Watch: A conversation on President Biden's State of the Union address
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On Wednesday, March 2nd, following President Biden’s first State of the Union address, Axios co-founder Mike Allen and managing editor for politics Margaret Talev hosted a virtual event highlighting key takeaways on his policy agenda, featuring U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).
Secretary Marty Walsh illustrated the experience of witnessing the address in person, the importance of support for community colleges to strengthen America’s workforce and Biden’s remarks on expanding access to mental health services.
- On the power of solidarity in times of tension: “When the President came in and you looked around and you saw members of Congress on both sides of the aisle wearing the Ukrainian flag or colors, it was really something. And when the President began his speech and recognizing the people of Ukraine for their tenacity and their toughness…it was a really powerful moment.”
- On the agenda for mental health care: “He talked about cracking down on illegal drugs in the streets of America. That’s something that you wouldn’t hear 10 years ago from that chamber, from across the United States of America…but the President is really committed to tackling the issue of mental health and substance use disorder, as well as creating pathways into those professions for people.”
Sen. Tim Scott discussed his reaction to President Biden’s comments on police reform, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and energy independence amidst increasing prices for Americans.
- On Biden’s support for funding the police: “We’ve seen the consequence of such a campaign that demonizes police officers and takes away resources. We’ve seen the greatest spike in crime that we’ve seen in 50 years…so I’m glad to hear this new direction.”
- On rising energy costs: “We need to get back to a place where we recognize that national security and energy independence is as close as wet is to water, they are inseparable.”
Thank you Bank of America for sponsoring this event.
