WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins released the following statement after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress on January 24, 2012:

“Sadly, this evening’s State of the Union address was a far cry from the message of unity we heard from President Obama a few short years ago.  Rather than urging Americans to come together to tackle the challenges we face as a nation, the President seems content to stoke partisan disagreement and further divide the American people.  This may be effective rhetoric along the campaign trail, but even in a campaign year, I expect more out of a sitting President addressing Congress for a State of the Union.”

“The hardworking American taxpayers have faced immense challenges over the last several years, and from stimulus packages to corporate bailouts, the President’s policies and ‘go it alone’ strategies have stoked partisan passions, but done little to help ease America’s pain.  There is a bipartisan path to be forged, and I hope for the good of the country and the sake this generation and the ones to follow the President will put his rhetoric aside, not surrender the year to election politics, and work with me and likeminded individuals to craft real solutions to our shared problems.”

“It has now been a thousand days since the Democrat-controlled-Senate last passed a budget, but we in the Republican led House have passed more than 30 jobs bills, crafted a responsible budget, and continue to fight for a reasonable regulatory environment and job creating tax reforms to provide certainty to the American economy.   I stand ready to work with the President on these solutions, but this divisive campaign rhetoric over the past several months and again tonight demonstrate a greater desire for reelection politics than answers for the American people.”

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