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| A Call for ‘Smarter Government’ to Act | |
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| WASHINGON — President Obama called Tuesday for a sustained effort to revive a “rising, thriving middle class,” pledging to fight for a higher minimum wage, more government investment in schools and clean energy, and deficit reduction achieved through spending cuts and tax increases. | WASHINGON — President Obama called Tuesday for a sustained effort to revive a “rising, thriving middle class,” pledging to fight for a higher minimum wage, more government investment in schools and clean energy, and deficit reduction achieved through spending cuts and tax increases. |
| In his first State of the Union address since winning re-election, Mr. Obama offered an expansive second-term agenda focused heavily on the economy and jobs, according to summaries of his proposals provided to reporters in advance of the speech. He also proposed new reductions in nuclear weapons, announced that the United States would enter into negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union, and promised a speedy withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. | In his first State of the Union address since winning re-election, Mr. Obama offered an expansive second-term agenda focused heavily on the economy and jobs, according to summaries of his proposals provided to reporters in advance of the speech. He also proposed new reductions in nuclear weapons, announced that the United States would enter into negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union, and promised a speedy withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. |
| “It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many and not just the few,” Mr. Obama said, according to a copy of his remarks released ahead of the hourlong speech. “That it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation of ours.” | |
| After delivering an assertive defense of liberal values in his second Inaugural Address last month, on Tuesday Mr. Obama detailed his vision for how to achieve those goals through a federal government that is actively engaged in the well-being of all Americans. | After delivering an assertive defense of liberal values in his second Inaugural Address last month, on Tuesday Mr. Obama detailed his vision for how to achieve those goals through a federal government that is actively engaged in the well-being of all Americans. |
| He credited the “grit and determination” of the American people for helping turn the economy around, saying that “we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is stronger.” | He credited the “grit and determination” of the American people for helping turn the economy around, saying that “we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is stronger.” |
| The president argued for aggressive federal efforts to lift as many as 15 million people out of poverty by raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour from $7.25 an hour by the end of 2015. He also pushed for new investments in preschool programs as well as math and science education and community colleges to equip workers with new skills. | The president argued for aggressive federal efforts to lift as many as 15 million people out of poverty by raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour from $7.25 an hour by the end of 2015. He also pushed for new investments in preschool programs as well as math and science education and community colleges to equip workers with new skills. |
| “Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty,” Mr. Obama said. “This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank, rent or eviction, scraping by or finally getting ahead.” | “Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty,” Mr. Obama said. “This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank, rent or eviction, scraping by or finally getting ahead.” |
| Despite raising the hopes of environmental activists in his Inaugural Address by calling for a robust effort to fight climate change, Mr. Obama did not call for a cap on carbon emissions on Tuesday. Instead, he pledged to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles, double the use of renewable electricity generation and create a new energy security trust that would use oil and gas revenue from federal lands to finance clean energy research. | Despite raising the hopes of environmental activists in his Inaugural Address by calling for a robust effort to fight climate change, Mr. Obama did not call for a cap on carbon emissions on Tuesday. Instead, he pledged to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles, double the use of renewable electricity generation and create a new energy security trust that would use oil and gas revenue from federal lands to finance clean energy research. |
| Immigration advocates had similar expectations about plans to overhaul the immigration system. Mr. Obama has said he favors changes that would eventually allow 11 million illegal immigrants to earn a path to citizenship, which he mentioned in the speech. | Immigration advocates had similar expectations about plans to overhaul the immigration system. Mr. Obama has said he favors changes that would eventually allow 11 million illegal immigrants to earn a path to citizenship, which he mentioned in the speech. |
| The president also urged Congress to approve a $50 billion “Fix It First” program of infrastructure improvements intended to repair and rebuild the roads, bridges and rail lines that are in the worst shape. | The president also urged Congress to approve a $50 billion “Fix It First” program of infrastructure improvements intended to repair and rebuild the roads, bridges and rail lines that are in the worst shape. |
