As President Obamas State of the Union speech tonight demonstrated, the ideological divide in Washington is great. However, we have to find a way to stop talking past each other and talk with each other. The stakes are too big - turmoil abroad, threats to our homeland, fragile economy, Americans discouraged with the direction of our nation. The people I represent in Pennsylvania expect us to find areas of consensus and commonality that address the many challenges we face. I am disappointed that the President did not take the opportunity to put forward a practical governing agenda that would have any chance of becoming law. Instead, he presented a divisive, political speech. If this were a serious attempt to advance a governing agenda, the President would have promoted ideas that find common ground with a majority of the House and Senate. After the November drubbing, I thought the President would reach out in a more constructive manner. Unfortunately, tonight, the President seemed more focused on airing the policy wishes of the far left rather than putting forward real, practical solutions to the issues we face. For my part, I will continue to work collaboratively with my colleagues to make smart decision about federal spending priorities, exercise robust oversight over federal agencies, expand trade opportunities, improve our nation’s transportation and infrastructure, reform the tax code, and enhance cyber-security. #SOTU
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 04:39:51 +0000