Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.
"Tonight we saw members from both political parties sitting with one another as a symbolic first step in trying to reduce the partisan gridlock that has become too common in the Congress. After listening to the President echo that call for unity and compromise tonight, I remain hopeful that we can work together, as Americans, to revitalize our economy, create jobs, and strengthen our middle class."
"The President was right to call on all of us to unite together to achieve the great things and meet the challenges before us by investing in education and research to unleash the boundless American potential. Now, it falls to us in the Congress to put that call into action. To put aside partisan differences and move our nation together."