Transcripts For CSPAN Key Capitol Hill Hearings 20150121

Accumulated wealth. We can use that money to help more families pay for childcare and send their kids to college. We need a tax code that truly helps working americans trying to get a leg up in the new economy, and we can achieve that together. Helping hardworking families make ends meet. Giving them the tools they need for goodpaying jobs in this new economy. Maintaining the conditions for growth and competitiveness. This is where America Needs to go. I believe its where the American People want to go. It will make our economy stronger a year from now fifteen years from now, and deep into the century ahead. Of course, if theres one thing this new century has taught us, its that we cannot separate our work here at home from challenges beyond our shores. My first duty as commanderinchief is to defend the United States of america. In doing so, the question is not whether america leads in the world, but how. When we make rash decisions reacting to the headlines instead of using our heads; when the First Response to a challenge is to send in our military, then we risk getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts, and neglect the broader strategy we need for a safer more prosperous world. Thats what our enemies want us to do. I believe in a smarter kind of american leadership. We lead best when we combine military power with strong diplomacy; when we leverage our power with coalition building; when we dont let our fears blind us to the opportunities that this new century presents. Thats exactly what were doing right now, and around the globe, it is making a difference. First, we stand united with people around the world who have been targeted by terrorists from a school in pakistan to the streets of paris. We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their net woverbings and we reserve the right to act unilaterally as we have done relentlessly since i took office to take out terrorists who pose a direct threat to us and our allies. We learned lessons. Instead of learning the lessons, they have taken the lead and horpped our troops and instead of sending joifer seas to den iowa safe havens. In iraq and syria, America America leadership is stopping isis we are leading a broad coalition. We are supporting a moderate coalition and assisting people everywhere against violent sprisme the speaker pro tempore we will succeed, and tonight i call on this congress to show the word we are united to authorize a resolution against iceis. We need that authority. Second, we are demonstrating strength and pelosi. Upploding the nations by opposing russian aggressionion and assuring our nato jalt eyes. Jail eyes. Last year as we were doing the hard work along with your allies and reinforcing our presence with the front line states, mr. Putins aggression, it was suggested was strategy and strengths. Today, it is america who stands strong. Russia is isolated with its economy in at that timers. Thats how america leads. We have resolve. In cuba we are ending a policy that long passed its sparings date. And what you are doing doesnt work for 50 years, try to try something new and our ships and cuba policy has the potential to end, mistrust in our hems officer and stands up for democratic values. And this year, congress should be working to end the embargo. As pope france cyst v, plomes is the work of small steps, these small steps have added up. And after years in prison, we are overjoyed that alan gross is back home. Welcome home. Our plomes is at work with respect to yirne where the first time we have halted the program of the program and reduced the nuclear program. We have a agreement that prevents a nucleararmed iran and avoiding another middle east conflict. There are no guarantees that the negotiation will succeed. A new sanction passed by this congress at this moment in time will guarantee that pelosi fails. Allen ating america from its allies and ensuring the program, it dose nt make sense. And i will undue this progress. The American People expect us to go to war as a last resort and i instead to stay true to that wisdom. First we are looking beyond the issues beyond the past to shape. No hacker should be able to shut our network and especially our kids. We are macking thaur our government combats threats. I urge to pass the legislation to combat identity threats and that should be a bipartisan effort. If we dont act, our i believe our nation and economy is vulnerable. If we do, we can protect the technologies for peoples around the globe. West africa, our troops, our scientists, our doctors, our nurses helping to storm watch the threat of disease. I could not be prouder of them. And i thank this congress for your boip support of their efforts. The world needs to use this lesson to prevent the spread of pandemics and aradic supreme poverty. We are modern ising and making sure other nation play by the rules and how they participate in meeting challenges like nonproffers and disaster relief. And no challenges. No challenges, poses greater threat than climate quhange. Change. 204 was the planets warmest year on record. And one year doesnt make a trend, but this does 14 havent 15 warmest years of record have fallen in the first 15 years of this century. Some have said we dont have enough information to act. Im not a scientist either. I know a good scientists in noah and the best scientists are telling us that the our activities are changing the climate and we will continue to see rising ocean heat waves and massive diss runses and greater conflict ruined the globe. The Climate Change has a major risk and we should act like that. Thats why over the past six years, we have done more than ever to come bat Climate Change. More public lands and waters more than any of this. And i will not not turn the clock back. Im determined to make sure it drives nnl action. Planet we got. And theres one last pillar of our leadership and thats the example of our values. As Human Dignity even when we are threatened and i have present present hitted torture. Its why we speak out against the anticementism in certain parts of the world and muslims, vast majority of whom share our speech. We defend free speech. And people who are lesbian, gay transsectional or transjengeder. As americans we have a profound american to justice. No to spend 3 million used to recruit. Since i have been president we have cut combit mow in half. And it is not who we are. Its time to close get more. We charish our civil little brits. While somebody have moved on i have not. As promised our agencies having worked hard, increase transparency and build more safeguards and next month we willish a report. Lookic to the future instead of the past. Making sure we match our power with diplomacy. Meeting new challenges and opportunities. Leading always with the example of our values. Thats what makes us our exceptional. That keeps us strong. We have to keep striving ours to the highest of standards our own. You know, just over a decade ago, i gave a speech in boston, black america and white america, but a United States of america. I said this because i seen it in my own mind, a nation that gave me a chance because i grew up in hawaii, melting pot, because i made illinois my home, state of small towns, rich farmlands, a country where democrats and republicans and independence, good people have good values. Over the past six years, the pundits pointed out that my pptsi hasnt delivered on this vision. And held up as proof, not just of my faults of which there are in, but the vision itself is Madison Square garden guided naive, too many people in this town that benefit from gridlock to do anything about it. I i know how tempting such cynicism may be, but i still think the cynics are wrong. I still believe that we are one people. I still believe that together we can do great things, even when the odds are long. I believe this because over and over in my six years in office i have seen america at its best. I have seen the hopeful faces of young graduates from new york to california our newest officers at west point, indianapolis, Colorado Springs new london west point, unanimous, Colorado Springs, new london. Ive mourned with grieving familyings at tucson and newtown and boston and