Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Fortenberry made the following statement after the President’s State of the Union address:

“Overall, it was an aspirational, optimistic, and forward-looking speech.  The President’s emphasis on new American manufacturing jobs, new American energy independence and increased energy efficiency, and new small business growth hold value as an agenda to increase economic opportunities for all Americans.  He rightfully acknowledged that we must again have an economy that honors the dignity of work.  I also appreciated his focus on preventing a nuclear Iran.  He spoke on the prudent use of diplomatic and military power, and his salute of the American Marine injured during his tenth deployment was a very poignant moment.

“That said, Washington is not the answer to all of our problems.  The new health care law, while helping some, is hurting many others.  This was a serious omission in the speech.  American renewal is happening community by community and neighborhood by neighborhood.  The President and Congress should focus on getting our finances in order, creating a more fair and equitable tax code, fixing the brokenness of the new health care law, and protecting Americans from very serious existing threats to our national security.  The President’s threat of using his own power in spite of Congress unnecessarily diminished the more uplifting portions of the address.”

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