State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama, 2009-2016Obama, Barack
General
State of the Union Addresses of Barack Obama, 2009-2016
Obama, Barack
Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end
the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Now, let me
be clear--let me be absolutely clear, because I know you'll end up
hearing some of the same claims that rolling back these tax breaks
means a massive tax increase on the American people: If your family
earns less than $250,000 a year, a quarter million dollars a year, you
will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one
single dime. In fact--not a dime--in fact, the recovery plan provides a
tax cut--that's right, a tax cut--for 95 percent of working families.
And by the way, these checks are on the way.
Now, to preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the
growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health
care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come.
And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social
Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all
Americans.
Finally, because we're also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am
committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our
budget. That is why this budget looks ahead 10 years and accounts for
spending that was left out under the old rules. And for the first time,
that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. For 7
years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price.
Along with our outstanding national security team, I'm now carefully
reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way
forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends
this war.
And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive
strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat Al Qaida and combat
extremism, because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the
American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not
allow it.
As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch
abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them
and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence,
Americans are united in sending one message: We honor your service; we
are inspired by your sacrifice; and you have our unyielding support.
To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of
our soldiers and marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who
serve, we will raise their pay and give our veterans the expanded
health care and benefits that they have earned.
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