Apr 28, 2021, 10:28 PM EDT
Republicans respond to Biden's address
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is delivering the GOP response to Biden's address to the nation.
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Biden lays out plan for America 'on the move again' in address to Congress
Sen. Tim Scott delivered the Republican response to Biden's address.
Last Updated: April 29, 2021, 6:21 AM EDT
On his 99th day in office, Biden made the case for his policy agenda and updated the nation in his first address to a joint session of Congress.
Biden finished his speech with a great message of hope for Americans who overcame a year of tumult, saying that he is "more confident or optimistic about America."
"Folks, as I told every world leader I ever met with over the years, it's never ever, ever been a good bet to bet against America and it still isn't," Biden said, to a great round of applause. "There is not a single thing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We can do whatever we set our minds to if we do it together. So let's begin to get together."
Sen. Tim Scott’s Republican response followed.
"Our president seems like a good man. His speech was full of good words," Scott said. "But three months in, the actions of the president and his party are pulling us further and further apart."
Following Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris will sit down for an exclusive interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.
The latest:
- Apr 28, 2021, 11:07 PM EDT
- Apr 28, 2021, 10:28 PM EDT
- Apr 28, 2021, 9:58 PM EDT
- Apr 28, 2021, 9:47 PM EDT
- Apr 28, 2021, 9:18 PM EDT
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
Apr 28, 2021, 10:19 PM EDT
Biden ends speech with message of hope
Biden finished his speech with a great message of hope for Americans who overcame a year of tumult, saying that he is "more confident or optimistic about America."
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
"Folks, as I told every world leader I ever met with over the years, it's never ever, ever been a good bet to bet against America and it still isn't," Biden said, to a great round of applause. "There is not a single thing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We can do whatever we set our minds to if we do it together. So let's begin to get together."
Apr 28, 2021, 10:14 PM EDT
Biden says insurrection was 'test' of democracy
Biden said that the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was an "existential crisis" and a "test" to democracy, and he said that America's enemies were betting that Americans could not overcome divisions.
"They believe we’re too full of anger and division and rage," Biden said. "They look at the images of the mob that assaulted the Capitol as proof that the sun is setting on American democracy. But they're wrong. You know it. I know it."
Apr 28, 2021, 10:12 PM EDT
Biden takes credit for vaccine rollout, but supply always expected to expand
Biden is correct that his administration has made great strides in the vaccine rollout, but the credit isn’t entirely his. While his numbers are accurate, they miss critical context.
“When I was sworn in on Jan. 20, less than 1% of the seniors in America were fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said. “One hundred days later, 70% of seniors in America over 65 are protected.”
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
When Biden took office on Jan. 20, only two vaccines -- Pfizer and Moderna -- had been authorized for a little more than a month. Supply was low early on, but always expected to ramp up through spring.
The Trump administration had initiated government contracts with the vaccine makers, and tapped the military to help oversee distribution. Trump aides also set up the program for some 40,000 pharmacies to deliver the vaccinations -- a program Biden referenced in his speech.
Biden has since relied on those Trump-era contracts and pharmacy program to expand vaccinations to Americans.
Where Biden can take credit: Expanding government contracts with vaccine makers to buy more doses. He also set up federally run mass vaccination sites, as well as mobile clinics, with a focus on hard-hit areas. And he’s partnered with community centers to help deliver the vaccine in disadvantaged communities.
-ABC News' Anne Flaherty
