In a State of the Union address that began as a bipartisan appeal, President Biden appeared combative and feisty at times as he sparred with Republicans over his legislative record, the federal deficit and border security.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) at one point tried to quiet hecklers who shouted as the president called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and help him address border security.
Biden, who spoke for roughly an hour, sought to reassure Americans that he has repaired the economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. He reminded his critics that he has repeatedly defied predictions that he would be unable to work across the aisle.
“I don’t want to ruin your reputation,” Biden quipped to McCarthy early in his speech, “but I look forward to working with you.”
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Biden shakes hands with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield).
(Jim Watson / AFP)
A motorcade carrying Biden drives to the Capitol for his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.
(Evan Vucci / Associated Press)
Biden arrives at the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol.
(Alex Wong / Getty Images)
From left, Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols; Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting; and U2 frontman Bono.
(Jim Watson / AFP )
Vice President Kamala Harris and McCarthy share a moment with the president.
(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Paul Pelosi, husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, is recognized during the address.
(Nathan Howard / Bloomberg)
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The president addresses Congress.
(Shawn Thew / Pool Photo)
Biden was feisty at times.
(Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)
Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the gunman responsible for the mass shooting in Monterey Park, gets a round of applause.
(Sarah Silbiger / Bloomberg)
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is amused.
(Bloomberg )
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is displeased.
(Jim Watson / AFP )
First Lady Jill Biden greets supporters.
(Nathan Howard / Bloomberg )
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From left, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
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