March 2, 2022 (updated - 8:45am ET)
The following is a list of policy positions, proposals, and predictions (PPPs) contained within U.S. President Biden's State of the Union speech delivered to the U.S. Congress on March 1, 2022.
Ukraine & Russia
We are joining our allies to close off U.S. airspace to all Russian flights.
The U.S. Department of Justice is forming a task force to go after the crimes of Russian oligarchs.
We are giving more than $1 billion of direct assistance to Ukraine and we will continue to aid the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and help ease their suffering.
Our forces are not engaged, and will not engage in a conflict with Russian forces in Ukraine. Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies in the event Putin decides to keep moving west.
The United States and our Allies will defend every inch of territory of NATO countries with the full force of our collective power.
International partners are releasing 60 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, of which the U.S. will release 30 million barrels.
Infrastructure
This year, we will start fixing over 65,000 miles of roads and over 1,500 bridges in disrepair.
We will use "Buy American" as part of the infrastructure program “from beginning to end–all of it."
Pass the bipartisan Innovation Act. Intel says it is ready to increase a current $20 billion U.S. semiconductor investment plan (in Ohio), to a $100 billion U.S. investment plan with the passage of the Act.
We need to stop relying on a foreign supply chain. Let’s make it in America -- i.e., a “building a better America."
Addressing Inflation
Reduce the price of prescription drugs by capping the cost of insulin to $35 per month; having Medicare negotiate the price of prescription drugs; and, closing the Affordable Care Act coverage gap to make healthcare insurance savings permanent.
Lower the costs of energy through investment tax credits to weatherize homes and businesses; doubling America’s clean energy production; and lowering the price of electric vehicles.
Cut the cost of child care (no more than 7% of income for working/middle class), home and long-term care; and pre-kindergarten education for 3-4 year olds.
Crackdown on companies overcharging business and consumers (shipping firms were called out specifically).
Taxes
Nobody earning less than $400K will pay more in taxes.
Extend the Child Tax Credit.
Make corporations pay their fair share of taxes with a 15% minimum tax for corporations and close tax loopholes.
COVID-19 & Other Healthcare
Never give up on vaccinating more Americans for COVID-19. Get antiviral treatments ready.
Launch a “Test-To-Treat Initiative,” where persons get tested and get antiviral pills on the spot at no cost.
Americans can order more tests starting next week at no cost, beyond the initial allocated tests approved previously.
Administration will soon send another funding request to Congress to continue to provide free vaccines, testing, treatments, and masks.
The U.S. will continue vaccinating the world for COVID-19. We have sent more vaccine doses to than any other nation and we won't stop.
Medicare will set higher standards for nursing homes.
We must protect access to healthcare and advance maternal healthcare for all Americans.
Address the opioid problem by increasing funding for opioid prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery; get rid of outdated opioid rules; stop doctors prescribing opioid treatments; and stop the flow of illicit drugs.
Get all Americans the mental health services they need.
Expand eligibility to veterans with nine respiratory cancers tied to burn pits, and pass legislation to make sure burn pit veterans finally get benefits and comprehensive healthcare.
End cancer as we know it – Congress should fund ARPA H.
Technology Companies & Child Mental Health
Address online protection for children by strengthening privacy protections; banning targeted advertising to children; and demanding that tech companies stop collecting personal data on children.
Law and Order
Justice Department will name Chief Prosecutor for Pandemic Fraud for the misuse of pandemic funding.
Do not defund the police– fund the police. Fund the police with resources and training to protect our communities.
Cut down on trafficking of ghost guns.
Pass universal gun background checks.
Ban assault weapons with high capacity magazines with over 100 rounds.
Repeal the liability shield for gun manufacturers.
Jobs, Education, Training
Fund more job training and apprenticeships.
Ensure more hiring based on skills, not just degrees.
Pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Pass the PRO Act.
Increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Our schools are open. Let’s keep it that way. Our kids need to be in school.
Increase Pell Grants.
Increase support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Invest in community colleges.
Constitution & Congress
Preserve a women's right to choose (abortion).
Pass the Disclose Act.
The Senate should pass the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Pass the Equality Act.
Immigration Reform
Provide citizenship pathways for Dreamers, persons in temporary status (e.g., TPS, farm workers, and essential workers.
Revise immigration laws so businesses have the labor they need.
Ensure that families do not have to wait decades to reunite.
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