WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam H. Putnam (R-FL 12) praised President George W. Bush's sixth State of the Union address for setting an optimistic agenda for America's future based on enhanced competitiveness, security at home and abroad, and fiscal discipline.

Saying that "the State of our Union is strong," President Bush proposed an agenda to restrain the growth of government spending, lessen America's reliance on foreign oil and increase access to affordable health care for all Americans.

"Federal spending is simply out of control, and we must take steps now to bring the federal budget into balance," Putnam stated just moments after the address. "Mandatory programs increase without the input or control of Congress, and steps like the Deficit Reduction Act, which will be considered on the House Floor tomorrow, are needed to restore common sense to the budget process. The first of the baby boomer generation turns 60 this year, and I applaud the President's emphasis on the effect of boomer retirement on mandatory programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."

"I also agreed with the President's warning that an Iranian government that pursues nuclear weapons poses a grave threat to America," Putnam noted. "Our security is inextricably linked to a stable Middle East free from the threats of Al Qaeda, and the emergence of a democratic Iraq is an important part of establishing stability in this troubled region of the world."

With the price of oil hovering near $70 per barrel, President Bush proposed the Advanced Energy Initiative – a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research – to change how America powers its homes and offices, along with how it powers our automobiles.  Investments in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and new technologies for battery- and hydrogen-powered automobiles will lessen America's dependence on foreign sources of oil and serve to clean the environment.

"As the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Technology, I was a strong advocate of health information technologies that would streamline health care delivery and lower health care costs. I am pleased that the President has incorporated this important facet into his plans for making health insurance more affordable," Putnam added. 

"Competitiveness is the key to America's continued growth and prosperity, and I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to improve our nation's economy through policies that emphasize and encourage competitiveness," Putnam concluded.

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