Tuesday, the President was strong and energetic in his State of the Union address. He spoke clearly and directly to the American people about the progress we've made over the past two years and his agenda for the future. And, he said clearly that we need to finish the job.
He talked about his efforts to tackle inflation, give families more breathing room, and combat junk fees that cost families millions.
In stark contrast to Congressional Republicans' heckling and jeers, the President was optimistic about the future and called on Republicans to work with Democrats to deliver for families, instead of engage in endless partisan warfare.
See below for what bipartisan leaders across a federal, state and local level are saying about President Biden's State of the Union address:
Congressional Leaders
Senate Majority Leader, New York Senator Chuck Schumer: "…The speech tonight was a great success… After tonight's speech, it's clear that under President Biden's leadership, our nation is rising to new heights as we work towards building a brighter and more equitable future for all Americans." [Statement, 2/7/23]
Senate Majority Whip, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin: "Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong." Couldn't agree more, Mr. President. [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Chair, Senate Intelligence Committee, Virginia Senator Mark Warner: "… I agree with the President: "what we have accomplished over these last two years demonstrates what can be done when both parties put aside their red and their blue jerseys, and focus on getting stuff done for the American people…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren: "The President's speech was filled with economic policy to benefit working people and the middle class - from cutting junk fees and enforcing antitrust law to taxing billionaires and investing in child care. Joe Biden doing what he does best." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Washington Senator Patty Murray: "That was one heck of a speech last night, @POTUS ! I was honored to help escort you into the #SOTU. Let's keep delivering results for the American people!" [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin: "In the last two years, I worked hard with President Biden to lower costs for working families, boost our Made in Wisconsin economy, and create good paying jobs in all corners of our state. I am thrilled that he recognized that work tonight." [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, California Congressman Pete Aguilar: "Let's finish the job for the American people." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
House Minority Leader, New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries: "President Biden delivered a compelling speech outlining a vision to make life better for everyday Americans." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
House Minority Whip, Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark: "President Biden highlighted for the American people what's possible when families are front and center in Washington. Under his leadership, Democrats in Congress pulled our nation from the darkest days of the pandemic into a period of renewed opportunity - with 12 million new jobs, the lowest unemployment rate in half a century, and wage growth that is now outpacing inflation…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Assistant Democratic Leader, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn: "We've made tremendous progress on behalf of the American people over the last two years. Now it's time for us to finish the job. Let's get to work." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee, Montana Senator Jon Tester: "…I appreciate President Biden tonight laying out his plan to tackle some of these issues, from inflation to housing to health care and childcare costs." [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow: "Let's finish the job for the American people." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Armed Services Committee, Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed: "Thank you, @POTUS for articulating tonight how America is truly the land of 'possibilities.' Together, we're building an economy that works for all. And we're just getting started. I often say, the reward for good work…is more work. Now, let's finish the job. #SOTU" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Rules and Administration Committee, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar: "At the State of the Union where the President is talking PROGRESS and America moving forward with optimism!" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Budget Committee, Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: "Tonight, @POTUS gave an optimistic look at the possibilities for our nation. We've accomplished big things in the last year, and we need to keep building on our momentum." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell: "We must build on that progress and turn those investments into real solutions that will make our nation and our manufacturers competitive, bring more good-paying jobs back to America, and build a resilient economy for the future." [Tweet Thread, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Delaware Senator Tom Carper: "As President Biden underscored in his address, we have made historic economic progress over the past two years. Our economy has created 12 million jobs, the unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level since 1969, annual inflation has fallen the past six months, and the deficit has fallen by $1.7 trillion…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Ethics Committee, Delaware Senator Chris Coons: "During his State of the Union address last night, President @JoeBiden reminded the American people why he is the president for this moment. We've accomplished a lot over the past two years, and the president is ready to keep moving our country forward." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Chair, Senate Finance Committee, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden: "I'm proud that Democrats are delivering big, bold action on infrastructure, clean energy, drug costs and more. But there's more work to be done. I look forward to the work ahead as we continue to tackle the priorities that matter to the American people." