Biden lays out plan for America 'on the move again' in address to Congress

With Democrats working hard in the chamber to match the applause usually generated by 1,600, Biden strode to the podium, turning to Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ask if he could remove his mask, revealing a smile. 

Biden turned to the pandemic, acknowledging the unusual surroundings, but setting the theme for the address: Opportunity.

"Tonight, I come to talk about crisis and opportunity. About rebuilding a nation, revitalizing our democracy and winning the future for America," he said. "After 100 Days of rescue and renewal, America is ready for takeoff. We are working again. Dreaming again. Discovering again. Leading the world again. We have shown each other and the world: There is no quit in America."

Biden touted the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan and the ongoing vaccinations across the country. He then urged Americans to immediately to take advantage of those shots.

"Go get vaccinated, America!" Biden shouted. "Go and get the vaccination. They're available. You're eligible now," he said to a loud round of applause. 

-ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky

Biden boasted about the economic record of his tenure so far, saying that his administration has created, "more jobs than the first 100 days than any president on record."

Biden also discussed the economic benefits of his $1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief bill.

"And, maybe most importantly, thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we are on track to cut child poverty in America in half this year."

Biden began his speech by saying that when he took office, "America's house was on fire," citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

"One hundred days since I took the oath of office and lifted my hand off our family bible and inherited a nation -- we all did -- that was in crisis," Biden said. "The worst pandemic in a century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. Now, after just 100 days, I can report to the nation America is on the move again."

Biden began his speech by greeting Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and then noting the historic nature of having two women seated behind him by saying that it's "about time."

"Madam speaker, madam vice president," Biden said. "No president has ever said those words from this podium."