President John F. Kennedy delivered his first State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on January 11, 1962. Kennedy opened his remarks by reminding Congress that “the Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress. We are all trustees for the American people, custodians of the American heritage.” In his address, he focused primarily on economic issues, including the elimination of tariffs, reduced taxes, and stronger welfare programs at home. Vice President Lyndon Johnson and Speaker John McCormack sat behind the president.
