Statement by Senator Jack Reed in Reaction to the President's State of the Union Address

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) stated, "I believe the President expressed the pride the nation feels in the way the United States military has carried out its mission in Iraq and around the world. The men and women of the military have displayed unequal bravery and courage in delivering a decisive victory, capturing Saddam Hussein and his brutal lieutenants and in their efforts to bring peace and stability to that country.

"But despite the best efforts of our military, the situation in Iraq remains a race against time, and I am concerned about the long-term consequences of the Administration's poor planning and unilateral action. The reconstruction of Iraq must be accomplished with a more deliberate and effective strategy. A functioning government that is legitimate in the eyes of the Iraqi people remains the key to creating stability.

"Iraq has stretched the Army critically thin, which is facing a commitment in Iraq that could last for years. There is an urgent need for the Administration to work with Congress to take steps to provide the Army with the troops it needs to ensure that we are prepared to face potential future crisis around the world in countries such as Iran, North Korea and Syria while continuing our occupation in Iraq and fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan.

"In addition it is not to late for the Bush Administration to secure increased multilateral support for the rebuilding of Iraq, the Administration has taken some steps in that direction, but must be more aggressive.

"On the home front I am disappointed that the President has yet to present an economic plan that goes beyond tax cuts for the wealthy and is a true response to a continuing weak economy. 3 million Americans have lost their jobs and there has been no recent surge in job creation even as economic data remains strong. To make up for America's staggering job loss before November 2004, the President and Congress must work to truly stimulate our economy during the coming year.

"In regards to health care, I would hope that any forth coming proposal from the President would address the growing crisis of uninsured working Americans who cannot afford to purchase health insurance. If the President is truly committed, I look forward to working with him on an affordable program that provides greater equality, access, and quality health care to working families."