Pallone Statement on President Obama’s Final State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“While this may have been President Obama’s final State of the Union address, he made clear that our work is far from over. We have made significant progress in recent years, but we cannot now let politics keep us from forging ahead.
“Our country has come back from the brink of collapse following the Great Recession and is now on a sound, economic course. Quality, affordable health coverage is finally a reality for nearly18 million Americans, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and our economy continues to grow. However, our work is not done until all Americans can get ahead. This means working together to continue growing the middle class, narrowing the wage gap, creating good jobs here at home for the 21st century, and making higher education affordable for students and families.
“It also means ensuring that we leave a safer, healthier planet for future generations. Thanks to American leadership, an unprecedented agreement was reached last month between more than 175 nations to combat the global threat of climate change. Now, we must see to it that those historic goals are met by implementing the Clean Power Plan. Congress must also do its part by promoting the wider adoption of renewable energy sources and creation of clean energy jobs.
“We also must work together to swiftly address the epidemics of gun violence and substance abuse, both of which have devastated too many of our communities. While the President has taken important first steps to this end, it’s now up to Congress to finally act and find long-term solutions to these challenges.
“There is no shortage of issues that this Congress can address immediately and, with the important challenges facing our country, inaction is not an option. Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the coming year to address the priorities of the American people.”