Congressman Kinzinger Responds to President Obama's State of the Union Address

Statement

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), tonight issued the following remarks in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

"In his State of the Union address tonight, President Obama made it clear that we must turn our focus squarely onto growing a competitive nation. The way to make our nation prosperous is by getting our neighbors back to work and ensuring our economy works for American families and businesses.

"The President made promising remarks about job creation, but the only action Americans have heard from Washington Democrats over the past two years is that more government spending and higher taxes are the only solutions to grow our economy and create jobs.

"The actions and decisions made by prior Congresses have led us to where we are today. Nearly one in ten of our neighbors remain unemployed. Over the last two years unemployment has skyrocketed from 7.8 percent to 9.4 percent.

"In addition, our nation's debt now exceeds $14 trillion. More than $3.3 trillion of this debt was piled on in just two years.

"We cannot continue down this slippery slope with the same failed policies that has led our nation to fewer jobs, more government spending and an intrusive expansion of government.

"As Ronald Reagan once said, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

"This past November, American families, businesses, seniors and taxpayers sent a clear message to Washington. All across the nation, Americans chose the path toward limited government, reduced spending and a free market system.

"We must quit spending more money than we take in and we must focus our efforts toward growing the private sector, where jobs are created. We have tough decisions to make but we can make them while living within our means.

"Earlier today, the House passed a Budget resolution that would cut spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels. This, along with additional spending reforms will ensure we continue to eliminate wasteful spending, and will force government to cut up their credit cards.

"House Republicans made a promise to the people to put our nation back on track towards fiscal responsibility, economic growth and accountable and transparent government and this is a promise we intend to keep.

"We must promote and foster free enterprise here in America. Congress must work tirelessly to implement policies that encourage entrepreneurship, cultivate innovation and reward the hard work that will lead us toward prosperity.

"We all want our economy to improve and thrive. However, it's going to take time and constant engagement from folks on both sides of the aisle to get our economy back on solid ground. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and work together in order to implement these solutions.

"America is one nation, under god, and together we are capable of achieving anything. The times our nation has united as one, have proven that our nation is one of great strength and fortitude.

"Our country's best days lie ahead, but we must first break away from the failed policies and charter a new way forward. We must remain confident in our country's ability to flourish. We live in a nation full of accomplishments and achievements that make our economy resilient. By listening to the people's voice and implementing the solutions they advocated for in November, our economy will recover."

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