President Joe Biden‘s State of the Union speech was hopeful for the American future. The President’s speech remained deeply optimistic despite, at times, rowdy Republican opposition.
In a tense moment between Republicans and the President, Biden brought up theongoing debate on the government’s debt ceiling. The President asserted that “some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset,” setting off rancorous dissent from the right side of the House floor.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) could be seen yelling and pointing at the President.
Biden responded by saying, “I’m not saying it’s a majority of you, I’m not even saying it’s a significant [representation]… but it’s being proposed by some,” likely referencing Sen. Rick Scott‘s (R-Florida) proposed budget cuts to the popular programs.
“You lie,” and “liar” shouts could be heard from the right-wing Georgia congresswoman.
Once the jeers quieted down, Biden joked, “as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare are apparently off the books now.”
“We’ve got unanimity!”
The moment starkly contrasts the response to Rep. Joe Wilson‘s (R-South Carolina) 2009 disruption of then-President Obama’s address. Obama denounced a Republican attack that claimed that the Affordable Care Act would cover migrants without U.S. citizenship. Wilson similarly responded with an eruption, “you lie!”
The South Carolinian was forced to apologize directly after.
Greene, however, is not expected to apologize for the outburst. The change in behavior showcases a cultural shift away from the decorum that used to fill the House halls.
The tense moment also indicates the stark opposition Biden is likely to face for the next two years, with Republicans holding control of one of the Congressional chambers.
