Statement of Senator Jim Bunning on President Bush's State of the Union Address

STATEMENT OF SENATOR JIM BUNNING ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) offered the following comments regarding tonight's address by President Bush to the joint session of Congress:

"Tonight the president reminded us that although we have made great strides toward a better and safer America, there are still very serious challenges ahead.

"Our economy has turned around, we've passed a Medicare Prescription Drug Bill to help our nation's poorest seniors, and our Armed Forces have been superb in the war on terror.

"But there's much left to do.

"We must continue to grow the economy so that every single American who wants to work can find a job.

"In Iraq, we captured Saddam but our work is not finished. We must see the re-building process through to the end. A peaceful and democratic government in Iraq can serve as a beacon of hope in the troubled Middle East.

"We must continue to shore up our defenses here at home against those terrorists who still seek to harm us.

"Finally, we must improve our health care system to ensure that all patients have access to quality and affordable health care.

"The president laid out a strong agenda for America tonight. We have big challenges ahead of us. Now it's time to meet them head on."