WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) today made the following statement on President George W. Bush’s 2004 State of the Union address.

“I am committed to working with President Bush to ensure that our homeland is stronger and safer, including finishing the job we started in Iraq; that our nation continues on the road of economic recovery, making job creation and growth priority one; that the landmark Medicare reforms we passed last year stay in place to help combat the rising cost of health care; and that our schools and students continue to strive to meet the high standards we have established for America's public schools.”

“There is no greater responsibility that protecting our homeland both here and abroad. While we are safer today than we were prior to the September 11th tragedies and we have made great progress in the war against terrorism, more must be done. A safe and secure democratic Iraq is vital to winning the war on terrorism. After almost a quarter century, one of the most brutal tyrants and his oppressive regime have come to an end. The capture of Saddam Hussein is a testament to the skill of our Armed Forces. While momentous, the mission we began, to liberate the people of Iraq, is not over. Iraq remains a dangerous place with terrorists who would rather kill innocent men, women and children, than allow peace and prosperity to flourish. I am proud of our President, who has stood firm and shown great resolve, often bucking world opinion. President Bush, along with a coalition of other brave nations, is working to ensure a safer and more prosperous Iraq, and world.”

“Job creation and economic growth still remains the top priority for this Congress. With 8.2 percent growth in the GDP, the strongest rate in almost 20 years, the value of the stock market increasing by roughly $2 trillion since January 2003, homeownership at its highest level ever and jobless claims continuing to drop, the American economy is on the road to recovery. These are encouraging signs for America’s workers, families, manufacturers and small businesses. Because of President Bush’s jobs and growth agenda, our economy is gaining strength. Even though this is good news, I will not be satisfied until every American looking for work can find a job. I also applaud the President’s Jobs for the 21st Century initiative, which will increase support for America’s community colleges, including those in my district, to help train workers for the workforce.”

“With the help of President Bush, Congress passed historic legislation to add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare and strengthen the program for future generations. The Medicare reform bill will modernize Medicare and provide a prescription drug benefit for all seniors in Medicare that is affordable and voluntary. This is a tremendous start towards combating the rising costs of health care. I will work with President Bush to ensure that the new, portable Health Savings Accounts that allow Americans of all ages to save money for their future health care needs on a tax-free basis become a reality. These accounts are a first step toward making future generations better able to save for long term care needs and preventative health care.”

“Finally, Social Security is desperately in need of reform to guarantee its future viability.  Long-term Social Security reforms must be considered to ensure that Social Security will be solvent and relevant to current retirees as well as future generations of Americans.  The objective must be to make Social Security sound for the next fifty years, not just the next fiscal year. I am committed to working with President Bush in ensuring that seniors and generations to follow receive every penny in Social Security benefits that they have earned over a lifetime of hard work.”