The State of the Union
The Constitution says that the President shall "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union…" That time comes this week as the President will report on the condition of our country and outline his legislative goals for the year.
The State of the Union speech is full of pomp and circumstance. It was not always this way. Thomas Jefferson thought the speech made us look more like a monarchy than a democracy. He sent a written address instead. However, in 1913, Woodrow Wilson decided to give his speech in person.
There are two big pieces of legislation that will be considered this year. The highway bill is funded by gas taxes that you pay every time you fill up your tank. There is wide agreement on both sides that this bill can get long-stalled projects moving and in the process help create jobs.
Also up for renewal is the farm bill. Once again, there are likely to be cuts to agriculture programs. What most people don't understand is that the majority of the bill deals with nutrition and food stamp programs. While there can always be more belt-tightening, we need to make sure that the United States always has the safest, most abundant food supply in the world.
There is a lot of pessimism about what can be done. However, this speech is an opportunity to not only fulfill one of the duties of the Constitution; but also for the President to set a new tone.
Sincerely,
