Lucas Reaction Statement to President's State of the Union Address

LUCAS REACTION STATEMENT TO PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
February 2, 2005

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas made the following statement after attending President Bush's State of the Union speech tonight:

"The president has made it clear that he intends to continue his fight against terrorism abroad, and to tackle the tough political issues here at home. His speech laid out an aggressive agenda for his second term.

"I was especially pleased to hear more detail from the president on his efforts to secure Social Security for future generations. I agree with him that we need to find a long-term solution to the problem of Social Security. I also agree that current retiree benefits should not be touched.

"Although he gave a hopeful message for the future, the president did not shrink away from the difficult challenges that confront us. He reminded the American people that we are at war, and paid tribute to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom.

"On foreign policy, Bush addressed the greatest challenges we face on the world stage - peace in the Middle East, winning the war on terrorism, and of course, the efforts to bring democracy to Iraq.

"I was particularly touched to the hear the story of Safia Taleb al-Suhail. Her struggle under Saddam's regime serves as a reminder to all who watched of the cause our soldiers are fighting for.

"While opponents have focused on negativity and cynicism, by contrast the president has given the American people a hopeful message. We're winning the war on terror, freedom is on the march, and we're going to meet the challenges that lie ahead."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ok03_lucas/stateunionreact.html