Kilpatrick: President Bush Forgot the "Union" In His "State of the Union" Address
Kilpatrick: President Bush Forgot the "Union" In His "State of the Union" Address
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (13th District, MI), is disappointed in President Bush's "State of the Union" address that lacked information about "The Union." During Wednesday evening's "State of the Union" address, President Bush only vaguely mentioned any domestic issues outside of Social Security.
"I would like to know in what "Union" this President lives?" Asked Congresswoman Kilpatrick. "He says the economy is growing and new jobs are being created. Tell that to millions of out of work people in Michigan where the unemployment rate is twice that of the national average and where well paying manufacturing jobs with good benefits have been lost due to the Bush Administration's outsourcing policies," said Congresswoman Kilpatrick.
"The President said he would come to Congress and ask for $350 million to support Palestinian political, economic and security reforms.' I strongly support peace in the Middle East. But, I want to see hundreds of millions of our tax dollars invested in American families, education, health care, and job creation."
"The President talked about how well the elections went in Iraq, but said nothing about the thousands of American citizens who waited in long lines to vote here in America. Some were denied their vote, and some votes were not counted. President Bush said nothing about the Voting Rights Act which must be adjusted and made permanent, " added Congresswoman Kilpatrick.
"We have lost more than 1400 American military men and women to the war in Iraq. More than 20,000 military men and women have been wounded in this war. We have spent more than $282 billion on this war, and the President has recently asked for $80 billion more for the war in Iraq. The President must offer a plan to turn Iraq over to the Iraqi people and bring our soldiers home," said Congresswoman Kilpatrick.
"President Bush spoke of aggressive changes to Social Security. Social Security is not bankrupt. Social Security is not in crisis. Social Security is sound until the year 2042! Democrats believe that we must make adjustments to Social Security and organize a bi-partisan effort to extend this program for decades to come. Social Security today serves more than 40 million Americans; Americans with disabilities, American children who have lost a parent, Americans who have lost spouses and elderly Americans. Private investment accounts will cost Social Security $2 trillion and the President's plan will cut benefits 40%," added Congresswoman Kilpatrick.
"I am sorry the President forgot the union, the people of America in his address. Instead of sending American tax dollars to help create stronger families, stronger cities, stronger health and education systems abroad, we must use those dollars to help Americans first," urged Congresswoman Kilpatrick.
http://www.house.gov/kilpatrick/pr050203sotuaddress.htm