1999 President's State of the Union Address
On Tuesday, January 19, 1999 President Clinton delivered to the Nation his State of the Union Address. The address was carried live on KSL-TV Channel 5 at 7:00pm.
Full Transcript of Speech
(Capitol Hill-AP) -- In the same House chamber where he was impeached a month ago, President Clinton has looked to America's future as he delivered his State of the Union address.
The 21st century was very much on the president's mind as he spoke of a "new dawn for America."
Clinton proposed to protect Social Security and Medicare with the huge budget surpluses that Republicans are eyeing for tax cuts. He also announced that the government will sue the tobacco industry to recover smokers' health costs.
Clinton made no mention of the sex-and-lies case that led to his impeachment.
But with the economy booming and the budget balanced, Clinton said America's achievements are sometimes overlooked "in the clash of controversy."
Several Republicans boycotted the 77-minute speech; Chief Justice William Rehnquist, presiding over Clinton's impeachment trial, also stayed away.
The president was received with respect and was interrupted by applause 95 times. Democrats were most enthusiastic. Many times, Republicans stayed in their seats and did not applaud.
Excerpts
Details of Proposals
Full Story From AP
Local Story & Reaction
Suing Tobacco Industry
