In President Donald Trump's first joint-address to the House and Senate, he is anticipated to cover a broad agenda. After just over a month in office, Trump's executive orders and proposed policies for Congress have sparked protests, and many Democrats have signaled they will show their disapproval during Tuesday night's remarks.
01 March 2017
small thinking
Trump concluded, saying, "the time for small thinking is over" and "the time for trivial fights is over," which drew muddled reactions from some in the audience.
"I am asking all citizens to embrace this renewal of the American spirit," Trump said, before ending with the traditional "God bless the United States."
William Ryan
Trump then honored Carryn Owens, the widow of William "Ryan" Owens, the US Navy special operator senior chief who died in a recent Yemen raid.
"Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. Thank you."
Trump's remarks prompted a long standing ovation for Carryn.
"Ryan is looking down, right now. You know that, and I think he is very happy, because I think he just broke a record," Trump said.
Trump guests and legislation
Trump promoted the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement, or VOICE Act, to the groans of some on the floor and the applause of others. He then introduced "four very brave Americans, whose government failed them," including Jessica Davis, Jenna Oliver, Susan Oliver and Jamiel Shaw, Sr.
Megan Crowley
Trump noted that his speech fell on Rare Diseases Day, and he then introduced his special guest, Megan Crowley, who was diagnosed with Pompe disease shortly after her first birthday. She survived the disease, and Trump proclaimed that once regulations at the Food and Drug Administration and across government were slashed, "we will be blessed with far more miracles, just like Megan."
Some on Twitter were skeptical.
Twitter reacts
Twitter reactions noted the enthusiastic applause from one half of the floor following Trump's Obamacare remarks.
Obamacare
Trump then called on Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
"Obamacare is collapsing, and we must act decisively to protect all Americans," he said.
$6 trillion
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Vice President Mike Pence chuckled when Trump said that the $6 trillion spent in the Middle East on wars in recent years "could have rebuilt our country twice, maybe even three times."
Trump was not smiling, but quite serious.
immigration
"Real and positive immigration reform is possible," Trump said. He outlined a policy that would "save countless dollars, raise workers' wages."
back to domestic
Trump ensured the US would keep its "unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel."
The president moved back to domestic issues, relenting that "94 million Americans are out of the labor force," "over 43 million Americans are on food stamps," and "more than one in five people in their prime working years are not working."
He blamed Obama's administration for incurring more new debt "than nearly all the previous presidents combined" and lamented that the US "lost 60,000 factories since China joined the WTO." He also mentioned "tragic foreign policy disasters" of the last two administrations, saying that "solving this requires us" to transcend party differences.
proper vetting
Trump condemned "uncontrolled entry" from regions, "where proper vetting cannot occur."
He mentioned terrorist attacks in Europe before promising the US would not become a "sanctuary" for threats.
border wall
Trump lauded his executive order requiring two regulations be repealed before any new regulation is added. He then did the same for his executive order expediting construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.
Trump then moved onto border issues, including the war on drugs.
"We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth, and we will expand treatment for those who have become badly addicted," Trump said.
Trump stressed he would oversee the building of "a great, great wall" along the Southern border.
drain the swamp
There were audible reactions from the floor that didn't sound quite like applause, when Trump stated, "We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a five-year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials – and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government."
A new surge of optimism
Trump declared "a new surge of optimism."
"In nine years the US will celebrate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence," Trump said. He asked, "what kind of country will we leave for our children?"
The president added, "We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our borders wide open."
Trump marks end of Black History Month
Trump opened his speech by marking "the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month," adding that there is "work that still needs to be done."
Trump welcomed
Speaker Ryan then formally presented Trump to Congress, to the cheers of Republicans and large silence from Democrats.
Trump enters Capitol for joint-address
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has gaveled in, and President Donald Trump has been introduced. He is now shaking hands as he walks toward his podium.