WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued the following statement tonight in response to President George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address:

“Since 2001, America has withstood several monumental tragedies and rebounded from significant obstacles while continuing to promote the cause of freedom through vigorous prosecution of the Global War on Terror.  Through each tragedy, we have shown the commitment to our ideals and the strength of our resolve.

“The President offered a bold vision tonight, and I agree that we are, indeed, living in historic times and that we are in control of our own destiny.  That is why it is so important that both parties work together to ensure that both our foreign and domestic policies enable America to be the global leader throughout the 21^st century.

On the Global War on Terror:

“I applaud the President’s strong leadership in defending our nation and believe that he often goes without recognition for continuing to work to defeat the enemy in the Global War on Terror. 

“The liberation of Iraq has been extremely difficult for our military men and women, their families and the citizens of Iraq but our commitment to freedom and stability in the Middle East must be steadfast.  At the same time, we must always meet the priorities of our current servicemen and women as well as our veterans.

“Our enemies proved dramatically on September 11, that they are committed to killing Americans.  We must recognize the reality that we are fighting a war against an enemy with a stated goal of killing the innocent and destroying the Western world.  We all want to bring our troops home as soon as possible, but we simply cannot permit the terrorists to declare victory in Iraq.  We must be resolute in our mission in order to achieve victory, at which time we can bring our troops home with the honor and respect that they deserve.

“In the modern world where technology can enable a terrorist in a cave in Afghanistan to send plans for murder and destruction to the computer or voicemail of an associate to anywhere in the United States, including New Jersey, it is essential that we provide law enforcement with all of the tools necessary to successfully protect Americans and identify our enemies in the War on Terror.

On Healthcare:

“I know that the people of New Jersey are concerned with the rising costs and availability of adequate healthcare.  That is why I supported the creation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that has just taken effect.   

“While we must work together to overcome the few glitches during this period of adjustment, the fact remains that for the first time ever, the federal government is providing the resources so that more senior citizens are receiving the prescription medicines they need.

“I support increasing the contribution limits to health savings accounts and believe they are an excellent option for young Americans who can afford to save now tax-free in order to better handle the costs of potential health problems that might occur as they grow older.

 On the Economy and Tax Cuts:

“Our economy continues to rebound from the attacks of September 11 and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina even as we fight the War on Terror.  The tax cuts that we have passed have spurred this economic recovery, creating 4.6 million jobs in the process.

“The people of New Jersey are oppressed enough by excessive property taxes and I will provide as much relief to those families as I possibly can.   Cutting taxes allows families to hold on to more of their own hard earned dollars so they can better afford the growing costs of healthcare, gas and education.”