west texas, and west virginia. Ive watched americans beat back adversity from the gulf coast to the great plains, from Midwest Assembly lines to the mid atlantic seaboard. Ive seen Something Like gay marriage go from a wedge issue used to drive us apart, to a civil right thats now legal in states that seven in 10 americans call home. So i know the good, and optimistic, and bighearted generosity of the American People who, every day, live the idea that we are our brothers keeper, and our sisters keeper. And i know they expect those of us who serve here to set a better example. So the question for those of us here tonight is how we, all of us can better reflect americas hopes. Ive served in congress with many of you. I know many of you well. There are a lot of good people here, on both sides of the aisle. And many of you have told me that this isnt what you signed up for. Arguing past each other on cable shows, the constant fundraising, always looking over your shoulder at how the base will react to every decision. Imagine if we broke out of these tired old patterns. Imagine if we did something different. Understand, a better politics isnt one where democrats abandon their agenda or republicans simply embrace mine. A better politics is one where we appeal to each others basic decency instead of our basest fears. A better politics is one where we debate without demonizing each other; where we talk issues, and values, and principles, and facts, rather than gotcha moments or trivial gaffes or fake controversies that have nothing to do with peoples daily lives. A better politics is one where we spend less time drowning in dark money for ads that pull us into the gutter but spending more time lifting young people up with a sense of purpose and possibility, asking them to join in the Great Mission of building america. If were going to have arguments, lets have arguments, but lets make them debates worthy of this body and worthy of this country. We still may not agree on a womans right to choose, but surely we can agree its a good thing that teen pregnancies and abortions are nearing alltime lows, and that every woman should have access to the health care she needs. Yes, passions still fly on immigration, but surely we can all see something of ourselves in the striving young student, and agree that no one benefits when a hardworking mom is snatched from her child, and that its possible to shape a law that upholds our tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. I talked to republicans and democrats about that. Thats something we can share. We may go at it in campaign season, but surely we can agree that the right to vote is to too many; and that, on this 50th anniversary of the great march from selma to montgomery and the passage of the Voting Rights act, we can come together, democrats and republicans, to make voting easier for every single american. We may have different takes on the events of ferguson and new york. But surely we can understand a father who fears his son cant walk home without being harassed. Surely we can understand the wife who wont rest until the Police Officer she married walks through the front door at the end of his shift. Surely we can agree its a good thing that for the first time in 40 years, the crime rate and the incarceration rate have come down together, and use that as a starting point for democrats and republicans, Community Leaders and Law Enforcement, to reform americas criminal Justice System so that it protects and serves us all. Thats a better politics. Thats how we start rebuilding trust. Thats how we move this country forward. Thats what the American People want. Thats what they deserve. I have no more campaigns to run. My only agenda for the next two i know, because i won both of them. Yeah. My only agenda for think next two years is the same as the one ive had since the day i swore an oath on the steps of this capitol, to do what i believe is best for america. If you share the broad vision i outlined tonight, i ask you to join me in the work at hand. If you disagree with parts of it, i hope youll at least work with me where you do agree. And i commit to every republican here tonight that i will not only seek out your ideas, i will seek to work with you to make this country stronger. Because i want this chamber, i want this city to reflect the truth that for all our blind spots and shortcomings, we are a people with the strength and generosity of spirit to bridge divides, to unite in common effort, and to help our neighbors, whether down the street or on the other side of the world. I want our actions to tell every child, in every neighborhood your life matters, and we are as committed to improving your life chances as we are for our own kids. I want future generations to know that we are a people who see our differences as a great gift, that we are a people who value the dignity and worth of every citizen. Man and woman, young and old, black and white, latino, asian, immigrant, native american, gay, straight, americans with Mental Illness or physical disability. Everybody matters. I want them to grow up in a country that shows the world what we still know to be true. That we are still more than a collection of red states and blue states, and we are the United States of america. I want them to grow up in a country where a young mom can sit down and write a letter to her president with a story that sums up these past six years. It is amazing what you can bounce back from when you have to. We are a strong tightknit family who has made it through some very, very hard times. My fellow americans, we too are a strong, tightknit family. We too, have made it through some hard times. 15 years into this new century we have picked ourselves up dusted ourselves off and begun again the work of remaking america. We have laid a newfoundation. A Brighter Future is ours to write. Lets begin this new chapter together. And lets start the work right now. Thank you. God bless you. God bless this country we love. Thank you. Ore a few moments ago we heard the president lay out his vision for the year to come. Even if we may not always agree its important to hear different points of view in this great country. We appreciate the president sharing his. Tonight, though, rather than respond to a speech i would like to talk about your priorities. I would like to have a conversation about the new Republican Congress you just elected and how we plan to make washington focus on your concerns again. We heard the message you sent in november loud and clear, and now were getting to work to change the direction washington has been taking our country. The new Republican Congress also understands how difficult these past sex years have been. For many of us the sting of the economy and the frustration with washingtons dysfunction warrent things we had to read about. We felt them every day. We felt them in red oak, the little town in southwestern iowa where i grew up and am still proud to call home today. As a young girl i plowed the fields of our family farm, i worked construction with my dad, to save for college i worked the morning biscuit line at hardees. We were raised to live simply, not to waste. It was a lesson my mother taught me every rainy morning. You see, growing up i had only one good pair of shoes. So on rainy school days my mom would slip plastic bread bags over them to keep them dry. But i was never embarrassed because the school bus would be filled with rows and rows of young iowans with bread bags slipped over their feet. Our parents may not have had much but they worked hard for what they did have. These days though, many families feel like theyre working harder and harder with less and less to show for it. Not just in red oak but across the country. We see our neighbors agonized over stagnant wages and lost jobs. We see the hurt caused by canceled Health Care Plans and higher monthly insurance bills. We see too many moms and dads put their own dreams on hold while growing more fearful about the kind of future they will be able to leave to their children. Americans have been hurting. But when we demanded solutions too often washington responded with the same stale mindset that led to failed policies like obamacare. Its a mindset that gave us political