WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) this evening offered the
following remarks prior to President Bush’s State of the Union address to the nation.

 

“It is a major accomplishment for our men and women in uniform that the Iraqi people went to the polls in their own country last week and held free elections.  President Bush deserves a lot of credit for sticking to the timeline he set for these elections.  We need to continue to make progress and ultimately bring U.S. troops home and tranfer full governing authority to the new Iraqi government.

 

“Social Security is a program in which every American has a stake.  We need to do everything possible to make sure Social Security is secure in both the short term and the long term.  I am adamant that we must not cut benefits for the retirees of today to reform the system in the long run.  Aside from that main concern, I have an open mind on what might be done. 

 

“Important first steps are to balance the budget and to implement pension reform as we lay the groundwork for any changes to Social Security.  Reckless government spending and a fragile Medicare program pose far greater risks to Americans than any instability in the Social Security system.

 

“I am very supportive of the increase in the benefit for the families of soldiers who are killed in the line of duty to $250,000.  Our military make great sacrifices when their loved ones embark on a tour of duty – we owe them the peace of mind that if something happens to their soldier, they will receive a substantial benefit.”