HONOLULU (KHON2) — President Biden delivered his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
He spoke about the crisis in Ukraine, inflation, the ongoing pandemic and more.
The Hawaii congressional delegation shared their thoughts on Biden’s State of the Union address.
“I think that was needed now,” said US Rep. Ed Case (D-HI). “An honest assessment of where we are and a very realistic description of our challenges, but also a way forward. I think he offered that.”
As President Biden said tonight, “We are stronger today than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger in a year than today. Now is our moment to face and master the challenges of our time. And we will as one people.” Last year, Democrats bailed out an American economy on the brink of collapse with a razor-thin majority in the US House of Representatives and Senate. We committed $2.8 billion to the state of Hawaii through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, boosted job growth at the fastest rate in US history, and restored our nation’s values. While we still face many challenges, our President and this Congress will continue to fight for a more inclusive union and for the freedom of all people who face oppression. Democracy will always triumph when we stand united.
U.S. Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele (D-HI)
Tonight we heard the President reflect on the significant progress we’ve made in just one year. Despite difficult odds, we’ve seen real results that have translated into historic job growth, a more stable economy and a drop in COVID-19 cases everywhere. But there is still work to be done, and President Biden has outlined a clear plan for how we can build on those advances and help lower costs for the people of Hawaii and across the country.
The President’s strong commitment to addressing the climate crisis remains encouraging. We are already grappling with the devastating effects of climate change, and we can no longer delay implementing the actions we need to reduce carbon pollution and build a resilient, affordable, clean energy future.
We also heard the President lead a strong, united international response to Russia’s unjust attack on Ukraine. He outlined the unprecedented, crushing economic measures he has taken to bring them back to the negotiating table. While we find ourselves in perilous times, his depth of experience and determination is the kind of leadership we need in this crisis.
As we face difficult challenges at home and abroad, I hope my colleagues in Congress will heed the President’s call to support critical reforms that will serve the American people and bring peace around the world.
US Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Tonight, President Biden made one thing clear: Democrats work for the American people and Republicans work for business and special interests.
There is no doubt that families are struggling right now – we are still battling the pandemic, costs have risen and a major geopolitical crisis is threatening world peace and our economic recovery. But under President Biden’s leadership, we are moving in the right direction. The President has united the whole world against Russian aggression. Its economic stimulus packages have created historic job growth. And his efforts to address the supply chain crisis and enact cost-saving measures will ease the burden of inflation on families across the country.
While President Biden and the Democrats work to actually bring costs down, the Republican economic plan calls for taxing the poorest Americans and seniors. We’re ready to enact policies that reduce the cost of childcare, insulin and prescription drugs, housing, utility bills and more. But once again, Republicans have chosen to put politics above all else, directly blocking themselves from bringing this important relief to families across the country.
Tonight, President Biden reiterated his determination not only to bring down the cost to families, but also to ensure that every American’s voice is heard at the ballot box. Meanwhile, Republicans have passed dozens of bills across the country with the clear intention of making it harder for people — particularly people of color — to vote.
Despite Republican efforts, the Democrats, led by President Biden, will not stop fighting to improve the lives of everyone in this country, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, immigrants and the undocumented . President Biden laid out his plan tonight to build a better America – and I look forward to supporting each of those actions in Congress.
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)
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