On January 12, President Obama gave his eighth and final State of the Union address to the nation. A time-honored institution written into the U.S. Constitution, this speech allows the President to update Congress and the American people on the status of his agenda, the country’s accomplishments, as well as the challenges we have yet to confront.

In the speech, the President took a forward-thinking approach, focusing on the future and building an economic climate that works for small businesses and start-ups. eBay shares the President’s sentiments that the system should work in favor of entrepreneurs, and give them more of a voice.

The President also spoke of breaking down barriers for small businesses and modernizing our trade policy. He urged Congress to vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which would open markets, ensure a free and open Internet, and advance American leadership overseas. The President also insisted that the Administration needs tools to enforce any agreement. Customs Reauthorization legislation, passed by the House of Representatives and currently before the U.S. Senate, would give the Administration the tools to implement the TPP. It would also permanently prohibit Internet access taxes, streamline customs procedures, and allow U.S. sellers to accept retail returns without duty fees.

View the President’s speech to Congress here or click here to read the President’s full address.