WHITE PLAINS, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) issued the following statement on the Inaugural Address of President George W. Bush:

“President Bush laid out a clear vision for America’s role in the world.  I’m pleased that he devoted so much attention to the need for strong, consistent American leadership and I look forward to working with him to fulfill our commitments abroad – not only through military efforts, but also through the hard work of diplomacy and foreign assistance.

“However, we must also attend to vital needs at home.  We must stop terrorists before they reach our shores, and also ensure that our homeland security is up to the task of protecting the American people.  Many gaps remain in our domestic security and we must fill those gaps immediately.

“I was pleased to hear him single out Social Security as a cornerstone in America’s efforts to reduce poverty.  If President Bush seeks to strengthen that program, I will gladly work with him.  But if he seeks to dismantle it through partial privatization, I will oppose him.

“The President clearly articulated the major challenges for our nation in our attempt to expand freedom and liberty aboard.  But we also face challenges here at home in providing affordable health care, excellent schools, and safe communities.  In all of these areas, we must be leaders and we must succeed.”