talking points, not serious solutions. Thats why the new republican majority you elected started by reforming congress to make it function again. And now were working hard to pass the kind of serious job creation ideas you deserve. One youve probably heard about is the keystone jobs bill. President obama has been delaying this bipartisan Infrastructure Project for years. Even though many members of his party, unions and a Strong Majority of americans support it. The president s own state department has said keystones construction could support thousands of jobs and pump billions into our economy, and do it with minimal environmental impact. We worked with democrats to pass this bill through the house. Were doing the same now in the senate. President obama will soon have a decision to make. Will he sign the bill or block Good American jobs . There is a lot we can achieve if we Work Together. Lets tear down trade barriers in places like europe and the pacific. Lets sell more of what we make and grow in america over there so we can boost manufacturing wages and jobs right here at home. Lets simplify americas outdated and loophole ridden tax code. Republicans think tax filing should be easier for you, not just the wellconnected. So lets iron out loopholes to lower rates and create jobs, not pay for more Government Spending. The president has already expressed some support for these kinds of ideas. Were calling on him now to cooperate to pass them. Youll see a lot of serious work in this new congress. Some of it will occur where i stand tonight, in the Armed Services committee room. This is where i will join committee colleagues, republicans and democrats to discuss ways to support our exceptional military and its mission. This is where we will debate strategies to confront terrorism and the threats posed by al qaeda, isil, and those radicalized by them. We know threats like these cant just be pished away. Weve been reminded of terrorisms reach both at home and abroad. Most recently in france and nigeria. But also in places like canada, and australia. Our hearts go out to all the innocent victims of terrorism and their loved ones. We can only imagine the depth of their grief. For two decades ive proudly worn our nations uniform. Today, as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National guard , while deployed overseas with some of americas finest men and women, ive seen just how dangerous these kinds of threats can be. The forces of violence and oppression dont care about the innocent. We need a comprehensive plan to defeat them. We must also honor americas veterans. These men and women have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms and our way of life. They deserve nothing less than the benefits they were promised and a quality of care we can all be proud of. These are important issues. The new Congress Plans to address. Well also keep fighting to repeal and replace a Health Care Law that has hurt so many hardworking families. Well work to correct executive overreach. Well propose ideas that aim to cut wafle spending and balance the budget with meaningful reforms, not higher taxes like the president has proposed. Well advanced solutions to prevent the kind of Cyber Attacks weve seen recently. Well work to confront Irans Nuclear ambitions. And well defend life. Because protecting our most vulnerable is an important measure of any society. Congress is back to work on your behalf, ready to make washington focus on your concerns again. We know america faces big challenges. But history has shown theres nothing our nation and our people cant accomplish. Jist look at my parents and grandparents. They had very little to call their own except the sweat on their brow and the dirt on their hands. But they worked. They sacrificed. And they dreamed big dreams for their children and grandchildren. And because they did an ordinary iowan like me has had some truly extraordinary opportunities. Because they showed me that you dont need to come from wealth or privilege to make a difference. You just need the freedom to dream big and a whole lot of hard work. The new Republican Congress you elected is working to make washington understand that too, and with a little cooperation from the president we can get washington working again. Thank you for allowing me to speak with you tonight. May god bless this great country of ours, the brave americans serving in uniform on our behalf, and you, the hardworking men and women who make the United States of america the greatest nation the world has ever known. Following president obamaas 2015 state of the Union Address, members of congress were interviewed about their reactions to the speech. Saying the shadow of crisis has passed and the state of the union is strong we are bringing you reaction from members of congress, we begin with congresswoman johnson. It is certainly a great speech. The president said there are no more campaigns for him. What do you think that he had to push hardest for on capitol hill to get done . Well, i think it is amazing. He focused where the focus should be. He focused on tax reform where it should be and the education of our children and the opportunity for the working people. That is exactly where the focus should be. Whether we can all agree to that is yet to be determined. But i am hoping that we can. What is the tenor like between democrats and republicans, certainly the senate has changed over to republicans control, but what is it like this time around . We are trying to get it some people to have some input and i hope that we can. I dont think that it can make a difference as to whether we can all participate equally. In terms of the issues that we heard in the state of the union, what is the most important to you in congress . To continue the information education of young people, to focus on what we need for the hightech environment and its very important. Community College Education is very important and those are the things that i hope all the people around me understand. I hope that im not the only one that represents dallas texas, there are several of us that do. And so i hope we can learn together. Congresswoman, thank you for being with us. A groom for your democratic colleagues in california, congressman mike honda. Its good to see you. What did you hear in the president s state of the union speech that stuck out to you tonight . My First Impression was we have been working since 2001. I think that what stuck out was the ability for us to work through a lot of issues. That would provide continuation of jobs, retraining of jobs, have young people start their university experiences. It is a republican dominated congress, how do we get that through . We have to just keep putting it out there and make sure that Everybody Knows how we are voting on the issues. You said that this was a progressive stage. We have been talking about this for a long time. We started really faltering on all those things. And the we are trying to come together and adjust the issues that really create inequity in this country and we are trying to move forward and addressed these issues. Congressman honda, we appreciate you being with us on cspan2. We will make way now for peter defazio. Congressman, what if you hear in particular with the president talking about the structure spending and also about Climate Change. There were a number of mentions of infrastructure and the ice is starting to thaw on both sides of the aisle. And this includes the recovery act, which spends money on tax cuts as it does on rebuilding america. So we were pleased it was mentioned. If you had to put a dollar view on Something Like that, you are talking about the stimulation. There was an 800 billion bill in about 15 billion went into Investment Infrastructure in the broadest sense of the term. That includes the stupid tax cuts it in and put anyone back to work. He brought up the warmest year of the planet, this past year 2014. What do you expect him and his administration to do about that . I hope they continue to press forward on Carbon Emissions. Obviously the republicans are Climate Change deniers and they theyre going to try anything and everything they can to overturn the regulations, but an efficient system of transportation might be a