Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Commends President Obama's Speech

Press Release

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee commended the President for laying out a plan to create jobs, cut the deficit, hold big banks accountable and make our economy work for the middle class again in his State of the Union address tonight. House Democrats have stood firm in their commitment to middle-class families by lowering taxes and jumpstarting our economy -- and we will continue to work with President Obama to deliver results for struggling Americans.

By most measures, the economy is in better shape than one year ago, and the President renewed his commitment to a new long-term economic strategy for America that invests in a globally competitive workforce, clean energy jobs, health insurance reform that will create four million more jobs over the decade, and accountability for Wall Street and the big banks to protect us from another economic collapse.

"Texas stands to benefit greatly from tonight's speech," stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. "The President will talk about more jobs for Houston, Texas and the 18th Congressional District. We look forward to more recovery dollar coming into Houston over the next several months. Additionally, we are making a very strong stand for the preservation of the NASA Johnson Space Center and the continuation of the human space flight. Even as we look to tighten out budgets, President Obama understands the value of innovative technology, hoping to create jobs in a vibrant energy industry that includes additional focus on alternative energy. Texas also stands to benefit from new education dollars and I expect to be working with our major universities and our school districts on funding that will make our schools more learning-friendly so that our children remain engaged. Our President won't simply be talking about change, but a brand new future with a plan."

"Tonight, the President made it clear that he's on the side of middle-class Americans -- presenting a plan to create jobs here in Houston and across the country while also cutting the deficit," said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. "Democrats did this before under President Clinton, and I know we can do it again under President Obama."

Democrats have already delivered on their promise to fight for middle class families -- helping jumpstart the economy with the Recovery Act, lowering taxes, insuring more children and helping ensure the right to fair pay for all Americans. Today, President Obama laid out a series of policy initiatives that will build on those achievements to improve our economy for middle-class Americans including making it easier for students to pay off their loans, helping families with soaring child care and elderly care costs, and giving all workers more tools to save for their retirements. These common sense initiatives will build on the recent work of House Democrats, including the Jobs for Main Street Act passed in December, to help Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. The Senate is working on a similar jobs measure now.

"While Wall Street and the big banks and the health insurance giants -- pull out all the stops to fight common sense reforms, we will keep delivering on our promises to middle-class families," stated the Congresswoman. "The difference is clear -- Democrats are pushing for an agenda that is working and gives middle-class Americans a chance to succeed and provide real jobs to Houston, Texas, and the nation.

President Obama joined House Democrats in calling for real change on Wall Street, echoing the need for common sense reforms to hold big banks and financial firms accountable.

"Wall Street banks helped create this economic crisis and we must hold them accountable," Congresswoman Jackson Lee said. "It's unacceptable to me, and to all Americans, that these bankers are still taking the same kind of irresponsible risks that led to the financial crisis while Houston families are struggling to put food on the table and small businesses have to shut their doors. I am working to ensure that these banks loan to small businesses and stop foreclosing on hard-working Houstonians. Working with President Obama, we'll put an end to the type of reckless behavior on Wall Street that caused this disaster."

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