Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Statement on President Obama's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

Statement

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Released the Following Statement on President Obama's Address to a Joint Session of Congress Tonight.

"The President laid out in an honest way the problems we face and the tough choices we are going to have to make. But he also described a comprehensive plan to get our economy back on track. I share his optimism and I too am convinced that we can tackle the problems we face."

"We can get bogged down in the tired politics of yesterday or can come together and work to get the economy moving again. It's clear the President is making the right choice. The American people know we can't afford to wait."

"President Obama is doing all the right things—he is reaching out across the aisle and he has shown a willingness to compromise. But most importantly he has put together a comprehensive plan that can get our economy back on track."

"Earlier this month we passed an economic recovery plan that is going to bring $900 million in investments to Maine—creating or saving 15,000 jobs in our state, providing money to help school systems so teachers can keep their jobs, putting people to work rebuilding roads and bridges and giving over half a million Maine families a meaningful tax cut."

"But our economic problems are complicated and are the result of years of bad policy. Fixing them is going to take a multi-pronged approach—the economic recovery plan is the first step, but we also have to repair our financial system to get credit flowing again and tackle the housing crisis so more people can stay in their homes."

"And once we get out of this current crisis, we need to create an economy that is sustainable and benefits all of us. I agree with the President's pledge to reform our health care system, make our country energy independent and modernize our education system."

"The problems we face are huge, but, like the President, I am very hopeful. The White House and Congress are acting to address our problems and I know the American people will rise to the challenge."

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