Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) released the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union address.
“Hello. We have just heard from the President as he addressed the State of our Nation.
I was encouraged to hear that the President is committed to working in a bipartisan manner to address the concerns of the American people in his last year in office.
Last week, Congress showed we were willing to put aside partisan rancor in favor of addressing the economic crisis facing our nation. We reached out and developed an economic stimulus package to help bring relief to the hardworking families feeling the financial pinch of our economic climate.
The package we developed is targeted and timely. It includes relief for hard-working citizens and families, with rebate checks expected to hit your mailboxes in late May or early June.
The package also includes vital reform of the housing industry, helping to keep families protected from the risk of foreclosure in today’s volatile market.
This is but a first step.
We must determine a long-term solution that will ensure the future economic stability of our nation, and provide continued security for American families.
In Congress, I have worked tirelessly with our Leadership to address the real issues that affect you every day. A mere sound bite does not do justice to the challenges you face.
While we have taken landmark steps to address financial issues, including protecting millions of Americans from the undue burden of the Alternative Minimum Tax, we must continue to monitor our financial markets and take action to shore up our economy.
You have my commitment that I will continue to be a strong advocate for you, the people of the Sacramento region, and carry your voice to Washington.
Despite this unprecedented and bipartisan progress, the President still remains completely out of touch with the American people when he speaks of the war in Iraq.
The war in Iraq has tarnished our international reputation, and made us less safe at home and abroad. I will continue to fight to bring our brave men and women home.
And when they come home, they will receive a heroes’ welcome… a welcome that is worthy of their dedicated service and sacrifice.
The Democratic Congress passed the largest increase in Veterans benefits in history.
We will continue to take a fresh look at how to provide our troops with the most comprehensive health care and services our nation has to offer. For those who serve with honor, an honorable return awaits you.
We are making the investments to build a better America for our returning troops… and for future generations.
The America we leave to our children and grandchildren must preserve our way of life, and uphold our core beliefs.
This is why I was dismayed to hear the President demand even more latitude for conducting domestic surveillance. In our great country, we celebrate the fact that liberty and security are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are two ideals that are central to our way of life.
I hope that he will make good on his pledge for bipartisan compromise that will benefit the American people, and abandon his efforts to infringe on your civil liberties.
As I look to the year ahead, I am confident that with our Leadership in Congress, we will continue to find real solutions that address the challenges that you are facing.
Please, keep in touch with me via email or through my district office at (916) 498-5600.
I remain committed to serving the people of Sacramento, California, and the United States of America.”
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