U.S. President Barack Obama challenges a divided Congress in his State of the Union Address to back his proposals to create jobs for the middle class and produce a smarter, not bigger, government.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:

"A growing economy that creates good, middle-class jobs - that must be the North Star that guides our efforts," .

His call for investment in infrastructure and manufacturing comes as he is locked in another bitter battle with Republicans over taxes and spending.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:

"Let me repeat - nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime. It's not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth,"

His address comes less than 24 hours after North Korea conducted a nuclear test

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:

"Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats."

Obama will travel to three states over three days after his address, going on the road to drum up support for his agenda.