U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

Excerpt: Over the next year, I will be working with the President, and my Democrat and Republican colleagues to build solutions to the most pressing challenges we face, strengthen our economy, and ensure that the American Dream is not a promise, but a reality.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement tonight after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address:

“I fully support the priorities outlined by President Obama during his State of the Union address. Congress should be working with the President to grow our economy, put Americans back to work, and ensure the security of our country for generations to come. Rather than support these objectives, Congressional Republicans have done everything in their power, from attempting 49 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, to shutting down the government, in order to distract the American public from supporting the President's agenda.

“This year, Congress must act in a bipartisan manner to ensure that all Americans participate in the economy. Extending unemployment insurance to the 1.6 million Americans and the 137,315 New Yorkers struggling to find work; raising the minimum wage so that workers entering the workforce and those stuck at the bottom are not left behind; reforming our immigration policy in a comprehensive fashion so that families across America can have security, students can get an education, and our economy can grow; prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals and the mentally ill; lastly, helping workers gain the skills and experiences to compete in a 21st century economy are all priorities I share with the President.

“I support the President's call on Congress to boost U.S. trade, and reform the tax code so that profits earned abroad can be reinvested in growing our economy. In order for our economy to stay one step ahead of our competitors, we must increase exports to foreign markets so that we can create more jobs here at home.

“As the President stated, we cannot afford to wait for Republicans to help our economy grow. In 2014 Congress must pass legislation that increases manufacturing jobs, lowers tax rates and closes tax loopholes to fund infrastructure investments for our middle class and our economy to continue to grow. Americans deserve 21st century jobs and the best way to get those jobs is to build a 21st century infrastructure. Modernizing important economic engines like JFK Airport in the 5th Congressional District and increasing investments in our local roads, highways, and bridges will bring greater and more diverse investments into our community. Where Congress fails to act, I fully support the President taking executive action to advance these critical priorities.

“Over the next year, I will be working with the President, and my Democrat and Republican colleagues to build solutions to the most pressing challenges we face, strengthen our economy, and ensure that the American Dream is not a promise, but a reality.” [End]