bipartisan solution that we can agree upon that with lower Carbon Emissions by people not sitting in traffic and idling, giving them opportunities in terms of mass transit. Do think that the president will veto the keystone bill, beyond that you think he will approve the project . Im not going to guess what the president will do on the keystone. Congressman defazio, thank you so much. We are now live on cspan2 with reaction. Senator, thank you for being with us. What did you think about the president s speech . He talked about the highway bill, he talked about cybersecurity. We need to look at that. Higher taxes, more regulations, those are the things that we have for economic job creation and that is what we will try to downplay that really helps our Small Businesses try to move the best we can. He talked about some veto threat didnt mention keystone specifically about vetoing that. What is your sense from this beach on where he stands on that issue . He indicated it, but think about how its energy, Economic Growth and its about National Security with energy security. And what he is talking about we are producing so much more in gas because we are energy secure, but holding up the infrastructure as well. So this is an advanced piece of legislation and he has to start working on some of these issues. What is the solution with transportation in terms of coming up with a funding of the gas tax . We had even defazio talking about transportation spending. We would like to provide an incentive for companies to bring these things back overseas, that can generate investment so we can pass this without raising taxes. And i think that that is a big reaction. Do you want to give us a timeline when you think that they will finish up this on the floor . I anticipate this, hopefully adapting and going to conference with the house and then the Senate Floor Action probably early next week. Senator john hoeven, thank you so much for being on cspan2. We are reporting live from the u. S. Capitol, the house of representatives. Senator tom carpenter, what did you like about the president s speech . A message from the voters they want us to Work Together. They want us to get things done. They want us to figure out in the question is how do we keep it going. The second is to break through. And that includes searching Development Opportunities and whatever we have to do to progress forward. So you are in a Republicancontrolled Senate now. Cybersecurity, is in an area that the house and senate can agree on . Cybersecurity is an area, trade policy is a good area. And i hope that their other reforms as well that can be looked at. So lets focus. Congressman thank you for being here this evening. Is america ready for a progressive message . I think theres a lot of republicans agree with that. Its not just democrats standing up. I think it was beautifully crafted and beautifully delivered. I think like every state of the state address to be able to stand up there and be able to deliver it is pretty amazing. Tom carper. Thanks for being with us. Congressman tipton what did you think of the president s speech . Aspirational notes. Big issues. While we have made some progress, regulations or stifling businesses. One example, a bakery in in colorado that has difficulty with access to capitol, its inhibiting our ability to get the economy going pres. Talks about jobs growth comparing it to the last four years saying it has been better than japan, europe, and advanced nations combined. Is that the rate of job growth or the quality of jobs that needs to be improved . An opportunity to be able to get a job, maintain it, and see opportunities for a Brighter Future for their family is what we feel is missing in this economic recovery. Americans are now sharing in that prosperity simply because they have not been able to find a job. We need to unleash that economic potential again. What about immigration, big issue in colorado. The house recently coming up with legislation to reverse a lot of these negative actions. The president tonight stating his intent to veto legislation that would overturn that poor dodd frank or healthcare. What is the next step . You know, the president called on congress to work. That means that he cannot circumvent congress. We have a constitutional process. He circumvented those actions. We have been promoting on a stepbystep basis to address the problem and to be able to make sure that we have a system that is working for the American Public and to have immigration coming into the country. The president has to be able to work with us. The Biggest Issue that did not get addressed by the president tonight. Really, how we were going to get Small Business, Rural America pockets of prosperity in , the country, Rural America. Basically doubledigit unemployment in terms of unemployment numbers. We have to be able to create opportunities. Regulation is stifling Small Business development. Right now, we have more businesses shutting down the new business startups. We have to open that door. Here with us tonight. Thank you. We go next to the congressman from pennsylvania. Thank you for being here. What did you here from the president tonight . I thought the speech was more a political statement than a governing agenda was my initial reaction. Contradictions in his speech that struck me. There are areas where we can Work Together. Trade, transportation, infrastructure. He said he was against the Keystone Pipeline. If we cannot support that, it will be harder to get the broader infrastructure infrastructure, maybe some tax reform. I cannot get a good sense. More of a political a political tone to you in the present saying, i have no more to campaign. Who is that political tone directed at . Hearing a lot of talk more class warfare is what it sounded like to me. But then at the end of the speech, he says we need to come together. A contradiction. So it was largely political. Some of the same statements you heard before. We might need a periodic bump in the minimum wage, but i dont think thats the answer to all of our economic challenges. Lower energy prices. And trade and other policies that would raise energy prices. So there are some contradictions. What are the number one or two issues in your district, and what did you here from the president about those issues tonight . The top issues in my district is just like everywhere. Its really about the economy. I agree that the economy is in a better position now. The real the real question is, is this a durable and sustainable recovery . We see better data on jobs but there is concern this is not translating into wage increases or even a higher standard of living. Peoples costs are going up in so many areas. Too early . Way too early. I think the economy is in a better position, to be sure, but we, but we are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. Is this recovery durable and sustainable . That is the question. There is danger on the horizon with respect to what is happening in asia and the economy elsewhere. We appreciate you stopping by. Thank you. We go next to the senate side, the senator from arizona. Great to see you. Let me ask you first about an issue you have spoken about, cuba. The president mentioning it in the state of the union tonight. The best part of his speech. I agree completely. He did the right thing. I dont often agree with the president on foreignpolicy. He did the right thing on cuba. It will begin for the cuban people. Americans, as well, as they can now travel there. What else stuck out in a speech to you . I think we can work with the president on trade promotion authority, a bipartisan majority that believes that we needed. The president spoke well on that. I think we can work with him on that. Also, some of the tax reform we can bring the rate down. Were going to need to. Were you surprised at all during the days leading up to the president s proposal that he increased the rate on some income level . Talked about that. I was not surprised. I dont think its getting a warm reception, nor should it. He was going to mention it. The current debate in the senate on the Keystone Pipeline bill. If it passes the house, what will happen when it passes the senate and the president takes it back for a veto . Probably have 63 