State of the Union: Obama pledges to bypass Congress to end inequality

Proving that he means business when it comes to putting an end to inequality, Obama pledged to 'take steps without legislation'.

16:02 29 January 2014

US President Barack Obama has delivered his State of The Union address where he pledged to end inequality even if it meant bypassing congress.

The Democratic leader, who is facing some of his lowest approval ratings since first taking office in 2009, said: “Let’s make this a year of action.”

He offered "a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class".

"America does not stand still - and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do."

The US House of Representative is controlled by Republican Party who seemed to be determined when it comes to blocking Obama’s agendas.

In his speech, Obama appealed to Congress to restore unemployment insurance that recently expired for 1.6 million people. In addition, he asked the party to stop trying to repeal his signature healthcare overhaul.

He also stressed the importance of early childhood schooling, better value university education, and equal opportunities in the workplace for women.