Obama promises to govern without congressional approval.
In his fifth annual State of the Union address, the American president warned that he would take executive action if Republicans refused to improve the conditions of the country's middle class. "The United States doesn't stand still, and neither do I. So, no matter where and when, I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunities for more American families, and that's what I'm going to do," Obama said; the first executive order announced was a requirement for a minimum wage for all those working as subcontractors for the federal government.
247 - US President Barack Obama warned early Wednesday morning (29) that he will take executive action if Congress refuses to act to improve conditions for the country's middle class. "The United States doesn't stand still, and neither do I. So, no matter where and when, I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunities for more American families, and that's what I'm going to do," Obama said.
In his fifth annual State of the Union address, delivered to a live-streamed congressional session before lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and VIP guests, he declared that he will no longer wait for Republican cooperation to implement his agenda, which he called "the ultimate project of our generation."
His cry for independence promises to inflame the already tense relations between the Democratic president and the Republicans.
The first executive order announced was a requirement for a minimum wage for all those working as subcontractors for the federal government. "In the coming weeks, I will sign an executive order requiring companies contracted by the government to pay a fair wage of $10,10 an hour because those who cook for our troops and wash our dishes should not live in poverty," he said.
Regarding immigration reform: "Independent economists say that immigration reform will grow our economy and reduce our deficit by up to $1 trillion over the next few decades."
In the case of the NSA, Obama promised to reform surveillance programs; "because it is vital that the work of our intelligence community has the public's trust."