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State of the Union: Obama to set out US vision in speech State of the Union: Obama to set out US vision in speech
(34 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama will propose tax hikes on the rich to fund benefits to working families, in his annual agenda-setting speech to Congress.US President Barack Obama will propose tax hikes on the rich to fund benefits to working families, in his annual agenda-setting speech to Congress.
Much of what will be in his televised State of the Union address at 2100 EST (0200 GMT) has already been announced.Much of what will be in his televised State of the Union address at 2100 EST (0200 GMT) has already been announced.
The speech will include proposals on tax, community college, internet access, cybersecurity and sick leave.The speech will include proposals on tax, community college, internet access, cybersecurity and sick leave.
But the plans are unlikely to make it past a Republican-controlled Congress.But the plans are unlikely to make it past a Republican-controlled Congress.
In a preview video released by the White House, the president says the US has now emerged from recession and it's time that ordinary Americans shared in the dividends of the growing economy.In a preview video released by the White House, the president says the US has now emerged from recession and it's time that ordinary Americans shared in the dividends of the growing economy.
"This State of the Union gives me an opportunity to present to the American people - now that we have fought through the crisis - how we make sure that everyone in this country shares in the growing economy.""This State of the Union gives me an opportunity to present to the American people - now that we have fought through the crisis - how we make sure that everyone in this country shares in the growing economy."
His $320bn tax-raising plan, over 10 years, includes:His $320bn tax-raising plan, over 10 years, includes:
His tax and spending package is unlikely to get Republican approval, however, with some senior members of the party dismissing it as "class warfare".His tax and spending package is unlikely to get Republican approval, however, with some senior members of the party dismissing it as "class warfare".
Their response to the president's 6,000-word speech will come from rising star Joni Ernst, the Iowa senator who shot to fame by burnishing her hog-castrating credentials in a campaign television advert.Their response to the president's 6,000-word speech will come from rising star Joni Ernst, the Iowa senator who shot to fame by burnishing her hog-castrating credentials in a campaign television advert.
Other Obama plans in his speechOther Obama plans in his speech
State of the Union spoilersState of the Union spoilers
"The American people aren't demanding talking-point proposals designed to excite the base but not designed to pass," said leading Senate Republican Mitch McConnell."The American people aren't demanding talking-point proposals designed to excite the base but not designed to pass," said leading Senate Republican Mitch McConnell.
"They said they're ready to see more constructive co-operation, especially on bipartisan jobs initiatives.""They said they're ready to see more constructive co-operation, especially on bipartisan jobs initiatives."
President Obama is enjoying something of a bump in the polls since his party received a thumping in November's mid-term elections. BBC North America editor Jon Sopel says the president's push on policies that are unlikely to pass Congress means there's a potential trap for Republicans.
That could be down to an improving economy or his determination to act where possible without Congress, on issues like immigration and Cuba relations, and rally his base. "Democrats would like nothing more than the Republicans to be perceived as the 'party of no' - rejecting plans to help the 99% of Americans."
Many eyes will be on the seats around First Lady Michelle Obama, the box which overlooks the floor of the House of Representatives where her husband will deliver his sixth State of the Union speech. Many eyes on Tuesday night will be on the seats around First Lady Michelle Obama, the box which overlooks the floor of the House of Representatives where her husband will deliver his sixth State of the Union speech.
Alongside her will be freed Cuban prisoner Alan Gross, astronaut Scott Kelly and several people who wrote letters to the White House in the last year.Alongside her will be freed Cuban prisoner Alan Gross, astronaut Scott Kelly and several people who wrote letters to the White House in the last year.