
U.S. President Barack Obama finishes his State of the Union speech before members of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, January 20.

Obama made a pitch for economic populism in his speech, touting the improving economy on his watch.

The President became the first to say the words "lesbian," "bisexual" and "transgender" in a State of the Union address.

Obama said policies he outlined in the speech favor the middle class, and that "middle-class economics works."

U.S. lawmakers pay tribute to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks by holding up pencils during the speech.

Alan Gross, center, a U.S. contractor released from prison in Cuba last month, is applauded during the speech.

"When what you're doing doesn't work for 50 years, it's time to try something new," Obama said of the United States' recent shift in Cuba policy.

"It's now up to us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years, and for decades to come," Obama said.

Obama began his speech at 9:10 p.m. in front of a joint session of the House and Senate, declaring that "the shadow of crisis has passed, and the state of the union is strong."

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, center, is recognized by Obama during the speech. Kelly is preparing to spend a year on the International Space Station.

Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, applauds Obama while surrounded by Republican members of Congress.

Obama spoke for about an hour.

Obama acknowledges applause as he arrives to give his speech. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, right, and Vice President Joe Biden applaud.

The speech was Obama's penultimate State of the Union address.

Obama's speech was more than 6,000 words long.

Obama, speaks with Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer as he enters the House.

Obama greets members of Congress as he arrives at the House.

First lady Michelle Obama, center, arrives for the State of the Union address. At right is Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden.

Gross, who had been held in Cuba since 2009, and his wife, Judy Gross, at the speech.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky awaits the State of the Union address.