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez: "Since President Joe Biden took office two years ago, more jobs have been created in the U.S. than in the last four presidencies combined. While our nation is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic, Democrats in Congress executed a clear and effective agenda to make our economy stronger and more resilient…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Budget Committee, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders: "President Biden tonight gave a strong speech addressing many of the challenges our country faces. I look forward to working with him to take on powerful special interests and create an economy that works for all, not just the few." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Michigan Senator Gary Peters: "Under President Biden's leadership and with a Democratic majority in Congress, we've delivered results." [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Maryland Senator Ben Cardin: "I'm proud of the historic accomplishments of the #117thCongress, and tonight, President Biden has shown his leadership, articulating a path forward to build on the progress we have made." [Tweet Thread, 2/7/23]
Chair, Senate Aging Committee, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey: "We've got more work to do to tackle the challenges facing working families, but the past two years have shown that the state of our union is strong and @POTUS and Democrats in Congress are here to finish the job." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Joint Economic Committee, New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich: "President Biden has proven over these last two years that it is still possible for our elected leaders to deliver real progress and tangible results for the American people." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Education and the Workforce Committee, Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott: "…The President was clear that while we have made great strides, there is more work to do so we can finish the job of building an economy where everyone can succeed. Instead of passing tax cuts for corporations and billionaires, we have grown the economy by investing in working families…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Appropriations Committee, Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro: "We need a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America and that's exactly what President Biden outlined tonight…Under the leadership of President Biden, Democrats have enacted transformative policies to help working Americans with rising costs…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee, Washington Congressman Adam Smith: "@POTUS 's State of the Union address tonight made it clear: "the past two years have been marked by historic progress for the American people, and in the next two years we must work together to build on that progress in a meaningful way." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Budget Committee, Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle: "Affordable health care. The right to join a union. Better-paying jobs. That's what every American worker deserves - and Democrats will fight to make it a reality. #SOTU" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee, New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone: "…Listening to President Biden speak this evening, I was struck by the stark contrast between his optimistic agenda and the extreme Republican agenda…" [Statement, 2/8/23]
Ranking Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee, New York Congressman Gregory Meeks: "Under @POTUS leadership, we've seen record economic growth. Tonight, Americans heard the president's vision for our country…lets finish the job and continue making history!" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Homeland Security Committee, Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson: "What a great way to end the night! Thank you, President Biden!" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Administration Committee, New York Congressman Joe Morelle: "The President outlined a bold agenda that reflects our shared democratic values, and I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of families in our community…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Judiciary Committee, New York Congressman Jerry Nadler: "What we heard from President Biden tonight built on what so many Americans have learned to be true since he took office: "Democrats deliver for the people…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin: "What a brilliant, refreshing speech that revives true American populism-progressive democratic populism, not right-wing authoritarian fake-populism. Biden sounds Rooseveltian and is taking American politics by storm." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Rules Committee, Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern: "Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong." Thank you for your strong leadership, @POTUS Biden." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Washington Congressman Rick Larsen: "We are making our transportation system safer, cleaner, greener, and more accessible as projects across the country repair our roads and bridges, expand transit and rail service, create more livable communities, and increase port and airport capacity…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Ranking Member, House Veteran's Affairs Committee, California Congressman Mark Takano: "Let's finish the job and invest in programs and services that will end veteran homelessness." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Speaker Emeritus, California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: "… Under the President's magnificent leadership, Democrats have made a tangible difference in the lives of America's families. From creating twelve million good-paying jobs to sparking a manufacturing boom to rebuilding our critical infrastructure, the Biden Agenda is powering a strong, steady economic recovery…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford: "I will continue to advocate for improving public safety until we get it done. Let's finish the job for the American people. #SOTU" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, California Congresswoman Nanette Barragán: "Great to share my priorities as @HispanicCaucus Chair, #SOTU2023, what @POTUS is doing for Latino communities, & my focus on environmental justice. @HouseDemocrats & @POTUS' Admin make it possible for more Latinos to realize the American dream." