Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) delivered the progressive response to President Biden’s State of the Union address on behalf of the Working Families Party, saying they are ready to “jumpstart” the stalled Build Back Better agenda.
“No one fought harder for President Biden’s agenda than progressives,” she said, adding that “two forces” stood in the way of passing Build Back Better, listing “a Republican Party that serves only the rich and powerful, and just enough corporate-backed Democratic obstructionists to help them succeed.”
Tlaib went on to commend Biden for economic, financial, and health support during the coronavirus pandemic, but also criticized the stalled climate change agenda and Biden’s remarks on police reform.
“We can’t police away homelessness, poverty or our mental health crisis in our country,” said Tlaib. “Care, not more criminalization is how we ensure lasting safety for all.”
Tlaib also said Biden could use his executive powers “now” to cancel student loan debt and regulate carbon emissions.
The speech was livestreamed through Facebook.