that. A preexisting condition it used to mean that someone like commander --
The physician's assistant. And single mom from Arizona. Couldn't get health
insurance. But on January 1 she got up. On January 3. She felt a sharp playing.
On January 6 she -- emergency surgery. Just one week earlier Amanda sudden.
That's surgery would have meant bankruptcy. That's what health insurance reform
is all about. The peace of mind that if misfortune strikes. You don't have to
lose everything. Already because of the Affordable Care Act. More than three
million Americans under aged 46 have gained coverage under their parents' plan.
More than nine million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or
Medicaid coverage. And here's another number. Zero. Because this law no America.
None zero could ever again be dropped or denied coverage for preexisting
condition like asthma. For back -- No woman.
Can ever be charged more just because she's a woman. And we did all this while
adding years to Medicare's finances. Keeping Medicare premiums flat. And
lowering prescription costs for millions of singers. Now. I do not expect to
convince my Republican friends on the merits of this -- But. I know that the
American people are not interested in re fighting old battles. So again if you
specific plans to cut costs. Cover more people increased choice. Tell America
what you do different. Let's see if the numbers -- up. But let's not have
another forty something votes. Torpedo along the target helping the millions of
Americans. And the first -- board replenish. We all owe it to the American
people to say what worked for. -- what were against.
If you wanna know the real impact this laws that just talked to governor Steve
Bashir of Kentucky who's here -- But the dog is not the most liberal part of the
country. Does not work -- my has vote totals. But he is like a man possessed
when it comes to covering his commonwealth families. To our neighbors. Our
friends he said. For people shopping go to church went. Farmers out on the
tractor. Grocery clerks. The people who go to work every morning praying they
don't get sick. No one deserves to live that way. Steve's right.
That's why tonight I ask every American who knows someone without health
insurance. To help them get covered by march 31. Moms get on the kids to sign
up. Kids going to mom and walker through the application. They'll give us some
peace of mind plus shall -- -- from. After all that that's the spirit that has
always move this nation forward. It's a spirit of citizenship. The recognition
but through hard work and responsibility. We can pursue our individual dreams
but still come together as one American -- To make sure the next generation can
pursue its dreams as well. Citizenship means standing up for everyone's right to
vote. Last year part of the voting rights act was weakened but. Conservative
Republicans and Liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen.
And the bipartisan commission I appointed chaired by my campaign lawyer and
governor Romney's campaign -- Came together -- an -- reforms that no one has to
wait more than a half hour to vote. Let's support these efforts. It should be.
Not the sizeable bank accounts. Citizenship means standing up for the lives that
gun violence steals from us each day. -- seem encouraging parents students.
Pastors. Police officers all over this country who say we are not afraid. And I
intend to keep trying wind or without congress to help stop. More tragedies from
visiting innocent Americans in our movie theatres and our shopping malls. Or
schools like sandy -- Citizenship demands a sense -- common purpose.
Participation in the hard work of self government. An obligation to serve. Our
communities. I know this chamber agrees that few Americans give more to their
country that our diplomats. And the men and women of the United States armed
forces. Tonight. Because our extraordinary troops and civilians who risk and
laid out their lives to keep us -- The United States has more secure. I took
office nearly a 180000. Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today.
All our troops are out of Iraq. More than 60000. Of our troops have already come
home from Afghanistan. -- Afghan forces now on leave for their own security our
troops have moved to a support role. Together -- our allies we will complete our
mission -- by the end of this year. And America's longest war will finally be
open. After -- fourteen. We will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes
responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan government signs a security
agreement that we have negotiated. A small force of Americans could remain in
Afghanistan where NATO allies to carry out -- and omissions. Training and
assisting Afghan forces. And counterterrorism operations to pursue any remnants
of -- cut. While our relationship whether Afghanistan will change. One thing
that will not.
Our resolve that terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. The fact
there's. -- danger remains. When we put Al qaeda's core leadership on a path to
defeat the threat as the ball. As al-Qaeda affiliates and other extremists take
root in different parts of the world. In Yemen Somalia. Iraq. Molly. We have to
keep working with partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In Syria will
support the opposition that rejects the agenda. Of terrorist networks. Here at
home. We'll keep strengthening our defenses. In combat new threats like cyber
attacks. And as we were former defense budget we will have to keep faith with
our men and women in uniform and invest in the capabilities. They need to
succeed in future missions. We have to remain vigilant. But I strongly believe
our leadership and our security cannot dependent. Our outstanding military
alone.
As commander in chief I have used force when needed to protect the American
people. And I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold this office. But I
will not send our troops in harm's way unless it is truly necessary. Nor will I
allow our sons and daughters to be mired in open ended complex. We must fight
the battles that need to be -- Not those that terrorists prefer four months
large scale deployments the drain our strength. In May ultimately feed
extremism. So even as we act actively and aggressively pursue terrorists
networks. Two more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign
partners. America must move off. It permanent war --
That's why I've imposed prudent limits on the use of drones. For we will not be
safer. If people abroad believed we strike within their countries without regard
for the consequences. That's -- -- working with this congress I will reform our
surveillance programs because. The vital work of our intelligence community
depends on public confidence here and abroad. The privacy. Of ordinary people is
not being violated. Within the war ended. This needs to be the year congress
lifts the remaining restrictions on detaining transfers. And we close the prison
at Guantanamo Bay. Not just through. -- --
Is seen. In a world of complex threats. Our secure. Our leadership. Depends on
all elements of our power. Including strong and principled diplomacy. American
diplomacy has rallied more than fifty countries to prevent nuclear materials
from falling into the wrong hands. And allowed us to reduce our reliance on Cold
War stockpiles. American diplomacy and backed by the threat of force is why
Syria's chemical weapons are being eliminated. We will continue to work with the
international community to usher in the future of the Syrian people deserve. A
future free of dictatorship. Terror. And fear. As we speak. American diplomacy
is supported Israelis and Palestinians. As they engage in the difficult but
necessary talks. To end the conflict there. To achieve dignity. In an
independent state for Palestinians. And lasting peace and security for the State
of Israel a Jewish statement. -- America will always. The other side. And it is
American diplomacy. Backed by pressure. That is halted the progress of Iran's
nuclear program and rolled back parts of that program. For the very first time
in a decade. As we gather tonight. Iran has begun to eliminate. Its stockpile of
higher levels of enriched uranium. It's not installing advanced centrifuges.
