Congressman Mike Honda Pledges to Work with President Obama and Congressional Colleagues on State of the Union Initiatives

Statement

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA17) today said he would work closely with President Obama and his fellow House members on plans the President laid out in his State of the Union address.

"Tonight we heard a President, who understands the needs of hard-working Americans, outline an agenda to help them overcome the challenges our country faces," Congressman Honda said. "I look forward to working with the President, and my colleagues in Congress, to enact legislation to get this done."

"This State of the Union hit on the issues that really affect our district," he continued. "It's like Silicon Valley wrote the script."

The President's talk touched on many issues that have been important to Congressman Honda since his first days in politics, including overcoming income inequality, promoting early education, enacting immigration reform, and ensuring retirement security. "We finally have a President who knows that income inequality is real," he said, "and knows the damage that it does to our economy and our families. With a higher minimum wage, an extension of unemployment benefits, and protection for the long-term unemployed against hiring discrimination, Americans who need our help can take steps to get back on their feet."

"It is time for the Republican leadership in Congress to let us do our job, so we can do as the President asked and put bills on his desk that he can sign," Congressman Honda continued.

The Congressman was especially pleased to hear the President address the following issues:

Minimum Wage/Income inequality: "I'm glad the President called for economic fairness for those earning an unlivable wage. It is a disgrace that the world's wealthiest nation allows for wages that keeps full-time workers, and their families, in poverty. I agree that we should give America a raise, and move the minimum wage to $10.10/hr."

Manufacturing: "As one of the early champions of President Obama's proposed National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) centers, I am proud that he is calling for six more of these hubs. I've urged the President to establish one to help U.S. semiconductor manufacturing equipment makers make the transition to manufacturing larger 450mm wafers. I am working hard to make sure the US government steps up to protect and expand our nation's leadership in this critical technology for Silicon Valley."

Immigration: "The President is right when he says Immigration Reform makes good economic sense. It brings a diverse workforce, including high tech workers, to America to strengthen our economy. It is also the right thing to do for millions of people whose families have been torn apart. I agree with him that we should get this done this year."

Long-term unemployment: "I'm glad the President urged Congress to restore Unemployment benefits for the 1.6 million long-term unemployed who lost them. Having led legislation to extend expired unemployment benefits, and having written to the Speaker directly, I continue to urge my Republican colleagues to stop standing in the way of this critical lifeline to those who are still struggling to find work and give them a chance."

Health Care: "I'm encouraged by the President's report on the Affordable Care Act, and how it is helping millions of Americans get coverage that they never had before, stopping people from losing their coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and ensuring women are paying the same rates as men."

Education: "I'm glad the President repeated his call for Universal Pre-Kindergarten education. He is right when he says it is right for America. Our education system will never be fully successful until we meet the needs of each and every child. I also applaud the President tonight for his vision of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in our country. Allowing equitable STEM opportunities for all students will provide the United States with the innovation and creativity that will be required in the 21st Century and beyond. I applaud the President, and the Department of Education, for their work to ensure affordable post-secondary training for all students who wish to go beyond a high school education. It is time for Congress to increase the amount of money available through the Pell Grant program."

Gun Violence: "I fully support the President's call to action to reduce gun violence in America, and his common sense approach to weapons. I believe we owe it to the victims of these heart wrenching tragedies, and their families, to make real and lasting progress on the issue of gun violence now.

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