President Joe Biden addressed Congress and the nation Tuesday evening in his first State of the Union address since taking office in January 2021.

The speech focused on the state of the economy and the need for unity to tackle the challenges facing the country. Biden highlighted the need for more investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare, and called on Congress to work together to create jobs and improve wages.

The speech also addressed the ongoing trade tensions with China, as well as the need for more effective immigration policies. Biden urged Congress to take action on climate change, and he called for an end to the political divisions that have hindered progress in the past.

Inflation and the widening wealth gap were also addressed, with Biden outlining plans to raise the minimum wage and provide tax relief to middle-class families. He also proposed a new program to help small businesses and incentivize investments in the green economy.

Biden’s speech was met with a standing ovation from members of Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans praising his call for unity and bipartisanship.

The speech marked a significant shift in tone from previous State of the Union addresses, as Biden sought to strike a more optimistic note and focus on the need to work together to address the nation’s challenges.

The address also provided an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the Biden administration in its first two months in office, including the passage of the American Rescue Plan and the reopening of the government after the longest shutdown in history.

While Biden’s speech was well-received by members of Congress, it remains to be seen if his calls for unity and bipartisanship will be heeded in the coming weeks and months.