Republicans repeatedly heckled President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, ignoring the occasional shushes from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
In moments throughout the address, Republicans in the House chamber shouted at Biden, protesting his approach to a wide range of issues such as immigration, Social Security and Medicare spending and the debt ceiling.
Biden at one point managed to quickly turn heckles in the chamber into a standing ovation from most Republicans, including McCarthy, when he was discussing the debt ceiling and the national debt, along with spending on Social Security and Medicare.
“Those are the facts, check it out,” Biden said, as boos and chatter started in the chamber. “Check it out!” he continued over the ruckus.
“How did Congress respond to all that debt?” Biden asked. “They did the right thing, they lifted the debt ceiling three times without preconditions or crisis.”
Democrats cheered while Republicans remained quiet. But when the president accused some Republicans of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare, protests erupted again.
“Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage unless I agree to their economic plans. All of you at home should know what their plans are,” Biden said. “Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset every five years.”
Biden had to raise his voice over loud boos, saying, “Anybody who doubts it, call my office, I’ll give you a copy of the proposal.” He was likely referring to a proposal from GOP Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, last year’s chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which called for all federal legislation to be renewed every five years.
The White House has repeatedly accused Republicans of…
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