Illinois 16th Congressional Congressman Adam Kinzinger has released the following response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:
“Tonight, Americans heard more of the same from President Obama which is disheartening news for our economy – and our country. Tonight was a major opportunity for the President to call Republicans and Democrats together to say both sides must work together to find common ground in order to solve the huge problems facing this country for future generations.
“That's something that was sorely missing here tonight; the discussion of what will happen to the next generation of Americans. And, unfortunately, President Obama once again descended back into more partisan rhetoric that only divides the nation rather than unites our country to conquer our spending addiction and gets us back on the path toward prosperity.
“As we head into the 113th Congress, our government’s problems are clear: we must quit spending more money than we take in; we must focus our efforts toward growing the private sector, where jobs are created; and Washington must pass a budget and get serious about comprehensive tax reform.
“As I’ve said before, in the coming months, the Senate and White House must work with the House to tackle serious fiscal reforms including the sequester and the debt ceiling. The American people chose a divided government in Washington and they’re counting on us to work together.
“One thing I wanted to hear in tonight’s address was how our leaders planned to look after our youth. The decisions from economic and budgetary to national defense and foreign affairs are going to have a direct impact on future generations.
“It’s crucial that our youth understand that decisions made today will impact the world that they must govern tomorrow. We simply cannot force more than $53,000 in debt onto the backs of these younger generations. We as a nation must recognize that a weak economy will lead to weak nation security.
“Earlier we learned that in defiance of international warnings and sanctions, the North Korean regime has conducted a nuclear weapons test. This is the third nuclear weapon test since 2006, and the first test since the KimJong-un took power.
“In the strongest terms I condemn the recent nuclear test by the North Korean regime. Time and time again we have asked China to apply the necessary pressure to put an end to this dangerous and threatening path. The President has a responsibility to partner with our friends in South Korea and China to develop a strategy that will lead to a cessation of these nuclear tests. Weapons grade uranium is much easier to proliferate and serves as a direct threat to the U.S. and our allies. The United States cannot be blind to the threats facing us.
“The President’s proposed defense cuts would debilitate our military and make it extremely difficult to respond to such threats in 5 or 10 years. I have been and continue to be willing to work with my colleagues from both parties to find a solution to our budget crisis that will put us on a long term path to solvency and strengthen our national security – the future our country depends on it.”
