In his third State of the Union address, President Joe Biden highlighted the accomplishments of his term so far, many of which have created a significant number of jobs, including several infrastructure and construction programs.
Most of Biden’s speech, delivered March 7 to a joint session of Congress, focused on domestic issues, but he also announced action abroad related to construction.
Biden said he had ordered the US military to lead “an emergency mission” to build a temporary dock off the coast of Gaza to receive shipments of humanitarian aid and supplies needed for Palestinians detained in that region devastated by the war.
But the main focus of Biden’s address was an account of what he and his fellow Democrats see as successes.
Citing his support for Buy America, he told the assembled lawmakers: “On my watch, the federal projects that you fund, helping to build American roads, bridges and highways, will be made with American products and built by American workers.”
Biden also pointed to the CHIPS and Science Act, which he said has led to private companies “investing billions of dollars” in the US for semiconductor factories.
Not surprisingly, the Jobs and Infrastructure Investment Act — or the bipartisan infrastructure bill as administration officials refer to it — was also on the list. Biden said the measure, now halfway through its five-year term, has supported 46,000 new projects. Bye now.
He poked fun at Republican lawmakers who voted against the IIJA, saying that despite those votes they have been “encouraging money” to flow to projects in their states or districts. Biden added: “If any of you don’t want this money in your district, let me know.”
Biden provided few details about his announcement of the construction of the Gaza pier, but earlier, administration officials held a briefing on the plan.
A senior official told reporters that the pier, described as the main feature of the port, was located in the Mediterranean off the coast of Gaza and would be able to accommodate large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters.
The official said the establishment of the port “will take several weeks to plan and execute.” The source said: “The forces that will be required to complete this mission are already in the region or will begin moving there soon.”
During his speech, Biden said the temporary dock “will allow for a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian aid coming into Gaza.”
Regarding the expected US military presence, he said: “There will be no US boots on the ground.”