or 64 votes. They will be kicked back to the president at some point. Welfare reform, the first time. So i think we keep doing it so i think we keep doing the right thing in the president will come around. Another difficult issue particularly for your state is immigration. The house last week overturning or blocking a number a number of executive actions. How much of that will stand . Rather than try to stick a finger at the president , put the legislation on his desk. We can do and enforcement bill. We can do one that deals with the guesswork of the plan. Ive been in favor of Immigration Reform for a long time. The president has said he wants a comprehensive approach. We did that in the senate. The president has gone piecemeal, just taking one item. I think that is what the congress can do. Appreciate it. Live coverage here on cspan 2 on the 2015 state of the union. Debbie wasserman schultz. What did you hear in the speech tonight . I was really thrilled that the president took the opportunity to talk about the importance of american exceptionalism and not just internationally, but how it is important that we focus here at home now that we are coming out of the recession, more opportunities to succeed. At the end of the speech, he challenged us to set aside our differences, to say to our basis, we we will take some risk and put some skin in the game and try to Work Together and focus on the things in which we can agree. Out of all the issues of the president addressed tonight, obviously the democrats control the house and the senate, but what other priorities in terms of democratic. Well, making sure that instead of the trickledown economics that have been tried and failed that we focus on middleclass economics, whether it is making Higher Education universal and affordable and in shoring someone does not have to choose between taking a day off of work because they are sick and losing their job, we build that pathway to the middle class and make sure it is not just the wealthiest among us that have a chance to really make a better way of life for themselves. We are here on january 20, two years from now the new president will be nominated. What does their policy look like . The overall presentation . I think it will be a democrat. We will focus on making sure that if you work hard and play by the rules you can succeed. We need to give people a fair shot. People are asking for handouts people are not asking for handouts. They are asking for a good quality education that they can afford. Doesnt only focus on people who are wealthy but when it comes to work whether its increasing the minimum wage are making sure that those are basic things on which we can build a strong middle class. Does Community College still have a chance. If the republicans take the president up on his challenge, then i hope so. It has lasted so long, looking at the other side of the aisle they sat on their hands a lot on things that should be a nobrainer. We will continue to try to reach out to them. We will have an opportunity to run an election that will have a voters choose. A vision that president obama laid out and one that the republicans seem to be focused on helping the wealthy among us get more successful. Chairman of the Democratic National committee. Thank you for being with us. This is statuary hall. The former site of the house of representatives from 1807 to 1857. Five president s were nominated in this very room. Congressman from michigan, thank you for being with us. Ranking member on ways and means. The president lays out a very bold tax policy. What did you think . I think it is right on target. We have had to seeing now several years of recovery in terms of not only [indiscernible] but unemployment going down. Now the question is how we make sure the middle class amid tax provisions, it is hard to address those issues. It has paid for so many other things, health care. So we need to make sure that the benefits ever cover a are spread throughout the middle class. The whole issue, including college that is what this is really all about. It is right on target. You have a new partner on the ways and Means Committee you talk about Community College equal pay, changes in the tax code that the president has proposed. Is there a glimmer of bipartisanship in anything that the president mentioned that you think that your committee can Work Together on . I hope so. I think the key was at the end. Essentially the president called out on all of us. The issues are so important that we need to try. They are so important that we need to try. The middleclass stagnation, Climate Change, so many other issues. There may be disagreement, but these are overarching issues. I think the president was saying in a very personal way, look, there are so many major issues now that kind of turn the corner , lets see if we can find on these major issues some Common Ground. This is the first state of the union without your brother. Is he watching . This is the first time in 30 years it was 32 years we were together. For me this was a new experience. I did not particularly like it. We need to carry on. He will be doing his thing. He said, keep doing your thing and thats just what im doing. Thank you so much. We will make room for congressman butterfield. Open that up. The new chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. We will get you back here. Quite the line forming. What do you think of the present state of the union . It is by far the best. He was very comfortable tonight. He spoke to the nation, reminder the American People that the economy is moving, growing strong command we have to invest in the future we have to reduce the bipartisanship that we are having everyday on the house floor. We have to have bipartisan cooperation, and i believe the message will resonate with the American People. He kicked off a lot of different items, including the Community College she had laid including the Community College he had laid out a couple of weeks ago. Paid leave, increasing the minimum wage, what of these items, both the house and Senate Democrats or republicans find an area to agree on. We can try the Common Ground we can find Common Ground on many of the things that are talked about tonight. The stock market is doing reasonably well. It is time for better wages for workers, time for us to invest in infrastructure and building a better america. Can you tell us how you and the Congressional Black Caucus feel about the president tonight talking about americas reaction to the shooting in ferguson, the issue in new york city and elsewhere. Did you like what you heard from the president . I cannot dwell on it, but he did make reference to it. We met with the community, worshiped. I can tell you the problems are significant. Prosecutorial misconduct is prevalent all across the nation. The fact that he would make reference to it is wonderful. The top legislation in 2015 for the cbc . Theres so much right now between africanamerican communities and Law Enforcement command we cannot have that. 98 percent of our officers are doing great work. There are some bad actors. We doubt those who are not performing their duties and rein in prosecutors were out of control. Thank you for being with us. The chairman of the cbc. Live coverage here. Reaction from statuary hall. Mrs. Brenda lawrence. This is brenda lawrence. Freshman from michigan. What did you think about tonight, just overall . You know, this is my first time sitting there. It is my job to address those issues. There were so many points i was glad to hear. I was glad to hear that sick leave is not paid sick leave. It is something that is an economic development. There are families choosing between a sick child in their a sick child and of their job. The the minimum wage, how we must address the fact that when people work they deserve to have a quality of life. I was excited to hear about working together. I am used to getting things done. I am coming to this congress to actually work with the different sides. Twoo take care of the issue. I think he drove that home. Members of my class is said that is something we want. I cover detroit and the metropolitan area. Detroit, the wealthiest communities in the country and some of the most challenged. A followup to the