“Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!” Those famous eight words can mean only one thing, and that is that the country’s leader will be addressing Congress and the American public at large in the State of the Union Address. President Barack Obama addressed the nation for the penultimate joint congressional assembly in which he laid out a framework for the goals of the year ahead. He touched on many topics, bringing rousing applause from the Democrats in the room, and predictable stoic faces and polite claps from Republicans. The only two subjects which brought the whole room to its feet were forcefully combating ISIS/ISIL terrorists and better supporting our veterans. The wide variety of topics that will be discussed in Congress this years include:

Economy – President Obama noted job growth, strong gross domestic product, and bustling industry as signs that the United States is in better shape than most countries around the world. He also noted that only a small minority does spectacularly well in this economy, and therefore we need to continue to strive for an economy that will recognize and encourage more success for all.

Wages – The President called for legislation requiring that men and women earn equal wages for the same job. He also appealed to Congress for a higher minimum wage and better overtime compensation. He asked Congress to send a bill providing for better sick leave programs, allocating $2 billion to the states to enact this policy through employers. President Obama also proposed a tax cut of $3,000 per child annually for middle and low-income families.

Jobs – President Barack Obama heralded the work of vice-president Joe Biden in expanding workers’ job flexibility by connecting local employers to community colleges who can provide educated and competent workers. One of his most well-known policies approaching the address has been a free community college education, and he asked Congress to accept this audacious plan, along with a strengthened technical training infrastructure.

Taxes – Boldly addressing one of the country’s most contentious issues, The President asked for the closing of tax loopholes, which rig the system in favor of corporations and wealthy individuals. Specifically, he is looking to eradicate tax inversions and inherited assets, and tax the accumulated wealth of the top 1% of Americans.

Terrorism – Receiving one of the two unanimous applauses of the night, President Obama supported a crackdown on terrorism utilizing airstrikes on Iraq and Syria to discourage ISIS/ISIL activity. He mentioned that torture will not be used, however, to deal with terrorists, as it goes against basic human rights. He also expressed support for the rising opposition in Syria.

Cuba – The President admired that long overdue friendly relations with Cuba were finally on the horizon, providing for the potential to end the legacy of distrust and support a continual front for stronger democracies.

Climate Change – President Obama called climate change the “single greatest threat to future generations,” recalling that 2014 was the warmest year on record. He asked that everyone acknowledge that climate change was largely of our own doing, and that we, the people, are the only ones who can bring it back from the brink. He noted that the carbon emissions summit in Beijing was a significant step for the US and especially China towards a greener planet.

As he was wrapping up, President Obama offered familiar olive branches across the hall toward Republicans, asking that they agree to support a culture of cooperation, acceptance, and unity in order to prevent standoffs and deadlocks. He emphasized the importance of a “strong, tight-knit family” culture, ending with the unifying, yet incredibly broad statement, “We are the United States of America!” to resounding applause.