White House: State Of The Union Will Focus On Economy
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WASHINGTON -
President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address tonight, and he will likely use it to lay down new markers with Congress.
Obama is expected to lay out an aggressive agenda for the next year.
One thing to watch is the reaction from Republican House Speaker John Boehner. This speech may lay out the battle lines between them. The warm handshake is one thing. The specifics of the president's agenda may be something else.
The White House says tonight's speech will be heavy on the economy.
Obama's inaugural address laid out an ambitious agenda to expand the role and reach of the federal government. Aides say tonight the president will be combative, pushing for higher taxes and more spending for infrastructure and education, especially with a looming battle over the so-called sequester spending cuts due to hit in less than a month.
Immigration reform may also play a prominent role as will gun control, with First Lady Michelle Obama sitting with the family members of a Chicago shooting victim.
And word came this morning that Obama is expected to announce that 34,000 U.S. troops will be home from Afghanistan a year from today.
Conservatives say the president sees his chance to route the GOP.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will deliver the Republican response.
As far as the president is concerned, there is a certain urgency to this. A second-term president doesn't have long to push his agenda before he's seen as a lame duck, FOX's Doug Luzader reported from Washington.
You can see the president's speech live right here on FOX 29 starting at 9 p.m. We will also stream the address live on MyFOXPhilly.com.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
