President Joe Biden delivers 2023 State of the Union address (40 images)

President Joe Biden gave his second State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Tuesday night. Biden called for political unity, challenged Congress to ban assault weapons, pass immigration reform, protect abortion rights and help rebuild the middle class.

President Joe Biden (C) delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 7, 2023 as Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., applaud behind him. Pool Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/UPI

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Biden said "unity" is required between the nation's two major political parties to "finish the job" -- a phrase he repeated throughout his speech -- to make life easier for working Americans when it comes to the economy, healthcare, education and public safety. Pool Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/UPI

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Biden also vowed to stand up to Beijing following the recent controversy with the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon floating over the United States. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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Biden also highlighted cooperation around the world as NATO and global allies stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression and support the Ukrainian people. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

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