Statement on State of the Union

Statement

"Our country faces unparalleled opportunity and challenges. There is no doubt that middle-class families expect more from our economy and our government. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting the idea that young, hard-working Americans should be able to graduate from community college without debt and quickly contribute to our economy. We should also be able to agree that greater workplace flexibility, like paid sick leave and maternity leave, are important to strengthening our economy and supporting hardworking American families.

I am disappointed that the President did not clearly address the Phoenix VA, the VA scandal, and the need for real accountability and reform at the VA. Our veterans deserve courage and leadership on this issue -- we lose 22 veterans a day to suicide. I will not be silent. I will continue to fight to reform the VA and ensure veterans get the mental and medical health care they have earned and deserve.

The President should have clearly addressed the need to create high-wage jobs and economic growth for American families. We need common sense, bipartisan tax reform -- not more of the same old ideas that fail to gain approval from Congress."

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