Barack Obama first appeared before both Houses of Congress.

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke at a joint sitting of both houses of Congress, reported AFP on 25 February. He began his speech with a promise that after the crisis, the U.S. will become even stronger than before. "
Obama warned that the rescue of the financial system may require even much more money than those that have already been allocated by Congress. At the same time, Obama said that "although the price of these measures is high, the cost of inaction may be even higher, as a result of wrong economic policies recession may be delayed for a decade. Also, Obama assured Americans that their bank deposits are protected.
To stimulate the economy, U.S. President promised to create a special fund loan, which will be allocated funds to buy cars, pay for teaching in high schools, as well as loans to small businesses. Obama compared the flow of loan funds from the blood that supports the U.S. economy, and encouraged to do their utmost to overcome the crisis of credit.
Obama also criticized the previous administration of President George W. Bush is shortsighted. "We have not looked beyond the next payment next quarter and the next elections", - confessed to Obama, adding that the day will come when it is time to take responsibility, come. The U.S. President expressed the need to make the allocation of budgetary resources in the coming years, more efficient and to reduce the budget deficit by half by 2013. To do so, according to Obama, it is necessary to close the ineffective education programs, go directly to support the agricultural enterprises that are not needed, and stop spending money on weapons of the cold war.
Obama also called on Americans more responsibility for education, lamented the fact that the U.S. is one of the leaders in the percentage of drop-out study in universities. He also promised to increase funding for the education system - in the long run, according to Obama, this will enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. economy.
Talking about foreign policy, Obama announced the beginning of a new era in the history of American diplomacy. According to him, the U.S. will not be able to cope with new threats, but other countries will not be able to do without the U.S.. Therefore, Obama said, "can not be ignored at the negotiating table."