state of the union for you in terms of translating what the president said into legislation and to your constituents. To my constituents, when we are on these committees, they are bipartisan. We have republican and democratic views. And what is your committee . Oversight and also Small Business. And so between the two of those, those are areas that we can take these issues and grind out those different views and bring forth laws and legislation that we can support. We keep talking about the environment. It is time to act and put in place the laws and legislation regulations. Welcome to congress. Thank you for being here. We will may way for al green congressman of texas. What did what did you think of the president s speech tonight . I think he did quite well. He addressed thise issue that only of what we call the middle class but the working class. Minimum wage is is very important to the people in this country. He also addressed it in such a way is to help people understand that it impacts more than just old persons who are on the job. When you make more money you create more jobs. So i just thought that he handled it very well which is something important. At this point, the president pointed out the economy is trucking along pretty well. Is a federal minimum wage necessary . I think so. There are just too many people were being left behind. The gap and the earning capacity of americans is widening. 1 possibly having 50 of the wealth is a little bit much. We have to do things to make sure that we can all prosper together. What did you hear in the president s speech that is important . Well, i have of of va hospital in my district. When he spoke about the veterans if it is something we can find bipartisan support for, i support him. People really do want to take care of people who are willing to risk their lives. Many do not come back the way they left. We should be able to spend whatever it takes to make sure they get good jobs, good health care. Some real problems with the v. A. Hospitals. The one you are saying in your district is good. You are pleased with how the administration has addressed the issue . We still have more to do. We have tried to make sure if you cant get the services that you need, you can go into the private market. We have done things to make sure veterans get taken care of, but there is work to be done. The democrat of texas, thank you for being with us. We also want to do something about immigration. 11 Million People living in the shadows. The executive action the president took was appropriate. I am the beneficiary of the greatest executive order ever written. The emancipation proclamation. I assure you. I assure you, i am with the president. We continue to do the right thing, continue to work for people who came here who want to pay taxes, become of the rich, vibrant fabric of the United States of america and work until we can get the job done. It wont be done overnight, but it has to be done at some point. We need to do it sooner rather than later. We appreciate you stopping by and talking with us. State of the union night. A former house member from colorado. Thank you for being with us. You have seen a number of state of the union. What did you hear from president obama . Again, i heard two parts of the speech. He chastised republicans, talked about more Government Spending to me talk to us on things that we can work on together like trade the second part of the speech he was focused on working together. It was almost like he did not listen to the first part of the speech. What is the Biggest Issue that you heard the president address tonight . About the economy about making sure we are lifting people up. We have a situation right now where it looks good. You scratch underneath the service and people are hurting. You scratch underneath the surface and people are hurting. What the president talked about tonight is not going to do the job. Higher taxes, more spending, that is what the nation needs. Is there a role for government in job creation . It is getting out of the way and making sure the Regulatory Framework works to not stifle job creators. Make creators. Make sure that they give Small Businesses the tools they need instead of actually creating roadblocks to job creation. Can you give us your impression on what is coming over from that side of the house . I used to make a few jokes about senators coming in. My colleagues reminded me about that. The daytoday operation. What does it feel like . Obviously the founders made the chambers two very different places. One that can act quickly and one that is the saucer on the teacup. The fact is we are now opening up over the past several years members, have procedures put in place. We are having open debate and a re voting on those. The Biggest Issue that you will work on . It is about the economy making sure were getting people back to work. Senator cory gardner. From michigan, republican, what did you hear in the president s speech tonight . Quite honestly what came to mind and i wrote down on my notes was rosecolored glasses. The shadow of the crisis has passed. Tonight we turn the page. Im not sure that the American Worker feels all of that. Stagnant wages, a lot of questions about healthcare upward mobility. They are in question. I dont think were cross the rubicon to add to the metaphor but we have got to come together and figure out how to get this economy running. We have seen things, he did not talk about it directly, but a discussion about taxing 529 and a lot of things that will add more uncertainty. We need stability. The economy adding jobs another drop of the Unemployment Rate, the stock market president pointed out was going up. What does it look like . You said rosecolored glasses. When do you get to take them off . When people actually feel it in their pocketbook. Energy production is up. Well, thats because of private land, not public lands of exploration that has gone on one. One thing that struck me in all of this, the Unemployment Rate gets quoted. I sit on the Financial Services committee, so i watch this closely. You have to go to the umbrella six line to see what the real number of unemployed and underemployed is which is at least till twice as high as the official Unemployment Rate. And i talk about the instability and uncertainty. House Financial Services. The house has tried to pass legislation overturning some of the dodd frank legislation. Will we see more of that . I think you can. What it needs to do is make dodd frank workable. I dont think the president is issuing veto threats. This is flawed work. There has never been legislation that is perfect the first time around. With 2000 plus pages we know that their are serious flaws. We just have to face the reality. The president has already signed some of those from previous years. In fact, i had one of them on my wall. Now all of a sudden they are saying this is holy scripture we cannot touch or discuss how we will modify. Isnt there a push from capitol hill on Financial Services companies, banks, etc. Credit unions, insurance companies, people getting dragon getting dragged into regulations that even barney frank and chris dodd said were not the intent. Representative from michigan. Thank you for being with us. We move on to nebraska. Lets start with an issue that certainly involves nebraska. The courts clearing the way for the Keystone Pipeline. The president barely even touching on it this evening. He brushed by it. It wasnt clear what he was saying. Nebraska has been a center of debate for good reason. I think we need a partnership with the canadians but one that is respectful of our environmental sensibilities. The pipeline was cited to run over the aquifer. That supplies the water for 20 of the nations agricultural production. A number of nebraskas were rightly concerned about the environmental impact. They work to get it moved and they were successful. Nebraskans turned it down. The pipeline did need to be moved. Now that it is moved it seems , prudent and reasonable. What do you think the next step is, if the president vetoes . It depends on what type of majority they pass it with. There is strong bipartisan support for this. The president himself, and Hillary Clinton were very strong advocates. This has been a