Statement on President Obama's Address to the Nation

“Since the 112th Congress began in January, the U.S. House of Representatives has prioritized a legislative agenda intended to foster a better environment for job creation in America.  The House has passed legislation to ease the tax burden on small businesses; to remove burdensome, redundant government regulations; and, to harness our ability to develop new domestic sources of energy.  More than a dozen House-passed jobs bills are still awaiting action in the Senate. I appreciate President Obama’s willingness to partner with Congress on this critical issue and encourage the President and Senate leadership to follow the House’s lead in advancing pro-growth policies that remove government barriers to private sector job creation. By enacting such policies, as well as seeking to further rein in spending through the passage of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we can provide greater certainty to job creators over the long-term, helping the private-sector better plan, invest and get back to creating jobs.

I was disappointed in the President's assertion earlier this week that Republicans who disagree with his proposed solutions are putting their political needs before those of the county. Nevertheless, I will certainly consider the President's proposals in good faith, and where we agree, such as in preventing an increase in the payroll tax, I look forward to working with him. As always, my decisions will be solely guided by the merits of the issues before me, not partisan politics."