During his State of the Union Address Tuesday evening, President Barack Obama pledged to work with Republican lawmakers, but showed no sign of backing off his own plans.

Among the agenda set by Obama in his speech were tax increases on the wealthy, expanded childcare and maternity leave options, educational assistance to those entering community colleges, resistance to further sanctions on Iran, and veto threats against GOP measures that run counter to the goals of the administration.

After listing administrative accomplishments he feels have contributed significantly to the recovery of the U.S. economy, the President said, “So the verdict is clear. Middle-class economics works. Expanding opportunity works. And these policies will continue to work, as long as politics don't get in the way.”

“We can't slow down businesses or put our economy at risk with government shutdowns or fiscal showdowns," he continued. “We can't put the security of families at risk by taking away their health insurance, or unraveling the new rules on Wall Street, or refighting past battles on immigration when we've got a system to fix. And if a bill comes to my desk that tries to do any of these things, it will earn my veto.”

Delivering the Republican response, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa called upon the President to help Congress simplify the tax code by lowering tax rates and closing loopholes.

“Let's tear down trade barriers in places like Europe and the Pacific,” Ernst said. “Let's sell more of what we make and grow in America over there so we can boost manufacturing, wages, and jobs right here, at home. Let's simplify America's outdated and loophole-ridden tax code. Republicans think tax filing should be easier for you, not just the well-connected. So let's 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,” she continued. “We're calling on him now to cooperate to pass them.”

Republicans also want to see tighter restrictions on immigration and a more proactive approach to anti-terrorism efforts.

You can watch the full State of the Union Address below, as well as Senator Ernst’s response.

 

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