1986 State of the Union Address

The 1986 State of the Union Address was the fifth such speech delivered by Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, to the 99th United States Congress. Originally scheduled for January 28, 1986, it was postponed after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; Reagan instead gave a shorter address to the nation on that day, explaining the delay by stating that the day was for mourning and remembering what he defined as a national loss.

The address was given on February 4, 1986, at 9:00 p.m. It lasted approximately 31 minutes, contained 3,514 words, and was broadcast live on radio and television. Reagan discussed economic growth, increased job opportunities, falling inflation rates, national defense, federal budget reevaluation, welfare issues, and requested line-item veto authority. He also invited four young special guests—Tyrone Ford, Trevor Ferrell, Shelby Butler, and Richard Cavoli—whom he described as everyday examples of young heroes, and mentioned each during the speech.

The Democratic response was delivered by Senator George Mitchell, Lt. Gov. Harriett Woods, Gov. Charles Robb, Rep. Thomas Daschle, and Rep. William Gray.