From gun violence to the campaign against terrorism, from climate change to the minimum wage, here is a guide to The Times’s coverage of the policy areas President Obama discussed in his State of the Union address.
DOMESTIC POLICY
- Guns | In Policy-Heavy Speech, Obama Appeals to Emotion on Guns
Ignoring for a moment the legislative logistics of the gun debate, the president singled out the parents of Hadiya Pendleton, a teenage girl who was shot and killed last month in Chicago. - Minimum Wage | Raising Minimum Wage Would Ease Income Gap but Carries Political Risk
Te president’s proposal to raise minimum wage to $9 an hour directly addresses the country’s yawning levels of inequality. - Immigration | Obama Presses for ‘Path to Citizenship’
The president once again framed immigration as an effort that would strengthen economic growth, but said strengthening border security should also be part of the package. - Energy | Energy Security Trust Could Tap Oil Revenues
While there may be political appeal in dedicating money from oil and gas royalties to finding alternatives to oil, redirecting it would reduce revenues available for other purposes. - Environment | Obama Pledges to Act on Climate Change
The president said that if bipartis! an Congressional action on climate change was not possible - and it almost certainly is not â€" he would use his executive branch authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. - Education | Large Gap to Fill on Education
In calling for all 50 states to provide high-quality preschool for every 4-year-old in the country, the president is asking to fill a large gap.
FOREIGN POLICY
- Syria | Obama Tempers Expectations of Syria’s Future
Having overruled top advisers who had argued for arming the opposition in Syria, Mr. Obama appeared to moderate his predictions for change in that war-torn country. - Afghanistan |Decision on Afghan Troop Levels Calculates Political and Military Interests
Cutting the force by more than half, while still leaving commanders with flexibility until after the next fighting season. - Cybersecurity | Calling for Cooperation on Cybersecurity
The president announced an executive order that called for more information sharing between the government and companies that oversee the country’s critical computer infrastructure. - Drones | Obama Pledges More Transparency on Secret Operations
With his aggressive program to hunt and kill suspected terrorists under new scrutiny, Mr. Obama promised to work with Congress for better oversight, control and openness for the secret operations.
