| Washington, DC: Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX - 24) joined colleagues from both chambers last night to watch President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address to Congress.
"It was remarkable to witness this historic occasion, as the President articulated his bold agenda for years to come," said Marchant. "The President spoke directly to Republicans and Democrats tonight. He called on our generation of leaders to confront the issues this nation faces, both domestic and abroad, to ensure a strong and secure nation for posterity."
Representative Marchant was pleased with Bush's emphasis on financial restraint. The President vowed to limit the growth of discretionary spending and cut the budget deficit in half by 2009.
"I specifically applaud the President for establishing fiscal discipline as a top priority," Marchant commented. "A main goal for this session is to reign in spending, and under the President's leadership, I am confident that taxpayers' dollars will be spent wisely."
President Bush also laid out his plan to reform Social Security. "Social Security was a great moral success of the twentieth century," said the President, "and we must honor its great purposes in this new century. The system however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security."
Marchant complimented the President's foresight and commitment to finding long-term solutions for the Social Security program. "Americans of all ages have the right to a safe, secure retirement," he said. "Current and near retirees should be assured that they will receive the full benefits they have been promised. We also have a responsibility to ensure a financially sound system for the future and provide younger generations the same benefits we have enjoyed. I am eager to see the plan unfold through the legislative process and tackle the matter in Congress."
Another dominant theme of the President's speech was the advance of freedom in the Middle East and the ongoing efforts to win war on terrorism. Bush spoke of promoting peace and stability in the region. He resolved to fight the threat of terror while encouraging a higher standard of freedom in the broader Middle East.
"Tonight the President displayed an unwavering resolve to advance freedom and democracy," said Marchant. "Between Israel, Palestine and the monumental changes with elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, the progress towards peace has provided renewed hope for the Middle East. I support the President's efforts to move the democratic process forward in these embattled states."
For Marchant the emotional highlight of the evening came when President Bush introduced the parents of a U.S. Marine from Pflugerville, Texas, Byron Norwood, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq. The couple received an ovation from assembled senators and representatives. Seconds later, Safia Taleb al-Suhail, an Iraqi woman who cast her vote last Sunday, leaned over and embraced Janet, Norwood's mother.
"That was the most powerful image of the night for me," Marchant remarked. "It was touching to witness the mother of a fallen U.S. Marine and an Iraqi woman come together. The moment made me truly appreciate our freedoms as Americans and reminded me why standing for liberty in the Middle East is so vital."
Overall Marchant felt encouraged by the positive tone of the President's message. "This is a President who is not going to rest on his laurels," he said. "I am excited about the opportunities and challenges he has put before Congress. I look forward to working with the President and meeting the goals he has set forth for our nation."
CONTACT:
Annie Christian
(202) 225-6605
annie.christian@mail.house.gov |
