President Joe Biden is set to deliver his State of the Union address, focusing on contrasting his vision for America with that of the Republican Party. The speech aims to draw a clear distinction ahead of the upcoming election, with Biden hoping to appeal to moderate Republicans and swing voters.
While emphasizing differences, Biden will also highlight areas of common ground that he believes can unite the country. The President's 'unity agenda' includes initiatives such as addressing the mental health crisis, combating opioid abuse, supporting veterans, and advancing cancer care.
The White House sees these initiatives as broadly popular and non-partisan, appealing to Americans across the political spectrum. The administration is optimistic about the potential for progress on Capitol Hill, particularly on issues like online child privacy legislation, which is seen as interconnected with mental health efforts.
As part of the State of the Union address, the White House will unveil new announcements related to the unity agenda. The Department of Veterans Affairs will expand health care enrollment for eligible veterans, ahead of schedule. Additionally, a clinical program under ARPA-H will focus on treating late-stage cancers with innovative data-driven approaches.
These initiatives hold personal significance for President Biden, reflecting his commitment to bipartisan cooperation and addressing key concerns raised by Americans nationwide. Despite political divisions, the White House points to over 400 bipartisan bills signed into law by Biden as evidence of his dedication to a unifying agenda.