Duckworth Statement on President Biden's First State of the Union Address

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Biden's first State of the Union address:

"From Ukraine to this evolving pandemic, we face unique challenges at this moment, but President Biden reminded us tonight that there is nothing the American people can't overcome. Thanks to the resolve, shared sacrifice and hard work of our people--and with the help of Democratic policies that put checks in pockets, kept small businesses from shuttering and are creating historic levels of new jobs, rebuilding roads and making sure our children's water is safe--we're turning a corner as a nation and moving in the right direction for working families.

"President Biden was also clear-eyed about the work that remains to be done and laid out a clear path that everyone should be able to support to address inflation by strengthening our supply chains and enhancing American manufacturing. It is time for Republicans in Congress to stop blocking these commonsense measures and finally put the needs of working Americans ahead of their own political fortunes. Nothing should stand in the way of Congress passing policies to save families money like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, making child care and energy prices more affordable and helping seniors and those with disabilities access the resources they need to get care and services in their homes."

Duckworth helped champion the passage of President Biden's American Rescue Plan, which put money in the pockets of Americans, provided more resources for hard-hit small businesses, helped schools safely reopen and continues to provide resources for local municipalities. Additionally, President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--which is helping repair our roads and bridges and create good paying jobs across the country--includes several provisions led by Duckworth to help improve the lives of working Americans by making drinking water safer, reducing traffic congestion, allowing infrastructure projects to implement local hiring initiatives, protecting roadside responders and improving transit accessibility, among many other benefits for workers.

Following the President's address, Duckworth also reacted to the ongoing war in Ukraine caused by Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion:

"I'm also proud of the work President Biden has done has to unify and lead the free world in effectively punishing and weakening Putin for his unprovoked and inexcusable war in Ukraine, rallying our allies in support of the people of Ukraine who are heroically repelling Russian advances as they fight for their own independence and the stability of the region. This crisis is far from over but as long as our nation and NATO allies stand united in opposition to Putin's violent invasion, freedom and democracy will prevail."

Source