BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

“The President summarized the nation’s stark challenges in an impressive and measured speech this evening. The President believes, as I do, that the economy grows when the middle class is strengthened—that when small business and our infrastructure are supported, jobs are created—and that the only way to balance our budget is to reach across the aisle and come to an agreement.

“Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a tough situation. Education and training initiatives are underfunded, high unemployment rates persist, and the federal government continues to sink deeper in debt. Sequester looms on the horizon while the current state of government seems to be mired in partisan bickering.

“There remain many differences to be worked out in Washington, not only between Democrats and Republicans but also between the President and Congress. While opposing sides may reasonably disagree within debate, there comes a time when we must find a middle ground and advance the agenda. Otherwise, our nation strays towards stagnation.

“And yet, I believe we will find a way. I look forward to Congress working in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion with the Administration in tackling those challenges the President has presented. Truly, the future of the Union will depend on government working in a reasonable manner to put the interests of hard-working American families first and foremost so we get our fiscal house in order and move forward, together as a nation.”