CONGRESSMAN BISHOP REACTION TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 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 delivered a sincere and realistic speech about the state of our nation today, the challenges we face, and what we must do to meet these challenges. Over the past seven years, our economy has been rebuilt, affordable healthcare and renewable energy is more accessible, and America’s military and diplomatic standing has strengthened. And yet, while we have come so far since 2008, there is still a long way to go before the American people have a Congress characterized by bipartisan problem solving and not partisan bickering.

“Debate is a natural consequence of a representative democracy. Gridlock, on the other hand, is not. Sitting down with those across the aisle is not just an act of placing faith in political or ideological adversaries, but an act of placing faith in our egalitarian democratic system which requires consensus to work.

“And so, I will continue working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues not only to support innovation for the industries of tomorrow, ensure that the children of Georgia have the education needed for the jobs of tomorrow, and to secure our nation against the threats of tomorrow, but to also provide America the most effective Congress for tomorrow. It is an accountable, responsible, and more transparent government. One complete with lawmakers focused on forging an understanding of what it is to truly work together. Simply put, one worthy of the faith and trust of the American people.”