Unprecedented inspections help the world verify every day. That Iran is not
building a bomb. And we are allies and partners. Were engaged in negotiations.
To see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share. Preventing Iran from
obtaining a nuclear weapon out. These negotiations will be difficult. They may
not actually. We are clear -- about Iran's support for terrorist organizations
like Hezbollah which threatens our allies. And we're clear about mistrust
between our nations. Mistrust the cannot be wished away. But these negotiations
don't rely on trust. Any long term deal we agree to must be based on verifiable
action that convinces us and the international community. That Iran is not
building a nuclear bump. If John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate
with the Soviet Union. I'm surely a strong and confident America can negotiate.
-- less powerful adversaries today.
The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible. But
let me be clear. This congress sends me a new sanctions bill now. That threatens
to be -- these talks I will veto it. The sake of our national security. We must
give diplomacy a chance to succeed. If Iran's leaders do not seize this
opportunity and then I'll be the first to call for more sanctions. And stand
ready to exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon.
But if Iran's leaders do seize the chance. And we'll know -- enough. That Iran
could take an important step to rejoice in the community of nations. And we will
ever resolve on the leading security challenges of our time without. The risks
of war. Finally. Let's remember that our leadership is defined not just by yet.
Our defense against threats. But by the enormous opportunities to do good. And
promote understanding around the globe. To forge greater cooperation. To expand
their markets. To free people from fear and want. And no law is better position
to take advantage of those opportunities in America.
Our alliance -- Europe remains the strongest the world has ever -- From Tunisia
to -- We're supporting those who were willing to do the hard work of building
democracy. In Ukraine. We stand for the principle that all people have the right
to express themselves freely and peacefully. And had to say in their country's
future. Across Africa were bringing together businesses and governments to
double access to electricity.
And help and extreme poverty. In the Americas were building. New -- of commerce
but we're also expanding cultural and educational exchanges among young people.
And we will continue to focus. On the Asia Pacific. What we support our -- us.
Shape the future of greater security and prosperity. And extend to react to
those devastated by disaster. As we -- in the Philippines Marines and civilians
rushed to aid those battered by a -- And were greeted with words like we will
never forget your conscience.
And god bless America. We do these things because they help promote our long
term secure. And we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and call.
Of every human being. Regardless of race or religion. Creed or sexual
orientation. The next week the world will -- one expression of that commitment.
When teen USA march as the red white and blue into the Olympic Stadium and
brings home the gold. My fellow Americans. No other country in the world does
what we do.
On every issue the world turns us. Not simply because the size of our economy --
military might. But because the ideals we stand for. And the burdens we bear to
advance. No one knows this better than those who serve in uniform. This time of
war draws to a close. And new generation of heroes returns to civilian life.
What keeps lashing that backlogs. Or veterans receive the benefits favor. And
all wounded warriors receive the health care. Including a mental health care
that they need. We'll keep working and help all our veterans translating their
skills and leadership. The new jobs here at all.
And we will all continue to join forces to honor and support a remarkable
military families. Let me tell you about. One of those families I've come to
know. I first met in court rams -- I'm proud army ranger. Omaha Beach on the 65
anniversary of along with so this fellow Rangers he walked me through the
program -- ceremony. There's a strong impressive young man had an easy manner --
sharp as a -- And we joked around and took pictures and I told to stay in touch.
A few months later. On his tenth deployment. Quarry was nearly killed by
massive. Roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His comrades found America -- face down.
Underwater. Shrapnel in his right. For months. You in a coma. Next time I met
him in the hospital. He constrict. Could barely move. Over the years. He's
endured dozens of surgeries and procedures.
Hours. Of grueling rehab every -- Even now or is still wind and one night. Still
struggles on his left side. But slowly. Steadily. With the support of caregivers
like his -- Craig and the community around him. Corey has grown strong. Day by
day that he's learned to speak again and stand again. Walk again. He's working
toward today.
When he conserve his country again. My recovery has not been easy Jesus. Nothing
in life that's worth anything. Is easy. -- is here tonight. And like the army he
loves. Like America he serves. Sergeant first class quarter -- bird. Never gives
up and he does not put. Yeah.
My fellow Americans. Men and women like Corey remind us. That America has never
come easy. Our freedom. Our democracy. Has never been easy. Sometimes we
stumble. We make mistakes. We get frustrated or discouraged. But for more than
200 years. We have put those things aside. And placed our collective shoulder to
the real progress.
To create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement. To
play other nations from tyranny and fear. To promote justice. And fairness. And
equality under the law -- the words set to paper buyout founders are made real.
For every citizen. The America we want our kids. The rising America were honest
work as plentiful and communities are strong. Where prosperity is widely shared.
And opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and oil won't take us
none of the disease it. But if we work together. If we -- what is best denounce.
The white corn summoned what is best in him -- feet planted firmly in today but
our eyes cast toward tomorrow. I know it is within our reach. Believe it. God
bless god bless the United States of America. A