Congressman Hoyer's Statement on the President's State of the Union Address

Statement

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement responding to President Bush's State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, as President Bush gave his eighth and final State of the Union Address, Americans throughout the nation and within Maryland's 5th Congressional District face a number of real and serious challenges. The economy has weakened; the costs of health care, energy, and education are on the rise; millions of homeowners are at risk of losing their homes; and millions more low- and middle-class Americans are struggling just to make ends meet.

"In the first year of the new Democratic majority in Congress, we have begun to move this nation in a new direction, with bipartisan action on significant initiatives to restore the American dream; protect our citizens and strengthen the security of our nation; and restore accountability and fiscal responsibility to our government. The nation, however, continues to face significant challenges that demand greater bipartisan cooperation and, in particular, stronger leadership from our President.

"I am proud that on one of the most pressing and urgent challenges before us - the struggling economy - Republicans and Democrats in Congress have found common ground with the President on a bipartisan plan to give relief to the families that need it most. I agree with the President that we need to pass an economic stimulus plan as soon as possible in order to give the economy the shot in the arm it so desperately needs.

"However, I am disappointed that on many of the other issues he touched on tonight, the President offered little more than the same. Despite an economy that is failing most American families, a continuing war in Iraq with no end in sight, the imminent threat of global warming, and many other of our nation's most pressing problems, the President's speech fell woefully short on putting forward an agenda with which he can build broad consensus around.

"In the year ahead, Democrats in Congress remain committed to finding real solutions to the issues important to all Americans, from changing direction in Iraq and refocusing our fight against terrorists, to addressing pocketbook issues here at home and ensuring that the nation we leave for our children and grandchildren is greater than the one we inherited.

"Tonight the President appealed to the spirit of bipartisanship to carry out the people's business. Unlike his first seven years in office, I hope that the President stays true to his pledges of bipartisan cooperation and uses his final 357 days to work with the Democratic majorities in Congress to make progress on the priorities of the American people. The true measure of the President's commitment to bipartisanship is not the rhetoric he used tonight, but the results that we will achieve together in these uncertain times. To be certain, I will do my part to represent the Fifth District of Maryland well in this mission."

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