significant shift, but there was reasonable debate taking place. Right now, oil is shifting of the railcars, there are safety concerns, so it does seem prudent to move forward. What other issues did you hear that struck your ear . Well, a couple of points. The speech overall was i thought he was very sincere. He called us all to thank our troops. I think his construct as to the economy is a tale of two cities. Some people are benefiting but others are in a downward mobility spiral. Wages are declining. Some people have dropped out of the workforce because they are discouraged. We need real opportunity healthy economy, and one of the things that is deteriorating economic wellbeing is the rising cost of healthcare. Which is hurting so many Small Businesses and families. It is helping some, but it is hurting some as well. I got an email today from someone who said, my healthcare cost is gone up so much that im having to go into government housing. That doesnt make sense. I think that was a real gap in trying to identify how we actually help people in the middleclass with more income and more opportunity. Jeff fortenberry from nebraska, thank you for being with us on cspan2. State of the union night 2015. Our coverage continues. Amy klobuchar from minnesota. Thank you. It is great to be on cspan. What did you think of the president s speech . I thought it was a solid speech, positive and done in a way that was joyful. About the positiveness of this country and what we stand for. He clearly laid out the challenges and some the ideas on how to solve them in terms of Community College and childcare, family medical leave. But what was also important was that he talked about the successes and where we were six years ago and where we are now. I think that was an important thing to do. In my state we are down to 3. 7 unemployment. We need more students with Community College degrees, more welders. We are starting to turn away business. I think i think that is an important message. We have Something Like 8 Million People who are unemployed, 5 million job openings. The key is to match of those job openings. You do that through training. A lot of times it is some kind of advanced degree. On that Community College proposal, yet to take legislative form. In formal talks with colleagues, republican colleagues, what is their sense . As the president pointed out today, tennessee is doing it. You are seeing varying degrees of this all over the country. I am someone who would not be here if it was not for Community College. My dad, his dad, my grandpa worked 1500 feet underground in the mine. He never graduated high school. They sent my dad to a twoyear Community College and he went through the university of minnesota. A sister never graduated from high school but she was able to get her ged a graduate i think those are two american stories. The fact that he is capturing that kind of American Dream and he is willing to talk about it and say, hey, maybe we could not talk about this kind of thing a few years ago because we were in so much trouble. We are stable now. We are governing for opportunity. On the issue of minimumwage, you mentioned in your state, the unemployment is down to 3. 7 . Is it healthy to call for raising the minimum wage around the country . What that sort what that th wart . Our state just increased the minimum wage to the ballpark of what has been proposed year. The starting to see that state by state. Why not to do it on a federal basis. On a National Security issue. On the authorization for military force, calling on congress to give military authority in fighting the terrorist group isis. How does that take shape . You start the Foreign Relations committee. With authorization of force resolution. One was actually passed through that committee at the end of last year. Under senator menendezs leadership with democratic support. Now senator corker is working on it. I think there is a strong feeling in the u. S. Senate that we cannot keep relying on the past authorization of force and we have to move forward with one that fits the current times. Amy klobuchar. Thank you. Live coverage of the state of the union and congressional reaction. Sheila jackson lee of texas welcome. What did you think . I was excited. The present looked like he was not ending his tenure. I got a sense that he was saying i am going to continue to work with the people of the United States until the end. He opened the new world of opportunity and challenge. And hope for working families. You could feel he was committed to giving you a leg up. Not a handout, but a leg up. To president said tonight there are no more campaigns. Really getting a lot of his agenda requires a campaign. The president goes on the road beginning tomorrow to kansas to begin to sell some of his programs. Well, he wants the people of the United States to buy into it. As i sit and reflect when i am in my district i hear mothers crying out, families, young families for child care. That is a cornerstone of being able to go to school being able to work, have two persons in the workforce could. Then the idea of increasing the minimum wage, it was a stark question. When he asked us, do you think you could live on 15,000 a year. And then the idea of balancing wealth inequality. One of the things that i held onto, the president s passion and talking about how he growth grew up in hawaii with many People Living together, but we must pass the Voting Rights act. Reauthorize it. Why is it being blocked . He gave another challenge, i love the way he did it. It. It is an important point for the American People. Balanced Law Enforcement. The recognition of service to protect and serve understand parents who have lost their sons over the last couple months to tragic incidences involving Law Enforcement. We can come together and provide reform and that is what the president stated tonight. You have spoken about National Security, homeland security. The president addressed the issue of troops in afghanistan no longer there. Relying on asian and north african partners, are you confident the military stature of the United States, where we are today in terms of National Security is the right place to be . I have i have been a strong proponent for preparedness of our military, including personnel and training. Im going to keep focused on that. Im going to keep building up so that we have a strong force to defend america. I think it is important to collaborate. One of the issues im focusing on now is boko haram and the tragedy in nigeria. That comes under our african command, which i was supportive of. I think our us troops can be helpful in strategy and other resources in fighting terror. U. S. Boots on the ground . When i say troops, resources, strategy, training, but obviously not engaging in the actual battle. The same thing in the middle east. We are collaborating with forces trying to stamp out isis. But more importantly trying to build up the iraqi forces again because without we had done so before and pushing them forward. Not diminishing the strength and power of u. S. Military forces. How long do you have to wait for your seat . What time did you get there . I do it with great excitement. Early in the morning to all of my constituents. I think it is important to let them no that i i care about them but more importantly, we are working. The great things we get accomplished when we are talking makes it worth it when i am able to make appointments and get things done for the district. We do it every year. We are able to engage cabinet officers and senators. One of the things am fighting for is the revitalization of nafta. Sheila jackson lee of texas democrat, thank you. Taping thank you. Live coverage in statuary hall. Judy chu, california democrat. What did you hear in the president s speech that resonated . What i loved the most was that he gave hope to the middle class. He described in such detail, the travails of the young couple trying to make ends meet and how difficult it was for them to do so. He made us all understand why its so important for us to have greater access to childcare, paid family leave, middleclass taxes. Also why it was so important to have access to Higher Education. When he talked about making the Community College expenses zero