(Washington, DC): -- Congressman Mike McNulty (D-Green Island) gives the President's State of the Union message mixed reviews on two major issues.

McNulty contends Bush is going in the wrong direction on Social Security by proposing a plan that will require $2 trillion in borrowing to initiate, exacerbating an already huge $7.6 trillion national debt.

“The President is proposing that we sink the nation deeper into debt to fix a system that is not broken,” McNulty said. “The fact that Social Security is fully solvent until the year 2042 is clear evidence that while the program needs modest reform, it does not need major surgery. To burden future generations with trillions more in debt is irresponsible.”

On the foreign policy front, McNulty praised Bush for resisting pressure to postpone the Iraqi elections. “By any objective measure, the January 30th elections in Iraq were a remarkable success,” the congressman said.

McNulty also praised Iraqi voters, who defied “You vote, you die,” terrorist threats by turning out in higher numbers than expected. He also lauded our U.S. and coalition soldiers who provided the tight security necessary for a successful election. “This will have ramifications far beyond the borders of Iraq. It bodes well not only for the people of Iraq, but also for oppressed people throughout the Middle East,” he said.

Overall, McNulty expressed the hope “that Democrats and Republicans will work together to reduce the national debt and strengthen the economy here at home, and to spread Democracy throughout the world.”

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