Congressman Ratcliffe on the President's State of the Union Address

Statement

On Tuesday evening, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress and the American people. Outlining a proposal to substantially raise taxes, the President laid out a vision for America that grows the size of the federal government, puts more regulatory power in Washington, and continues a dangerous trajectory of out-of-control spending. Congressman John Ratcliffe (R-TX, Rockwall, Sherman, Texarkana) delivered a response to the President's big government agenda, which emphasized the need to bring a dose of conservative, Texas values to Washington, D.C.

"The State of the Union address is a time-honored tradition that allows for reflection and an opportunity to debate the best course forward for our country.

Republicans and Democrats both care about America -- but we hold different views about whether you should have the ability to make your own future -- or whether the government should define that future for you.

For the last six years the president's policies have been about expanding the government instead of moving it out-of-the-way. The result is $18 trillion dollars of debt, an unpopular health care law, open borders, over taxation, over regulation, and a president who has trampled our constitution to get what he wants.

There are fewer Americans participating in the workforce today than at any time since Jimmy Carter was our president. If President Obama really wants to create jobs and grow the economy, instead of growing government, he would follow the lead of Texas, were we've created more jobs in the last five years than all other states combined. That's what happens when you have less government, less taxation, and less regulation.

I'm part of new Congress sent here by Americans who rejected President Obama's mandates. In our first two weeks, we've already passed bills to stop the president's executive amnesty, to create jobs and promote energy through the Keystone Pipeline, to hire more veterans and repeal the worst parts of Obamacare.

I'm optimistic about our future because for the first time in six years Republicans are fighting back, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to do that on your behalf. Thank you and God bless America."

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