i jumped up for joy. I have been a Community College teacher for 20 years. I have seen the young people that have come there, the returning worker. To see that he is pushing for greater access to Higher Education made my heart just explode with joy. That is something that we really need. I asked one of your colleagues about the proposal. Is there legislation being drafted . Have you talked to some of your republican colleagues about how they feel . I have not yet. I think there is broad support in the United States for Something Like this. Higher education is the basic fundamental principle, something that is valuable in america, i a key to the American Dream. Community college is the most accessible form of education that we have. How would we pay for it . This is where i think it is important to plug those tax loopholes he was talking about. And make sure there is more money available for the middle class. You come from a state that has fairly high tax rates for many earners there. What has been the result of higher taxes in the state of california . Actually we have an excellent Higher Education system, a very good quality of life, and that is why so many people stay there. It is because california offers many of the things that people want when they are thinking about raising a family. To the constituents in your district, what is the number one issue that the president talked about tonight . I think it is making sure that they can make ends meet. The fact that they are having such a hard time seeing their money lose value, having such a hard time despite the fact that the economy is Getting Better making sure that theeir goes where it should and making sure they can buy the things that they need for the family. We need we need to make sure that their dollars go where they should. Democrat from california thank you for for being with us. , jack lee talks about the economy. From the Brookings Institution at 8 30 a. M. 2 eastern on cspan. The u. S. Conference of mayors is in washington for their winter meeting. Kevin johnson, mayor of Sacramento California and president of the conference delivers the state of the citys address. Live starting at 12 45 p. M. Eastern on cspan3. And we are back on cspan3 later for president obamas visit to Boise State University in. Idaho. The president will promote initiatives from his state of the Union Address. Live at 4 45 p. M. Eastern. This saturday, live coverage of the iowa Freedom Summit from des moines begins at 10 00 a. M. Eastern. Speakers include potential 2016 president ial candidates. Governors rick perry, scott walker, and Chris Christie former governor Mike Huckabee Businessman Donald Trump and then carson. Plus, sarah palin. The iowa Freedom Summit. This saturday on cspan radio and cspan. Org. President obama delivered the state of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. He spoke for an hour, touching on the economy, employment trade, Race Relations and Foreign Policy issues. His remarks are in our. An hour. Mr. Speaker, the president of the United States. [applause] members of congress i have , the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [applause] the president thank you. Thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress my fellow americans. We are 15 years into this new century. 15 years that dawned with terror touching our shores that unfolded with a new generation fighting two long and costly wars, that saw a vicious recession spread across our nation and the world. It has been and still is a hard time for many. But tonight we turn the page. Tonight after a breakthrough year for america, our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace since 1999. Our Unemployment Rate is now lower than it was before the financial crisis. More of our kids are graduating than ever before. More of our people are insured than ever before. We are as free from the grip of foreign oil as we have been in almost 30 years. Tonight, for the First Time Since 9 11, our combat mission in afghanistan is over. Six years ago nearly 180,000 american troops served in iraq and afghanistan. Today, fewer than 15,000 remain, and we salute the courage and sacrifice of every man and woman in this 9 11 generation who has served to keep us safe. We are humbled and grateful for your service. America, for all that we have endured all the grit and hard work required to come back for all the tasks that lie ahead know this. The shadow of crisis has passed and the state of the union is strong. At this moment, with the growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry booming industry, we have been able to write it. It is now up to us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years and decades to come. Will we accept an economy where a few of us are wealthy or chances for everyone . Will we approach the world fearful. Will we lead wisely using our elements to defeat threats. Will we allowed ourselves to turn against one another or rekaptur the sense of common purpose and in two weeks i will send this congress a budget filled with ideas that are practical, not partisan. I will chris cross the country making a case for those ideas. But tonight, i want to focus less and focus on the values that are before us. And begins with our economy. Seven years ago, rebecca earller were newlyweds. She waited tables he worked construction and first child jack was on the way. They were young and in love in america and doesnt get much better than that. If only we had known, she wrote to me last week, what was about to happen to the housing and construction market. They took what jobs they could find, even if it kept them on the road. She took out Student Loans and retrained for a new career. They sacrificed for each other and slowly it paid off. They bought their first home, they had a second son, henry, she got a better job a raise and bens back in construction and back home for dinner every night. It is amazing what she wrote, what you can bounce back. We are a strong tightknit familiar high who has made it through tough times. We are a Strong Family who have made it through tough times. Their story is our story. They represent the millions who worked hard and scrimped and sacrificed. You are the reason i ran for this office. You are the people i was thinking of six years ago today in the darkest months of the crisis when i promised we would rebuild our economy on a new foundation and it has been your resilience, your efforts, that has made it possible for our country to remain strong. We believed we could draw new jobs to our shores. Our businesses have created over 11 million new jbs. Jobs. We believe we could reverse our dependence on foreign oil and protect our planet and america is number one in oil and gas, america is number one in wind power. We bring in solar power as we did in all of 2008 and thanks to lower gas prices and higher fuel standards the typical family should save 750 at the pump. We believe we can prepare our kid or for more competitive work and they have earned the highest reading and math scores. It has hit and alltime high. More americans have finished college than ever before. We believe that sensible regulations could prevent another crisis and encourage fair competition. We have new tools and to protect us from predatory linding and 10 million uninsured americans have gained health coverage. And every step, we were told our goals were misguided or too ambitious and we would crush jobs and explode deficits. We have seen the Economic Growth and a stock market that has douked. This is good news, people. So the verdict is clear. Middle class mix work, expanding opportunity works and these policies will continue to work as long as politics dont get in the way. We cant slow down businesses or put our economies at risk with fiscal showdown and put the security of families at risk. We are fighting past battles where we have to fix a broken system and if a bill comes to my desk to fix these things, i will veto it. Today, thanks to a growing economy, the economy is touching more and more lives. Wages are starting to rise again. Small Business Owners plan to rise their employees pay. Heres the thing. Those here tonight we need to set our sights higher to make sure government doesnt screw thing up. We need