Obama Vows to Act ‘Wherever and Whenever’ He Can

President Barack Obama is urging Congress to act to restore economic opportunity but warning he'll act on his own wherever he can.

Obama on Tuesday will deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. In excerpts released by the White House in advance, Obama says the belief in opportunity has suffered serious blows. He's pointing to joblessness, deeper inequality and stalled economic mobility.

Obama says it's our job, in his words, to "reverse these tides." He says what unites the nation is the belief that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.

He's urging Congress to take up his proposals to encourage growth and build the middle class. But he says he'll take action without Congress wherever he can.