| This week, President Bush delivered his annual State of the Union Address at a Joint Session of Congress. While listening to his speech, I hoped to hear his goals and initiatives on the real topics that affect our lives and our families both at home and abroad.
President Bush failed to change my mind, and I think he failed to change the minds of the American people, on his policy to increase the number of troops in Iraq. I am disappointed that the President is set on a course of redeployment that will stretch our military, including the National Guard and Reserves, too thin. We must demand more accountability of the Iraqi government and more responsibility of our own government.
I was encouraged to hear the President push for the development of alternative fuels, such as ethanol and biofuel, that would create countless economic opportunities in rural America and help us realize an economic revival in the Delta Region. Our nation has become dependent upon foreign oil and I was pleased to hear that the President is committed to working with those of us in Congress who are promoting the development of such energy supplies to give our farmers and small businesses exciting new markets.
I also believe it is imperative for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner and help pass legislation to make health care more affordable and accessible and to make sure our children receive a world class education in the 21st Century. These are issues the President talked about where I believe we can make a difference on behalf of the American people.
I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle in Congress and in this Administration to place America’s hard working families in the front seat to ensure that our domestic needs are met. |
