Senators React to Presidential Address

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In statements issued after President Obama's congressional address Tuesday senators from Nebraska and Iowa applauded his efforts for bipartisanship, but some were skeptical about his economic recovery plan.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, who helped steer a Senate compromise on the $787 billion stimulus package, said the President "offered clear ideas to reverse our economy's downward slide, to slash the federal deficit, to safeguard taxpayers' investments and to restore confidence throughout America."

Nelson, a democrat, said the nation has tough days ahead, but Nebraskans have the spirit to turn toward a brighter future.

Republican Sen. Mike Johanns said he was hopeful for bipartisan solutions, and agreed that lawmakers must balance the federal budget.

"Stabilizing our economy must be our top priority and there is a definite need to work for solutions to the challenges surrounding energy, health care and education," Johanns said. "Yet, there are too many in Washington who forget the joy of spending is directly tied to the pain of taxation."

Johanns' fellow republican, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, called President Obama's recovery package "more about special-interest spending than economic stimulus."

Grassley acknowledged the trillion-dollar deficit inherited by the administration, but said in its first month it has "added another $1 trillion to the debt with its economic stimulus bill."

He did, however, share the President's confidence in Americans' ability to weather the economic crisis.

Iowa democratic Sen. Tom Harkin had a different view of the stimulus package, and applauded the President's plans for stemming home foreclosures and stabilizing financial markets. He said the President's approach will rebuild confidence in the economy.

"I am particularly heartened by the President's determination to overhaul our broken health care system," Harkin said. "This is the only way we can rein in skyrocketing health care costs that are making it so difficult for our families to afford coverage, and placing such strain on our whole economy."

In his address, President Obama told Congress Americans can't afford to put health care reform on hold. He said he plans to hold a White House summit on the issue next week.

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