Obama Tells US Congress to Act on Economy

US President Barack Obama calls for completion of the "unfinished task" of spreading economic opportunity.

Published

3 months ago

Categories

US

Topics

US Politics, United States, Economic Policy

People

Barack Obama

Places

United States of America

Transcript

SHOTLIST: WASHINGTON, FEB 12, 2013, SOURCE: US POOL *NO RESALE for non-editorial purposes* -MS Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives Paul Irving announces arrival of Obama, saying "Mr. Speaker, the president of the United States" - WS Michelle Obama applauds - pan over chamber SOUNDBITE 1 Barack Obama (man), president of the United States (English, 37 sec): "It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country – the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who you love. It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation." SOUNDBITE 2 Barack Obama (man), president of the United States (English, 32 sec including applause): "Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of striving, hopeful immigrants. And right now, leaders from the business, labor, law enforcement, and faith communities -- they all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Now is the time to do it. (Applause). Now's the time to get it done. (Applause). Now's the time to get it done." SOUNDBITE 3 Barack Obama (man), president of the United States (English, 20 sec including applause): "Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, and raise the federal minimum wage to $9.00 an hour." [Applause.] We should be able to get that done." END