What did Joe Biden say in his State of the Union speech? Here are the key points

President Joe Biden gamely delivered the State of the Union to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, speaking for about an hour and 15 minutes, getting some digs in at Republicans and not shying away from some criticisms leveled at his administration. Here’s a handful of highlights:

'I don't want to ruin your reputation''

The president began by warmly congratulating Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on becoming House speaker, giving him smile and a brisk handshake. Even though the two are certain to clash over any number of issues, not least the need to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, it appeared after a meeting at the White House last week, they are staying collegial for now. “Mr. Speaker, I don’t want to ruin your reputation,” Biden said early in his State of the Union address, “but I look forward to working together.”

Taking partial credit for job growth

Biden wasn’t shy about touting his accomplishments, as he heads into a potential re-election campaign next year with Congress divided. He noted some 12 million new jobs had been created during his first two years in office (and gave credit to Congress and the American people as well), more than in any four years of a presidency – though much of that is due to the reopening of the nation following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while he acknowledged inflation remains too high, he said it’s been coming down over the last six months while unemployment has fallen to 3.4%, a half-century low.

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Projects for Republicans who voted against his priorities

One of those accomplishments he touted was passage of a big infrastructure bill in 2021, which he noted was aided greatly by some key Republican support – much of which was in the Senate. But he said he wouldn’t hold it against those Republicans, especially in the House, who voted against it and are still seeing projects built in their districts. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I promised to be the president for all Americans. We’ll fund these projects. And I’ll see you at the ground-breaking.”

A new 'Buy American' effort

Biden said he was renewing a push to ensure that government-funded projects are made with American-made products, arguing that “for too long, past administrations, Democrat and Republican, have found ways to get around” laws already calling for that to be the case. Biden said he’s going to put in place new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be American=made. “Lumber, glass, drywall, fiber optic cables,” he said. “On my watch, American roads, American bridges and American highways are going to be made with American products.”

GOP converts on Social Security, Medicare?

He jousted with Republicans, now the majority in the U.S. House, on a couple of occasions. With most expecting the House to try to attach budget cuts as a precondition to raising the nation’s debt limit, Biden noted that the deficit rose four years in a row under former President Donald Trump and that Congress lifted the debt limit for him “without preconditions.” He also got jeers after he noted that some Republicans – not the majority – have suggested the possibility of reining in Social Security and Medicare spending. “I’m glad to see it, I enjoy conversion,” Biden joked. “But it’s being proposed by some of you.”

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'Can't treat children like luggage'

As for an agenda headed into the new Congress, Biden said he will urge passage of a law to cap insulin prices for everyone at no more than $35 a month, look to increase taxes on big corporations and push for universal pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds. Biden also urged passage of legislation to stop technology companies from collecting data on children and banning online advertising targeted at kids. And he’s also taking aim at what we referred to as junk fees, charges tacked on to bills without the consumer’s knowledge beforehand. He noted one – airlines charging extra for families to sit together. “Baggage fees are bad enough. They can’t just treat your child like a piece of luggage,” he said.

Police who break public trust 'must be held accountable'

Biden recognized the parents of Tyre Nichols, the man who died after being beaten by Memphis police last month after being stopped on an alleged traffic violation, who were in the chamber. He used the moment to note that he never had to have the “talk” with his children about police violence “that so many Black and brown families have had with their children.” He noted as well that much is asked of police and that most are “good, decent honorable people.” Law enforcement, he said, “risk their lives every time they put that shield on. But what happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often… When police officers or departments violate the public’s trust, they must be held accountable.”

Border issues, fentanyl

He recognized issues along the southern border, saying the administration has a record number of personnel there now arresting smugglers and drug runners and that unlawful migration from several countries is down significantly. He said if Congress won’t pass his immigration reform bill, “at least pass my plan to provide the equipment and officers to secure the border. He called for a “surge to stop fentanyl production, sale and trafficking,” with more equipment to detect and stop drugs at the border.

No trial balloons floated

Biden made no overt mention of Chinese spy balloons, like the one his administration shot down over the weekend after much Republican criticism. But he didn't shy away from indirectly talking about the ongoing tension with China. "Today, we’re in the strongest position in decades to compete with China or anyone else in the world," he said. "I am committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake: as we made clear last week, if China’s threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did."

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Joe Biden's State of the Union: Here are the key points