President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address Wednesday night with a pledge to focus on the nation’s economic recovery. Vowing to help spur job creation, Obama unveiled his expected announcement to freeze government spending programs next year. Obama also addressed the logjam over healthcare reform, urging Democrats to continue trying to pass legislation.

President Obama: “Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t.”

Obama also called for a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which bars openly gay servicemembers in the US military. But ignoring calls for an executive order, Obama urged Congress to enact the repeal.