Polis Statement on President Obama's 6th SOTU

Press Release

"Tonight the President left no doubt that he will not be a lame duck President these next two years. He laid out many bold and forward-looking plans that have the potential to improve the strength of our economy, the security of our country, and the lives of all Americans.

"I am particularly excited by the President's renewed commitment to education and privacy issues, and his continued focus on fixing our broken immigration system. His dedication to creating new opportunity for middle class families remains a core focus of the administration and one that I will work to support in Congress.

"Over the past several weeks, culminating with tonight's speech, the President has laid out new plans to make college more affordable for all Americans, including a historic push to expand access to community college, improve some of our nation's poorest performing schools, and protect our children's privacy as we continue to introduce innovative new methods of learning. These initiatives, coupled with new resources for pre-K programs, will give lower and middle class kids the tools to get ahead, no matter what their zip code.

"Republicans in Congress continue to look backwards when it comes to addressing our broken immigration system. Tonight we heard from a leader who recognizes that the status quo is not working. The President has asked time and time again, including this evening, for Congress to pass an immigration bill, but the Republicans continue to rally only around the "deport, baby, deport' crowd. I am ready to work with any Member who wants to have a serious discussion about fixing our broken immigration system, but until then, I stand by the President's use of prosecutorial discretion to keep families together.

"The President made clear tonight that he recognizes the growing threat of cyber attacks and is taking aggressive actions to ensure our nation is prepared. As an internet entrepreneur and Representative for a district with a thriving tech economy, I will fight tirelessly for legislation that empowers companies and individual citizens to defend themselves against cyber-attacks, protects Americans' privacy rights, and preserves the accessibility and openness of the Internet. I am thrilled that the President has set out a plan to ensure our innovators and job creators will have the resources to prevent this evolving threat.

"Finally, I am thrilled to see the President continue to take steps to normalize relations with Cuba. Our antiquated policy towards our southern neighbor had clearly failed and I hope Congress will act quickly to overturn the embargo and put us on a course towards more commerce and an exchange of information that the Cuban people have been desperate for.

"The President has two years left in his term and he has come to Congress ready, willing, and able to work with the Republican leadership to make some progress for our nation. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to stop playing political games and join the President to get some things done because that is what our constituents sent us here to do, and that is what America deserves."

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