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Chair of the Congressional Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, California Congresswoman Judy Chu: "America is at its best when we embrace our differences and diversity as strengths. As @POTUS called on us tonight: "We must give hate and extremism in any form no safe harbor." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: "That was just a helluva speech. Populist, worker-driven, all about fairness and opportunity. Congratulations @POTUS . Your vision inspires us every day. Let's finish the job!! #sotu2023" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal: "@POTUS ' words glowed with hope & energy in reminding us how much we can continue to accomplish when we work together. I was deeply moved by his determination & strength in urging heightened support for Ukraine against Putin's murderous, genocidal invasion." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock: "Thank you for laying out your vision for how we can keep working together to create jobs, strengthen our democracy & make progress #ForGeorgia & all of our communities, @POTUS . When we center *people*, we have a better chance at getting the policy right. #SOTU2023" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith: "Tonight, President Biden reminded us just how far we've come since he took office. The last two years of legislating have been the most productive in decades - we never backed down from big fights. I'm ready to keep that progress going." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker: "I was inspired tonight by President Biden's remarks, not just reflecting on the progress we've made, but also his call to finish the job by investing in people and solutions to build a better America." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján: "Thanks to @POTUS , Congressional Democrats, and the American people, the state of our Union is strong. Together, we've accomplished a lot in these past two years and there's still a lot to get done. We're just getting started." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley: "If there's one thing that'll stick with me from @POTUS 's State of the Union address, it's how much stronger our country can be when our leaders focus on working together to lift everyone up instead of sowing division and trying to tear each other down." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
California Congresswoman Katie Porter: "Tonight, @POTUS was at his best. He delivered a personal speech with a progressive, populist vision for our country. Americans are counting on us to deliver competition, consumer protection, and corporate accountability. Count me in 💪" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen: "Last night, I spoke to President Biden on the floor after the #sotu2023 about the opioid epidemic and how we can work together to address this public health crisis. I applaud @POTUS for speaking directly to the American people about drug addiction and the dangers of fentanyl." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse: "The President delivered a compelling speech last night that offered an optimistic and hopeful vision for our great country. Excited to keep working together to build a better future for the American people." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Florida Congresswoman Lois Frankel: "Thank you, @POTUS! The State of our Union is strong 💪🇺🇸 #SOTU" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood: "Last night's #SOTU Address showed the American people that Democrats are focused. We're unified. And we're ready to keep working to make life better for working people and families." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes: "In his #SOTU last night, @POTUS laid out how far our country has come and how far it can go if we work together. We must build on this progress and strengthen the economy, create safer communities, invest in education and expand access to health care." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer: "…Under President Biden, we have seen what our government can accomplish by putting stability over chaos, reason over extremism, and People Over Politics. Now, we must finish the job…" [Statement, 2/7/23]
Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver: "Last night, @POTUS spoke about the historic progress America has made under his leadership-but there is still work to do. From investing in American workers & bringing good-paying jobs back home to lowering costs for families & seniors, I am committed helping him finish the job!" [Tweet, 2/8/23]
New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell: "I am proud of our President and told him so last night. What America heard was a rebirth of the FDR Democratic Party in defense of liberty and regular Americans. I've been waiting a long time for a Democrat to say what @POTUS said." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
North Carolina Congresswoman Kathy Manning: "Last night, President Biden's message was clear: "under his leadership and with Democrats in Congress, our economy is stronger than ever and we're going to keep building on that progress over the next two years." [Tweet, 2/8/23]
Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur: "✅ Growing jobs and the economy ✅ Protecting retirement security for our seniors ✅ Standing up to Russia and China ✅ Stopping drugs at the border ✅ Supporting a free Ukraine I told @POTUS : "I've been waiting 41 years for that speech." [Tweet, 2/7/23]
Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen: "Historic progress in lowering prescription drug costs, strengthening Social Security & Medicare, reducing child poverty, and fueling a manufacturing boom in clean energy and infrastructure-all while reducing the deficit with fairer taxes on the wealthiest. Keep it coming @POTUS!" [Tweet, 2/7/23]
