President Obama's State of the Union speech covered many of the nation's concerns and underlined the ultimate goal of taking action this year. However, the President stated that he plans to and would take actions by implementing Executive Orders without waiting for the Congressional House of Representatives, a statement that was not well-receieved by many Conservatives and Republicans.
"I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class," began President Obama. "Some require Congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still - and neither will I."
Having the worst year in his presidency last year, Obama is willing to take matters into his own hands as Commander-in-Chief. In his address to the nation, President Obama addressed multiple topics and directed Congress specifically to get on his side.
"So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do," remarked the President about the lack of cooperation from Congress. "I will act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects, so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible."
Vice President Joe Biden stood by President Obama's notion to act alone if necessary without any lawmakers who do not partake in immediate action. "The president will take action where in fact he thinks it will spur action in the state or in Congress," said Biden on CBS. "We're just not going to sit around and wait for the Congress if they choose not to act."
Many reporters are questioning whether the President has given up on Congress and branches that contribute power. The State of the Union had a majority of shots directed at Congress from multiple topics, with the President urging this group of lawmakers to get involved in his policies. "The speech revealed Obama's frustration about his lack of progress in key areas, and the diminishing time left to secure his legacy after a largely lost year."
Republicans are not taking the President's Executive Order power as the best decision in the agenda. Majority of Conservatives believe that too much executive power on behalf of the President will not forward progress. Even Democrats such as Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel recognizes that Congress is vitally important. "[Given] the challenges that are mounting, the country cannot afford Congress to go M.I.A."
House Speaker John Boehner also denounced Obama's attempt to rid of himself from Congressional power and taking actions without any input. "The real answer is for Obama to refocus his priorities and work with us on the things that we can achieve together to create jobs and promote greater opportunity," said Boehner, alluding that the President could not decide what's best on his own.
With 2014 being an election year, Republicans are seeking to win the Senate and House which could downplay President Obama's call for cooperation and bring testament to the leader's unruly orders. Republicans are looking to weigh in the president's use of executive power and figure out options to refute or disregard any action by the President's authority.
