WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement this evening after the president delivered his annual assessment of the state of the American union:
"The president used his final State of the Union address tonight to bring a number of important issues to the forefront, none more important than the challenge of keeping the American people safe and secure in a dangerous, increasingly divisive world.
"To that end, I share the president's strong belief in the continued need for good, sound intelligence. That can only be achieved by equipping our intelligence community with the tools and authority they need to do their job.
"One way Congress can provide those tools is to pass a long-term and comprehensive plan to finally fix to our nation's foreign surveillance laws. Unfortunately, all the majority appears willing to do is bring up a short-term, short-sighted patch - as if the business of securing our nation can be accomplished through a series of temporary extensions.
"As critical as strengthening our nation's security, the president also talked about securing our economic future as well - both in the near-term, as well as in promoting long-term growth. It is my hope that we can get the economic stimulus package negotiated in the House to the president in next several weeks. As it moves through the Senate, its focus should remain on providing tax relief to individuals and businesses rather than finding new ways for the government to spend money.
"As we look to strengthen our country's economic and national security, international trade must be a part of the discussion. The president tonight refocused attention on the importance of building relationships with our friends in Latin America, and I couldn't agree more.
"Congress should respond by bringing forth the pending free trade agreement with Colombia - a country of 45 million would-be consumers of American products.
"The president insisted we must leave Iraq on our own terms, not those of our enemy: a point of serious disagreement between Republicans and Democrats in Congress. More than 60 separate votes were called on Iraq this past year - few of them substantive, and even fewer put the needs of our men and women in uniform first. It's my hope this new year will reveal a new approach on this crucial issue from the majority.
"In the president's last year in office, I believe he stands behind the podium in a much stronger position tonight than he did last year. He has demonstrated his ability to lead our nation and take tough stands when needed. We will not see President Bush coast to the finish - we will see a strong sprint.
"Congress has a unique opportunity to finish the work of years past, while creating the conditions necessary for Americans to succeed in the future. We must work with the president to advance an agenda that keeps taxes low, freedom intact, and our nation secure. To the extent possible, Republicans look forward to working with our colleagues across the aisle on these and other issues as the new year takes shape. Where necessary, however, we stand ready and able to fight."
SOURCE House Republican Whip Roy Blunt
