WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday night to cheers, standing ovations and cheers from Republican lawmakers.
The president emphasized bipartisanship, his economic plan and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, among other achievements of his administration.
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“Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the state of the union is strong,” he said.
But amid the president’s annual address to Congress, there were moments — combative and comforting — that also stood out. Here’s what you might have missed from Biden’s State of the Union address:
Mitt Romney, George Santos stand before the speech
Late. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, had a tense exchange with Rep. George Santos, RN.Y., as they entered the chamber, It was reported by CNN.
“You don’t belong here,” one lawmaker who witnessed the exchange told CNN.
Santos is faces intense criticism to fabricate parts of his resume and is under investigation for campaign finance reports that have raised questions.
Romney told reporters after the speech that Santos “is a sick puppy” and “shouldn’t have been there,” adding that Santos should have been sitting in the back row of the chamber “sitting quietly” instead of “parading in front of the president” , where he sat in an aisle seat.
Biden pushes police reform and recognizes Tire Nichols’ parents at SOTU
Mother and stepfather of Tire Nicholsthe 29-year-old black man who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers attended the speech as guests of first lady Jill Biden.
Nichols died after he was stopped for a traffic violation. His mother and stepfather have it promised to fight for police reform after his death.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak or grief of losing a child, but imagine if you lost that child to the law,” he said in a hushed chamber, looking toward Nichols’ parents, who sat in tears. of the chamber.
Biden said the country needs to come together to finish the job of police reform.
“Let’s commit to making the words of Tyre’s mother true: ‘Something good will come of this,'” he said to a standing ovation from the audience.
‘Liars!:’ Republicans hail Biden on Social Security, Medicare
Tensions have been building between the two parties over Social Security and Medicare. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Republicans will not cut the programs, but Democrats argue that lower government spending could result in reductions since these entitlement programs make up a huge portion of the federal budget.
“Some of my Republican friends want to hold the economy hostage unless I go along with their economic plans,” Biden said. “All of you at home should know what those plans are. Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to shut down.”
The comment led to Greene standing up and yelling “liar!” as other Republican lawmakers booed. McCarthy shook his head.
More: Marjorie Taylor Greene, other Republicans spar with Biden over Social Security, Medicare
“Anyone who doubts that, contact my office, I’ll give you a copy of the proposal,” Biden replied.
“OK, so apparently we’re all in agreement,” Biden said later. “Social Security and Medicare are off the books now, right?”
His comment resulted in bipartisan cheers. Biden promised he would veto anything that tried to cut Social Security or Medicare.
Biden: ‘No place for political violence’
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, attended the speech as a guest in his first appearance during a joint session of Congress since he attacked in his home last October.
Suspect David DePape broke in the Pelosi’s” San Francisco home and assaulted Paul with a hammer. The attack fractured Paul’s skull requires surgery. DePape yelled, “Where’s Nancy?” after he entered the home and had a tie with him during the burglary.
Biden referenced the political violence and the rioters who used similar language when they stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
“There is no place for political violence in America,” Biden said. “We must not give any safe harbor to hate and extremism in any form.”
Republicans to Biden: ‘It’s your fault’
Biden said fentanyl kills more than 70,000 Americans a year, and the comment drew backlash from Republicans in the chamber.
“It’s your fault!” a few Republicans shouted, including Greene, a member of the House Oversight Committee, which looks into issues at the southern border.
“Let’s start a major search to stop the production of fentanyl,” Biden said, calling for a campaign to stop the sale and trafficking of the drug.
Biden blames Trump for the increase in the deficit
Biden took a swipe at former President Donald Trump’s administrations for increasing the federal deficit, which he said has been significantly cut under his administration.
“In the last two years, my administration has reduced the deficit by more than $1.7 trillion, the largest deficit reduction in American history,” Biden said.
His comments drew boos from Republicans.
Candy Woodall contributed to this reporting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden Delivers Second State of the Union: Here’s What You Missed
