Washington, DC –  Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) released the following statement tonight, after President Bush gave his final State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. 

“The American people and my fellow Members of Congress had high hopes for President Bush’s final State of the Union address.  Instead, we heard no new ideas and a willingness to continue too many failed policies of the past.”

“The American people are hurting – and the President did not offer us many real solutions.  Families are paying more than ever before for gas, education, and health care.  At the same time unemployment is rising and the housing market is in a downward spiral.  This is particularly true for the Inland Empire, where the unemployment rate of 6.2% is well above the national average and foreclosure rates are soaring.”

“While the stimulus package the President and Congress have agreed to is a positive start, we need to do more.  The President spoke a great deal about the need for free trade, but failed to say much about the middle class here at home.  What about the need to protect jobs from outsourcing and create more jobs for hardworking Americans?  What about our health care crisis and our skyrocketing college costs?  We need tangible solutions to the problems that Californians and Americans across the nation face everyday.”

“The American people were also ready to hear about a new direction in our foreign policy – one that would restore our moral leadership in the world and refocus our armed forces on the threat of Islamic terrorism.  Instead, we heard more of the same rhetoric and misguided ideas.” 

“American forces have been in Iraq for almost 5 years, close to 4,000 brave men and women have died, and we have spent nearly a half a trillion dollars.  Yet after these terrible costs, we remain no closer to any real political reconciliation within the Iraqi government.  It is time for a change of direction that leads to a responsible withdrawal of our troops, and the Iraqi government finally taking responsibility for their own country.”

“And while I was pleased to hear of the President’s newfound interest in earmark reforms - I find it interesting that he brings it up now.  Earmark funding levels and abuses skyrocketed under the previous Republican leadership in Congress.  It has been the Democrats who have led the way on real earmark reform.  On the first day of this 110th Congress, Democrats introduced new rules that, for the first time, provided real transparency and accountability in the earmark process.”

“My Democratic colleagues and I continue to stand ready to work with the President and Congressional Republicans where we can this year.  But we will remain true to the real priorities of the American people.  We will continue to fight for affordable health care for all, for lower education costs and better schools, for safer neighborhoods where families can stay in their homes, and for a responsible end to American involvement in Iraq.”