FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2016
Contact: Dan Weber
(202) 225-8699
Edwards Statement on President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s seventh and final State of the Union address delivered to a joint session of Congress. Rep. Edwards’ guest at tonight’s address was Maryland Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones (District-10).
“Tonight, President Obama struck the right balance in his seventh and final State of the Union address. Many forget, or choose to overlook, the fact that when President Obama took office, the nation’s economy was in turmoil. Through the leadership of President Obama and Congressional Democrats, the nation’s economy continues to strengthen. The latest example was the December jobs report, marking 70 consecutive months of private sector job growth, totaling 14.1 million jobs.
“I am particularly proud to have stood with President Obama to pass the landmark Affordable Care Act, delivering health care to millions of Americans. The President’s unparalleled leadership also led to such historic achievements as the Paris Climate Deal, the Iran Nuclear Agreement, and renewing diplomatic relations with Cuba. But I also agree with the President that considerable obstacles remain, and that through the determination and ingenuity of the American people we will overcome those challenges. I applaud the President continuing to highlight the critical need to take substantive action on climate change, comprehensive immigration reform, criminal justice reform, campaign finance reform, and common-sense gun safety. Even in the 8th year of his term, it is important to continue to put forth and advocate for bold, progressive ideas. I look forward to working with the President to a reset on trade that takes the steps necessary to support American workers and ensure they can compete in a 21st Century, global economy with trade agreements that strengthen our economy and create jobs, while also ensuring worker safety protections, environmental standards, and an equal playing field for American workers and businesses.
“President Obama’s optimism in the strength and endless possibility of the American spirit was infectious tonight. It is my sincere hope that my Republican colleagues take this opportunity for bold action to move past the ideologies that divide us and focus on the values and priorities that made this nation strong.”
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