FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1.27.10

MEDIA CONTACT:STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS 

"Tonight, the President showed why he is such a remarkable leader.  He reaffirmed our shared commitment to keep America safe, to restore economic security for the middle class, to create and save millions of jobs, and to help small businesses grow again.  He also laid out a clear path towards energy independence and creating millions of new jobs in the 21st Century Green Economy.

Congress and President Obama are totally focused on helping the private sector create new jobs and holding the line on spending.  From my perspective, we should do more than just freeze domestic spending, we should freeze all spending levels across the board, with the exception of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and emergency unemployment benefits.

The President and our Democratic leadership are also committed to continuing the fight to provide real healthcare reform for everyone who has insurance, and providing affordable and accessible coverage for the almost 50 million Americans who are still uninsured.

President Obama also spoke with great strength and clarity about his constant efforts to keep America safe by refocusing our military power against real threats and restoring key alliances around the world.  Peace and security for the United States requires a proper mixture of military strength and smart, tough diplomacy.

Like President Obama, I did not come to Washington to do small things.  We were elected to restore the American dream for middle class families who have struggled for far too long.  That fight continues."

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