Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reacts to the State of the Union

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the below statement following President Biden's State of the Union address.

"Tonight, President Biden delivered a bold and compelling plan for addressing the most pressing issues at hand--from defeating autocratic forces to fighting COVID to lowering costs for everyday Americans.

"Unlike previous presidents, President Biden is holding Putin accountable for his attempts to undermine democracy. As the President emphasized tonight, Russian aggression is unifying the West and will ultimately leave Russia weaker. But as Ukrainians struggle to defend their sovereignty, the United States must commit to robust humanitarian and economic aid for the Ukrainian people. As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, I stand ready to work with the President to deliver this vital funding.

"At home, we face our own set of unique challenges. But the President outlined the ways he has addressed these issues, from controlling COVID-19, to fighting back an economic recession. He passed the most impactful legislative agenda in history for a first year president with the American Rescue Plan, which has led to the biggest yearly job growth in history. Unemployment is at the lowest rate since 1969, and the U.S. is the only major advanced economy with GDP back at pre-pandemic levels. We increased health insurance enrollment by 4.2 million; lowered hunger across the nation by 32 percent and cut child poverty in half thanks to the Child Tax Credit.

"President Biden also became the first president in modern history to make real progress on repairing this nation's crumbling infrastructure. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are making long overdue investments in our crumbling roads, bridges, and waterways; bolstering our public transit, and starting our nationwide electric vehicle and school bus system. It will have significant public health benefits by reducing pollution and replacing lead pipes. And all of these investments will create millions of good-paying, union jobs.

"In his speech, he outlined the work that lies ahead and called on Congress to pass vital protections for all communities, like protecting abortion rights, passing the Equality Act to fight LGBTQIA+ discrimination, and combatting the climate crisis. Democrats remain committed to the achieving the pillars of our agenda, like reducing the costs of child and elder care, prescription drugs, and housing; combatting inflation and protecting consumers; and strengthening our economy.

"In the coming year, I will be looking to the President to have a heightened focus on racial equity and make use of his executive authority on issues critical to strengthening our communities. Issues like canceling student debt, lowering drug prices and expanding access to health care, strengthening our democracy, and advancing racial justice cannot wait. I look forward to working with the administration to deliver on these priorities."

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