WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps released this statement reacting to the President’s State of the Union Address.

“I was more disappointed than surprised by the President’s remarks.  The voters on the South and Central Coasts clearly indicated in November that they wanted to move America in a new direction.  But, unfortunately, so many of the President’s proposals – on everything from Iraq to domestic policy – just seemed like more of the same failed policies. 

“Most importantly, the President wants to escalate our involvement in Iraq.  I’m completely against that.  We need to bring our troops home.  His health care proposal appears to be a tax hike for many middle class families that will jeopardize good health insurance for those lucky enough to have it now.  And on energy, we need to reduce demand and make big investments in alternative and renewable energy.  But the President continues to just pay lip service to these obvious steps while he pushes old technologies like oil and coal that are the driving factor behind climate change. 

“One bright spot in the President’s speech tonight was his call for comprehensive immigration reform.  I believe that this Congress will work with the President to pass meaningful legislation that offer comprehensive and compassionate reform and that provides for our security and economic needs”

 “While I am disappointed by many of the President’s remarks, I am still hopeful we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to address our country’s problems.  In the first 100 hours of the Democratically-led House we have already done this, passing legislation to improve our country’s energy independence, reduce the cost of student loans, increase the minimum wage and promote life saving stem cell research in strong bipartisan votes.  This is just the beginning.  The Democratically-led Congress will continue to deliver results on the issues that are critically important to the Central Coast and the rest of the country.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.