U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) tonight issued the following statement after President Obama delivered his first State of the Union Address to the nation.
"Over the past year, I have been deeply disappointed in the lack of consideration, consultation and consensus by President Obama on key issues facing our country. Furthermore, I have very serious concerns over his reckless spending and handling of some very sensitive policy issues, especially the unilateral bailouts to selective industries with taxpayer dollars and granting of legal rights to terrorists. If rank-and-file Republicans and Democrats in Congress are to work together on the issues vital to keeping our nation safe, it must be done in cooperation with the Administration.
"More importantly, however, are the comments and concerns I hear daily from the residents of South Jersey who are rightly frustrated with the current situation we now face. I share in their frustration. Quite simply, I believe the Administration has taken their eye off the ball on the most critical issue facing our nation: jobs and the economy.
"More times than not, President Obama has shown a very weak and soft hand in dealing with members of his own party, particularly House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid. Policy ideas he initially proposed, such as an economic stimulus substantially based on transportation infrastructure funding and tax cuts for small businesses and working families, were hijacked by the Democrat Congressional leadership and subsequently lost my support. Furthermore, the implementation and execution of massive government programs by unaccountable czars - as demonstrated by the stimulus bill and proposed in the current healthcare bills - fuels the real suspicions of Americans that their tax dollars are being wasted.
"The American people have loudly and forcefully spoken that the record federal spending, excessive borrowing and selective bailout policies of the last year cannot and should not continue. With double-digit unemployment, job creation and economic growth must be the sole focus for the foreseeable future. In tonight's address, President Obama acknowledged that message and has hopefully heeded that call; the Democrat Congressional leadership must now follow suit with the President holding them accountable."