State of the Union 2024: Roop Raj has preview from Washington DC

FOX 2 (WJBK) - FOX 2 is one of seven stations from around the country given unique access to the White House ahead of tonight's 2024 State of the Union.

Roop Raj is live from Washington DC with a preview of tonight's address while interviewing leaders representing Michigan as well as other policy leaders.

At the White House Summit key speech points President Joe Biden will be focusing on, were divulged:

• The middle class comes first.
• On the Hamas-Israel war, a hostage deal will be mentioned in exchange for a six-week cease-fire. Humanitarian aid for Gaza will be brought up.
• Attempts by the GOP to repeal the Affordable Care Act or Social Security will be stopped.
• Continued foreign aid to Ukraine in the war against Russia will be emphasized.

Two big topics impacting Michigan more than most states in tonight's speech is the topic of the UAW and manufacturing jobs, as well as the Israel-Hamas war.

UAW President Shawn Fain will be in attendance after being called a hero for championing the deal with the Big Three automakers.

At the press summit, Roop Raj asked about the 157,000 Arab Americans, and so many Jewish people in southeast Michigan in regards to the plan with Israel and Hamas. Biden will be talking about that specifically talking about trying to put together a hostage deal that in exchange, would give them a six-week ceasefire.

RELATED: State of the Union: Biden expected to talk immigration, economy, ceasefire

In tonight's speech the border is going to be one big issue as well as kitchen table economics, regarding inflation.

But when you look at the political divide between Republicans and Democrats, the border comes up over and over again.

FOX 2 had the chance to talk with many lawmakers here in Washington, one who's very prominent, actually the second highest ranking Republican, the Majority Leader in the House, Steve Scalise.

"The bill that he wants us to pass would give him more money to to bring more people into the country illegally," Scalise said. "Most Americans don't want that, by the way, most Americans want a secure border. That's what we've been trying to do. We've passed a bill out of the house that would get us there. But the President opposes that. And I think that's where he's really missed the mark, and out of touch with most Americans."

FOX 2 also spoke with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about if Biden and another potential four years in office.

"There's a reason why he got the economy back on its feet. 15 million jobs created unemployment at under 4%," Jean-Pierre said. "Wages are going up because of his experience. So I think, again, that matters. And that's what I think that the American people should understand as well, with age comes experience. And in this time that we are in, this is the type this is the President that I would want leading us."
 

Stay with FOX 2 for continued coverage all night from Washington DC.