Biden appeals for bipartisanship in State of the Union speech

President Biden used his State of the Union address to urge for more bipartisan cooperation in Congress. In his speech, the president made the case that much of the nation’s important work remains unfinished — and he called on lawmakers, specifically, Republicans, to work with him to “finish the job.” Despite his call for bipartisanship, the president issued some veto threats. In the end, he declared that the State of the Union is strong because the soul, the backbone, and the people of this nation are strong.

Biden to deliver State of Union address to divided government

President Biden delivers his State of the Union address tonight. Mr. Biden will highlight legislative accomplishments and some improving economic indicators. But polls show that many Americans feel the country is on the wrong track. Tonight’s Republican response will be delivered by the newly sworn-in governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Poll: Dems don’t want a Biden reelection bid in 2024

White House reacts to deadly Turkey earthquake

Former Gov. Hogan to decide on White House run soon

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is weighing a 2024 presidential run. Appearing on “The Hugh Hewitt Show” on the Salem Radio Network, Hogan said he was considering a White House campaign and hopes to “make a decision fairly soon.” He also discussed fellow former GOP Governor Nikki Haley, who’s expected to launch her 2024 presidential campaign later this month. Hogan said he’s “glad” to see her in the race and thinks “the more voices, the more people out there the better. Especially people who have executive experience.”

U.S. military downs Chinese balloon over Carolina coast

The U-S military shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina. On President Biden’s orders, an F-22 fighter jet fired a missile at the balloon, puncturing it while it was about 6 nautical miles off the coast near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The president said he wanted the balloon downed on Wednesday, but was advised to wait until it was over water. The suspected spy balloon traveled over military sites across North America, adding to tensions between the U-S and China.

January jobs numbers confound Fed’s strategy

January’s strong jobs report could make the Fed’s job harder. President Biden took a victory lap after the government reported 517-thousand new jobs last month and a 3-point-4 percent unemployment rate. But the latest numbers could cause headaches at the nation’s central bank. The Fed has been raising interest rates in hopes of slowing hiring and taming inflation. January’s report surprised analysts because wage growth eased a bit, even as inflation shows signs of cooling.

Republicans demand answers, action on China balloon

Pentagon tracking Chinese balloon flying over U.S.

Biden cheers strong jobs growth, low unemployment

Biden’s handwritten notes part of classified docs probe

Arkansas Gov. Sanders to give GOP response to Biden address

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will deliver the Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union speech next week. By selecting the recently sworn-in governor, the GOP seeks to showcase a new generation of leaders. At 40 years of age, Sanders is the nation’s youngest governor and the first woman elected governor of Arkansas. She is an outspoken conservative and former White House press secretary who says she’s “ready to begin a new chapter in the story of America.”

Hogan “won’t commit” to backing Trump if he’s GOP nominee

Biden, lawmakers attend 71st National Prayer Breakfast

Biden takes aim at Apple, Google mobile app stores

FBI searches Biden beach home for classified documents

We’re learning of another FBI search for classified documents. This time, federal investigators searched President Biden’s vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It’s part of the FBI’s probe into the potential mishandling of classified documents. The president’s personal lawyer says Mr. Biden continues to “fully support and facilitate” the Justice Department’s investigation. Nearly two weeks ago, federal agents recovered classified documents and other material from the president’s primary residence in Wilmington.

GOP Rep. Santos steps down from committees amid ethics questions

Republican Congressman George Santos of New York is temporarily stepping down from his two congressional committees. A day after meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Santos told GOP colleagues he would not serve on his two assigned committees amid ongoing ethics questions. he has faced numerous calls for his resignation and is facing multiple investigations by prosecutors over his personal and campaign finances and lies about his resume and family background. Republican Tom Cole of Oklahoma said the decision was well-received from the GOP conference, saying “I think it was the appropriate thing to do.”

Ukraine requests fighter jets; Biden says no F-16s

Ukraine is pushing the U-S and other Western allies to provide it with fighter jets. A week after winning pledges of sophisticated modern tanks to help defend against Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian officials are requesting fighter planes, in addition to missiles and tanks. Ukraine has won support from Baltic nations and Poland in its quest to obtain fighter jets, but several Western leaders have expressed concern that providing warplanes could draw them deeper into the military conflict. President Biden said the U-S was not considering sending F-16s to Ukraine.

Biden, McCarthy to discuss debt limit on Wednesday

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet with President Biden at the White House this week. Wednesday’s meeting will be their first sit-down since McCarthy became speaker. Topping the agenda is lifting the debt ceiling so the government can pay bills it already incurred. The two leaders have different approaches. The president wants to increase the debt limit without any conditions, while the speaker wants to include spending cuts in any agreement. However, McCarthy is pledging that cuts to Social Security and Medicare will be off the table.

Blinken in Middle East urging a de-escalation of tensions

Secretary of State Blinken is calling for a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In his first trip to the region this year, Blinken is urging calm after recent deadly attacks between Israelis and Palestinians. Blinken, who is on a two-day visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank, repeated U.S. condemnations of militant attacks against Israelis, saying “we deplore overall the loss of innocent civilian life.”

President Biden will soon be working with a new chief of staff

President Biden will soon be working with a new chief of staff

VERBATIM:

On Friday, the president announced that Jeff Zients will succeed Ron Klain as White House chief of staff. Klain is leaving after more than two years on the job, which is notorious for its work demands. Zients comes aboard as the president prepares for a likely reelection bid while facing House Republican-led investigations. He also will have to navigate the fallout after the discovery of classified documents in Mr. Biden’s Delaware home and former office. GC, the WH.

President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy are polar opposites when it comes to the debt ceiling debate

President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy are polar opposites when it comes to the debt ceiling debate

VERBATIM:

The White House says the president’s view on raising the debt limit is clear.

(KJP BITE):

But Speaker McCarthy is eager to push Mr. Biden to the negotiating table. He wants to pare federal spending back to fiscal 2022 levels, and says it’s “irresponsible” for the president to raise the debt ceiling without conditions. By raising the limit, Congress would be paying debts already incurred, not authorizing new spending. GC, the WH.

Biden, McCarthy on opposite ends of debt ceiling debate

Biden to work with new chief of staff soon