Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

January 20, 2004

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge's Response to State of the Union Address

"As always, tonight's State of the Union address was powerful. As we know all too well, America is a nation at war. We must not let up in our fight against terrorism at home and abroad, and we must bring to justice America's number one enemy, Osama bin Laden, who is still at large. As we pray for the safe and swift return of our troops, we must finish the work we have begun and secure the peace in Iraq.

"But we must not forget the struggle that North Carolina families face every day. Our working families are fighting to make ends meet. Our farm families are struggling to stay afloat. Our seniors are battling to keep their retirement secure. And all Americans are wrestling with the ever-rising costs of health care.

"North Carolina's unemployment rate is the tenth highest in the nation at 6.2 percent, and some areas of my District have unemployment as high as 13 percent. To get our economy up and going, Congress needs to focus on providing help to the middle class and invest in infrastructure like roads, schools and airports to create jobs right now.

"Our rural economy also needs a jumpstart. I am disappointed that tonight the President refused yet again to show any leadership on a tobacco buyout, but I will continue my fight on behalf of North Carolina's farm families. A tobacco buyout will provide much-needed relief to our farm families and infuse capital into our rural communities.

"Throughout my service in Congress, I have worked to protect Social Security. Social Security is a promise made to all Americans that if you work hard, you will be taken care of in retirement. I cannot and will not support any legislation that threatens this solemn promise with risky privatization schemes.

"The President gave a good speech tonight, but I want to make sure the record lives up to the rhetoric. Congress and the President must work together to advance a positive agenda not only for ourselves but for our posterity. I look forward to the release of the President's budget and will work to make sure we return to balanced budgets, honor our commitments and pay down the national debt.

"This is going to be a busy year, and there is much work to be done. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle toward policies that build a better future for all North Carolina's families."