In this episode of Virginia Politics On-Demand, U.S. Reps. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA04) and Rob Wittman (R-VA01) offer their immediate thoughts and commentary on the president’s State of the Union Address.
Congressman Forbes spoke about our soaring debt and out-of-control spending and how it is imperative to reign it in and Congressman Wittman spoke about energy, health care, and earmarks.
Clearly, from listening to this podcast, you’ll note that there is still a wide gap between Republicans and the president, despite the president’s soaring rhetoric. That sentiment might be best represented by Congressman Forbes: “Tonight the President had an opportunity to answer the call, and he missed it.”
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Additionally, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA06) released this statement:
“I welcome the President’s call for fiscal discipline and hope that it represents a turning point away from the job-killing, tax-and-spend agenda pushed by the Democrat controlled Congress. I am, however, concerned that a freeze of current government spending levels, which are up more than 80% in the past two years, is going to simply lock in the out of control deficit spending levels that have been enacted, and not force Congress and the President to make the truly tough decisions to cut this excessive spending that these times call for.
“Restraining federal spending is perhaps the most critical step to addressing our nation’s unemployment crisis and restoring confidence in our economy. I remain committed to working with the President and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will create American jobs and restore confidence in our economic future.”
And, just for fun, even though he’s not a Virginia Congressman, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, a potential 2012 rival to the president, had this to say:
“While I disagree with his proposed direction, I agree with President Obama that education, health care and the deficit are critical challenges for our country. Our nation’s debt is a growing crisis that puts the country’s security at risk. Freezing some spending won’t solve the crisis – we need to actually cut spending. If we set priorities, make tough choices and reject tax hikes, we can create jobs without continuing to run up irresponsible debt.
“In the long run, our schools simply must do a better job of educating children if America is going to remain competitive. That’s why I’ve pushed to hold teachers accountable with a groundbreaking performance-pay system in Minnesota – reforms that I hope the President will push nationwide.
“Minnesota has also led the way on health care, passing reforms to move the system towards paying for and achieving better health care outcomes. Democrats should listen to voters, stop pushing a government-takeover of health care, and join with Republicans to pass reforms that will cut health care costs.”
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Opening music “Highway Run” by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.
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