| Mr. Obama, mindful of the debate over government spending, acknowledged that his agenda would cost money, but he said his proposals would not increase the deficit by “one single dime” because the federal budget would remain below caps that both parties agreed to during negotiations in 2011. | Mr. Obama, mindful of the debate over government spending, acknowledged that his agenda would cost money, but he said his proposals would not increase the deficit by “one single dime” because the federal budget would remain below caps that both parties agreed to during negotiations in 2011. |
| “It’s not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth,” Mr. Obama said. | “It’s not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth,” Mr. Obama said. |
| The president said he remained committed to reducing the budget deficit, but warned Republicans that he would support only what he called “balanced” efforts that included both spending cuts and tax increases, including the closing of tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. | The president said he remained committed to reducing the budget deficit, but warned Republicans that he would support only what he called “balanced” efforts that included both spending cuts and tax increases, including the closing of tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. |
| He made it clear that he believed that Washington had already reduced the deficit by $2.5 trillion over a decade, using a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. That is more than halfway toward the $4 trillion goal that he and some Republicans have set. He urged lawmakers to put off the automatic cuts to military and domestic spending to avoid a new economic slump. | He made it clear that he believed that Washington had already reduced the deficit by $2.5 trillion over a decade, using a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. That is more than halfway toward the $4 trillion goal that he and some Republicans have set. He urged lawmakers to put off the automatic cuts to military and domestic spending to avoid a new economic slump. |
| Mr. Obama faces stiff opposition from the Republicans who control the House and who have repeatedly blocked some of his top legislative priorities. Republicans began using the Twitter hashtag #NotSerious on Tuesday to describe what they expected Mr. Obama to say in his speech. And the Republican Party unveiled a new Web site to respond to the president’s speech as he gave it. | Mr. Obama faces stiff opposition from the Republicans who control the House and who have repeatedly blocked some of his top legislative priorities. Republicans began using the Twitter hashtag #NotSerious on Tuesday to describe what they expected Mr. Obama to say in his speech. And the Republican Party unveiled a new Web site to respond to the president’s speech as he gave it. |
| Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is scheduled to give the Republican response immediately after Mr. Obama’s speech. Mr. Rubio, the son of immigrants from Cuba, is to deliver his short address in both English and Spanish. In excerpts released Tuesday evening, Mr. Rubio accused the president of thinking that free enterprise is “the cause of our problems.” | Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is scheduled to give the Republican response immediately after Mr. Obama’s speech. Mr. Rubio, the son of immigrants from Cuba, is to deliver his short address in both English and Spanish. In excerpts released Tuesday evening, Mr. Rubio accused the president of thinking that free enterprise is “the cause of our problems.” |
| “The tax increases and the deficit spending you propose will hurt middle-class families,” Mr. Rubio will say, according to the excerpts. “It will cost them their raises. It will cost them their benefits. It may even cost some of them their jobs. And it will hurt seniors because it does nothing to save Medicare and Social Security. So Mr. President, I don’t oppose your plans because I want to protect the rich. I oppose your plans because I want to protect my neighbors.” | “The tax increases and the deficit spending you propose will hurt middle-class families,” Mr. Rubio will say, according to the excerpts. “It will cost them their raises. It will cost them their benefits. It may even cost some of them their jobs. And it will hurt seniors because it does nothing to save Medicare and Social Security. So Mr. President, I don’t oppose your plans because I want to protect the rich. I oppose your plans because I want to protect my neighbors.” |
| Mr. Obama’s speech — his seventh to a joint session of Congress — was designed to set in motion one of the most intense legislative years in his presidency, with the White House moving to take advantage of his victory last fall. Aides are keenly aware that the momentum will soon fade. | Mr. Obama’s speech — his seventh to a joint session of Congress — was designed to set in motion one of the most intense legislative years in his presidency, with the White House moving to take advantage of his victory last fall. Aides are keenly aware that the momentum will soon fade. |
| “He does feel that fierce urgency,” Valerie Jarrett, a senior White House adviser, said on the MSNBC program “Morning Joe” on Tuesday. She said Mr. Obama would use the State of the Union address to put pressure on members of Congress by speaking “directly to the American people about what he wants to do.” | “He does feel that fierce urgency,” Valerie Jarrett, a senior White House adviser, said on the MSNBC program “Morning Joe” on Tuesday. She said Mr. Obama would use the State of the Union address to put pressure on members of Congress by speaking “directly to the American people about what he wants to do.” |
| The president delivered his address before a chamber that included victims of gun violence, which is part of an effort by gun control advocates to increase pressure on Congress to enact enhanced background checks and new restrictions on firearms and ammunition. | The president delivered his address before a chamber that included victims of gun violence, which is part of an effort by gun control advocates to increase pressure on Congress to enact enhanced background checks and new restrictions on firearms and ammunition. |
