Tonight at 9 p.m. on ABC50,
President Obama will deliver the
State of the Union Address.The annual speech to Congress, held at the U.S. Capitol, will bring together the three branches of government, assessing where America is heading and the goals for a better future.
President Obama faces pressure to motivate and develop our struggling economy by creating jobs, working to increase competitiveness in a global economy.
“My principle focus, my number one focus is going to be making sure we are competitive, that we are growing and we are creating jobs, not just now but well into the future,” President Obama said in a recent video release previewing the State of the Union Address, “And that’s what is going to be the main topic of the State of the Union.”
After President Obama’s Democratic Party loss in the House majority and decrease in Senate majority, bipartisanship cooperation is an important aspect to developing the American economy.
Tonight brings a new structure to the State of the Union with Democrats and Republicans sitting mixed together, instead of separated by sides.
Recently, Colorado Senator Mark Udall wrote a letter to fellow law makers, urging that in order to bridge the partisan gap republicans and democrats sit together during the State of the Union Address, signifying the progressive legislature in government that will sustain our future. Click here to view Senator Udall’s letter to Congressional leadership.
Senator Gillibrand will support Senator Mark Udall's idea to have bipartisan seating for the State of the Union; she will sit with Udall on the Republican side of the House of Representatives.
“This is just a symbol, but it sends an important message that although we may disagree on various issues, we all stand ready to work together and do what we believe is right for the country. The American people want this Congress to work together – not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I look forward to sitting with my colleague Senator Thune, and I look forward to working together with all my colleagues on a legislative agenda to create good-paying jobs and get our economy growing and working for all Americans.”
For the first time ever, an enhanced State of the Union Address will be available online. Charts, graphs and other content will be available during the speech at WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU.
Following his speech, an Open for Questions event will be held online. Policy experts from the White House will be answering your questions about key issues in the speech.
Stay tuned to ABC50 for your coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union Address.
