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State of the Union: Highlights


State of the Union: Highlights

President Barack Obama will appear before a joint session of Congress in the well of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., at 9 p.m. EST on Tuesday (0200 GMT Wednesday).

Obama is expected to focus on aiding middle-class Americans in his address. In his address, he will call on Congress to:

  • Increase taxes by $320 billion over 10 years on the wealthy by closing tax loopholes and imposing a fee on the roughly 100 U.S. financial firms with assets of more than $50 billion.
  • Provide a $500 tax credit for some families with two spouses working.
  • Create a $60 billion program to make community college free for many students.
  • Allow workers to earn up to seven paid sick days a year.
  • Create a $2 billion incentive fund aimed at encouraging cities and states to create family and medical leave programs.

Regarding foreign affairs, Obama is also expected to explain:

  • U.S. fight against Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, and efforts to contain Islamic extremists.
  • His decision to seek to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba.
  • U.S. efforts in controlling Ebola.

Source: AP, Reuters

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