What To Read Before the 2024 State of the Union

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. ET, President Joe Biden will deliver his third State of the Union address, which will be broadcast live online and on major broadcast television. It’s been a tumultuous year of shutdown threats, ousting members of Congress, extreme weather, and far-right attacks on our most fundamental freedoms. But progressives have also scored major victories with historic union wins, unprecedented investment in our nation’s infrastructure and future, and a booming economy that’s working for American families. With major accomplishments made and important fights on the horizon, President Biden will give his remarks to Congress and the nation.

During the address, the president will have an opportunity to discuss the issues weighing heavily on the minds of all Americans. He is expected to remark on the state of our democracy, pocketbooks, and rights.

To learn more about likely key topics in this year’s State of the Union address, the Center for American Progress has put together a guide on these crucial issue areas with the help of our policy experts.

1. Investing in the economy

It’s been a complicated few years for our wallets. Between inflation and MAGA extremists blocking budget deals, our economic future often seemed muddled. But it’s headed in the right direction. The Biden administration has strengthened our economy and built a brighter future through infrastructure and unions. While there is still work to do, we are putting our right foot forward.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

• “5 Key Economic Indicators Ahead of the State of the Union” describes how 2023 was a year in which the U.S. economy defied expectations by avoiding a recession, cooling inflation, and sustaining strong job growth.
• “What It Will Take To Increase Union Membership and Collective Bargaining Coverage” covers how Congress and states can take action to support worker power by boosting efforts to form unions and harnessing rising public support for labor. Private investments spurred by the Biden administration have gone disproportionately to counties that lost manufacturing over the past two decades, strengthening the economy and bringing good jobs to places that need it.
• “Biden Tax Proposals Would Correct Inequities Created by Trump Tax Cuts and Raise Additional Revenues” breaks down President Biden’s fiscal year 2024 tax proposal and contrasts it with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by then-President Donald Trump.

2. Protecting women’s health

Every day, it seems like there is a new attack on our most fundamental rights and freedoms from far-right extremists. With reproductive freedom facing attacks from all sides, President Biden must continue expanding protections for reproductive care and safeguard access to abortion care from being rolled back further.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

• “The Supreme Court Will Review the Fate of Medication Abortion Care” explores how the same radical U.S. Supreme Court majority that eradicated the constitutional right to abortion will now review the approval of mifepristone, the first medicine in a two-step regimen to end a pregnancy and the most common drug used in medication abortion—well known for its safety and efficacy.
• “A Year After the Supreme Court Overturned Roe v. Wade, Trends in State Abortion Laws Have Emerged” addresses how in the absence of federal protections for abortion, state legislatures have become arbiters of abortion access. That means some states have banned or severely restricted abortion access, while others have improved and protected it.
• “In Idaho v. United States, the Supreme Court Must Reckon With the Post-Dobbs Reality It Created” explains the Supreme Court case that will determine if medical providers can continue providing abortions to pregnant women experiencing dire medical conditions under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

3. Democracy at risk

Since the last election, our democracy has been tested in ways never imagined before. Looking forward, our democracy must be fortified and the threats against it must be taken seriously. For too long, extremists have been comfortable suggesting political violence and ignoring our promised rights. President Biden must strongly affirm his protection of our democracy and our right to be involved in our government.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

• “8 Ways To Protect American Democracy” discusses ideas to safeguard American democracy as the country enters an election year.
• “9 Ways the Freedom to Vote Act Would Strengthen Democracy” explains how federal legislation that expands the right to vote and participate in our democracy will combat corruption and reduce political extremism.
• “The Supreme Court’s Assault on Government Could Make the Far-Right’s Dreams Come True” examines how a new case facing the extremist Supreme Court could strip power away from Congress, the president, and the people.

Conclusion

As we embark on a year that will decide the fate of our democracy, President Biden has the spotlight to discuss the issues at the front of Americans’ minds and our path forward. As the experts above noted, the Biden administration’s policy achievements are moving the country forward, and the president should make clear that far-right extremism will not hinder our progress.

The authors would like to thank Rose Khattar, David Ballard, Jessica Vela, David Madland, Jean Ross, Sabrina Talukder, Kierra Jones, Rebecca Mears, Greta Bedekovics, Michael Sozan, Devon Ombres, Lily Roberts, Emily Gee, Ben Olinsky, Rebecca Rosenberg, and Rachel Maltz for their contributions.