| Sitting with Michelle Obama in the first lady’s box were the parents of Hadiya Pendleton, the girl who was shot to death in Chicago just days after performing at Mr. Obama’s inauguration. Aides said a teacher from the Newtown, Conn., school where a massacre occurred in December; small-business owners; members of the military; Timothy D. Cook, the chief executive of Apple; and immigration advocates would also be among those sitting with Mrs. Obama. | Sitting with Michelle Obama in the first lady’s box were the parents of Hadiya Pendleton, the girl who was shot to death in Chicago just days after performing at Mr. Obama’s inauguration. Aides said a teacher from the Newtown, Conn., school where a massacre occurred in December; small-business owners; members of the military; Timothy D. Cook, the chief executive of Apple; and immigration advocates would also be among those sitting with Mrs. Obama. |
| In his speech, Mr. Obama made a strong push for his comprehensive package of legislation aimed at reducing gun violence in the wake of the Newtown shootings. | In his speech, Mr. Obama made a strong push for his comprehensive package of legislation aimed at reducing gun violence in the wake of the Newtown shootings. |
| He repeatedly said that whatever members of Congress might think about new gun laws, they should allow their colleagues to vote on the often divisive issue. | He repeatedly said that whatever members of Congress might think about new gun laws, they should allow their colleagues to vote on the often divisive issue. |
| “Gabby Giffords deserves a vote,” Mr. Obama said, referring to Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman who was shot and gravely injured in a 2011 shooting in Tucson. “The families of Newtown deserve a vote. The families of Aurora deserve a vote. The families of Oak Creek and Tucson and Blacksburg and the countless other communities ripped open by gun violence — they deserve a simple vote.” | “Gabby Giffords deserves a vote,” Mr. Obama said, referring to Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman who was shot and gravely injured in a 2011 shooting in Tucson. “The families of Newtown deserve a vote. The families of Aurora deserve a vote. The families of Oak Creek and Tucson and Blacksburg and the countless other communities ripped open by gun violence — they deserve a simple vote.” |
| Domestic affairs dominated the speech. But North Korea’s nuclear test early Tuesday highlighted how national security and foreign policy matters may affect the course of Mr. Obama’s presidency. | Domestic affairs dominated the speech. But North Korea’s nuclear test early Tuesday highlighted how national security and foreign policy matters may affect the course of Mr. Obama’s presidency. |
| Aides said the president had planned to mention security concerns about North Korea even before the nuclear test. But Mr. Obama specifically mentioned the nuclear test, calling it a provocative act that would be condemned by the world. | Aides said the president had planned to mention security concerns about North Korea even before the nuclear test. But Mr. Obama specifically mentioned the nuclear test, calling it a provocative act that would be condemned by the world. |
| “Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats,” Mr. Obama said. | “Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats,” Mr. Obama said. |
| Mr. Obama renewed his pledge to reduce the world’s nuclear arsenal by promising to shrink the number of nuclear weapons that the United States has deployed. | Mr. Obama renewed his pledge to reduce the world’s nuclear arsenal by promising to shrink the number of nuclear weapons that the United States has deployed. |
| And he announced that 34,000 troops will return home from Afghanistan by February 2014, cutting in half the American presence there before continuing further troop withdrawals and handing over complete responsibility for security to the Afghans by the end of next year. | And he announced that 34,000 troops will return home from Afghanistan by February 2014, cutting in half the American presence there before continuing further troop withdrawals and handing over complete responsibility for security to the Afghans by the end of next year. |
| “Tonight I can announce that over the next year another 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan,” Mr. Obama said. “This drawdown will continue. And by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over.” | “Tonight I can announce that over the next year another 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan,” Mr. Obama said. “This drawdown will continue. And by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over.” |
| In the wake of tough questions for John O. Brennan, Mr. Obama’s nominee to be the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the president said he would work with Congress to ensure more transparency about how terrorists — including Americans — are targeted overseas. | In the wake of tough questions for John O. Brennan, Mr. Obama’s nominee to be the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the president said he would work with Congress to ensure more transparency about how terrorists — including Americans — are targeted overseas. |
| “I will continue to engage with Congress to ensure not only that our targeting, detention, and prosecution of terrorists remains consistent with our laws and system of checks and balances, but that our efforts are even more transparent to the American people and to the world,” Mr. Obama said. | “I will continue to engage with Congress to ensure not only that our targeting, detention, and prosecution of terrorists remains consistent with our laws and system of checks and balances, but that our efforts are even more transparent to the American people and to the world,” Mr. Obama said. |