January 28, 2008 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), made the following comments in response to President George W. Bush’s seventh and final State of the Union address this evening.

“The President’s speech highlighted two of the most pressing issues facing our nation: the threat to our national security from terrorists without, and the instability of a tenuous economic situation within.

“Related to FISA, Democrats’ recent antics surrounding the reauthorization of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) have been absolutely shameful.  Members of this Congress who have used the FISA debate for political posturing are derelict in their responsibility to fulfill their oaths of office and provide for the common defense of the American people.  The pending 30-day extension of the Protect America Act is a slap in the face to the Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, who called on Congress over six months ago to modernize our outdated intelligence regulations.

“It is the responsibility of this Congress to not delay another day to provide our intelligence community with the tools they need to protect America from future terrorist attacks, and making the Protect America Act permanent, as he said, would both respect and guard the civil liberties of Americans while protecting those Americans from future attacks.

“President Bush realizes, as do terrorists and extremists all over the world, that America is serving on the frontlines in a war against those who, as he said, ‘despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.’  One of the most critical and necessary elements of securing victory—in Iraq or anywhere else— is for this Congress to provide critical moral and monetary support to the noble men and women serving in our Armed Forces. 

“Furthermore, the President touched on several initiatives necessary to restoring stability in the short term and viability in the long term to our economy, including implementing the economic stimulus package, cutting wasteful government spending, making the tax cuts permanent, and restoring true transparency to the earmark process. 

“Whether protecting life at its earliest stage in the battle over embryonic stem cell research, or seeking to defeat a relentless enemy determined to destroy America and the cause of freedom all over the world, I believe history will remember this President as a man who stood strong to protect and defend the innocent in spite of those who, for perceived political gain, would stand by and watch victims be crushed without raising a hand.  I look forward to serving the rest of this year under the leadership, perseverance, and courage of President George W. Bush.”