Carter Response to State of the Union Address

Statement

CARTER RESPONSE TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

House Conference Secretary John Carter (TX-31) made the following statement in response to the President's State of the Union address:

"Last year this Congress spent a lot of time on meaningless debate about issues that were very partisan and very political. Tonight, the President laid the groundwork for Congress to refocus their attention on the priorities of the American people.

"The President's speech creates an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to come together and pass an economic stimulus package, protect our nation from terrorist living abroad by passing a tough FISA bill, and fully fund our brave men and women in uniform-giving them the tools they need to defeat terrorists and march them home victoriously under the American flag, not the white flag of surrender.

"I was glad the President mentioned earmarks. Congress has an opportunity to fundamentally change the way we do business in Washington by reforming the earmark process. Washington is broken, and House Republicans have challenged the Democrats to join us and reform the earmark process. I hope, on the heels of this speech, they will heed the desire of the American people and work with us.

"I came to Washington to get things done, stop wasteful spending, and make sure this government works for the people. I am ready to work with my colleagues to find solutions to the everyday problems that the American people are facing."

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