Rep. Ralph Hall "State of the Union" Response

Statement

Following the President's State of the Union address, Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) released the following statement:

"Tonight, President Obama laid out his blueprint for rebuilding the economy - but unfortunately the current state of our nation is in large part due to his failed economic and over-reaching regulatory policies. The unemployment rate has remained at or above 8% for 35 months and our deficits have more than doubled. The President's record speaks for itself, and it has been a failure.

"We need jobs, but the President and Senate have refused to consider numerous jobs bills that the House has passed this year. Currently, 28 House jobs bills are awaiting Senate action. We need to give small businesses the incentives to create jobs. We need to rewrite the tax code, reduce the deficit, and provide the economic security that hardworking taxpayers need and deserve.

"The President talked about energy independence, which is vital to our economic and national security. Though his message appeared supportive of encouraging all forms of energy, his policies over the past three years do not coincide with tonight's rhetoric. I take the promises in tonight's address with a grain of salt.

"America must move towards energy self-reliance. We need a comprehensive strategy that expands our infrastructure and increases domestic production - including nuclear and alternative fuels. We have numerous untapped resources in our own backyard that can provide not only much-needed jobs, but more affordable energy. The Keystone Pipeline, an opportunity for 20,000 new jobs and an estimated economic benefit of $20 billion, was unfortunately denied by the President less than a week ago.

"From blocking energy exploration and production to the EPA's regulatory assaults on U.S. industry, the President and his administration are making domestic energy more expensive and less available. Much of the regulations supported by the President are based on shaky science, and as Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee I will continue rigorous oversight to ensure these regulations are developed in an open and transparent manner and based on sound, balanced science.

"The President's policies, track record, and approach to legislating have clearly failed, despite Democrats' majority control in Washington these past three years. Big government is not the answer. The President must learn from his failed attempts and not repeat the same mistakes.

"America is at a crossroads. It's time for real solutions that provide good jobs for hardworking Americans. It is important to keep in mind that we are all in this together with the same goal - we all want a positive future not only for ourselves, but also for our children and grandchildren. I will continue to fight for jobs and a healthy economy and work to keep the American dream alive for future generations."

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