1985 State of the Union Address
The 1985 State of the Union Address was given by the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, on Wednesday, February 6, 1985, at 9 p.m. EST, in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives to the 99th United States Congress. It was Reagan's fourth State of the Union Address and his fifth speech to a joint session of the United States Congress. Presiding over this joint session was the House Speaker, Tip O'Neill, accompanied by George H. W. Bush, the Vice President of the United States.
He stated, "Our progress began not in Washington, DC, but in the hearts of our families, communities, workplaces, and voluntary groups which, together, are unleashing the invincible spirit of one great nation under God." He believed that volunteerism was a key element to the American community.
The president proclaimed the Reagan Doctrine and discussed taxes, reducing the federal deficit and the Strategic Defense Initiative, among other things.
The speech lasted approximately 40 minutes and consisted of 4,955 words. The address was broadcast live on radio and television.
The Democratic Party response was delivered by Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas, Governor Bob Graham of Florida and House Speaker Tip O'Neill.
Malcolm Baldrige, the Secretary of Commerce, served as the designated survivor.
