Keating Statement On SOTU

Below is a statement from Rep. Bill Keating in response to President Obama's final State of the Union address.

"When I first sat in this Chamber for the President's State of the Union address - the second of his Presidency - I remember the blueprint he laid out for "winning the future." Five years later, after numerous achievements and milestones to get America back on track after a devastating recession, he is once again mapping out the road for this country to win the future - but not just economically. Tonight, he has given us, as Americans, a holistic, hopeful approach to be the best version of ourselves, to recognize who we are and who we want to be, and to figure out how to get there.

"As Ranking Member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, I wholeheartedly support the President's message that many facets of our economy and policies - both foreign and domestic - affect our national security. Protecting America and its citizens is not simply about responding to threats or attacks and stopping them before they occur. It is about addressing climate change, ensuring our foreign policies show strength through assistance and unity, and making sure our students can compete globally in STEM fields because they will be the ones developing the technology that continues to keep us safe.

"President Obama has also outlined the need for critical national investments that will hit close to home - combatting the epidemic of prescription drug abuse, strengthening Medicare and Social Security, and increasing our clean energy resources. We must ensure our loved ones have access to treatment programs, like those in Massachusetts leading the fight against substance abuse. And we must protect retirement for generations of hard-working Americans, while invigorating an emerging workforce for the many skilled jobs that a clean energy economy depends on.

"He also spoke about an issue I have long championed - strengthening our community colleges and making sure that anyone who wants a quality education is able to receive one. Higher study cannot be limited to only those who can afford rising tuition costs. Our economy will directly benefit from ensuring that students of any age and background are able to further their education.

"With the 2016 election season in full swing, we will continue seeing divisive rhetoric. That is not what this country needs. I truly believe, like the President, we are at a critical juncture in our history. It is time to free ourselves from the obstructionism that has plagued this country for far too long."

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