Iowa Congressman Tom Latham Responds To President's Address Before Congress

Press Release

Iowa Congressman Tom Latham released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's speech before Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2009:

"These are difficult times, and I know that too many Americans awaken each day with their hearts and minds burdened with deep uncertainty.

The challenges we face are far too big for any one person or political party to address alone. And partisan bickering doesn't take us a single step forward in solving our problems.

I applaud the president's proclaimed commitment to bipartisanship tonight. But, as we saw with the economic stimulus bill, speeches and rhetoric mean little if congressional leaders don't share that spirit.

Bipartisan words won't bring about prosperity. Only bipartisan results and actions can do that.

Our country faces grave challenges that include a bleak economic forecast and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Raising taxes on any Americans in the midst of this recession will only deepen the economic crisis. And I have a duty to fight against any legislation that would put our troops in harm's way without the funding, support and equipment they need to complete their mission quickly, safely and with honor.

I look forward to working with President Obama and my Democratic and Republican colleagues in confronting these challenges in the coming months and charting a course to move the country forward towards economic security and prosperity for every American."

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