Cummings Responds to President’s State of the Union

Feb 13, 2013
Press Release
Applauds President For Plan to Rebuild Economy, Tackle Gun Violence and Address Challenges Facing Americans

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement after the State of the Union address by President Barack Obama:

“Tonight, the President laid out a comprehensive plan to promote economic growth, create good paying jobs, and continue our nation’s economic recovery.  This is truly a make or break moment for our country, and the President demonstrated forcefully that he is committed to making the American dream attainable for all Americans.  Congressional Republicans need to heed the President’s challenge, stop manufacturing false political crises that harm our economy, and turn to the serious job of governing.  We must all work together to find common ground and, if possible, higher ground to build an economy that works for everyone.

“I was particularly encouraged that the President highlighted smart investments we can make now to grow our economy and increase competitiveness in the long-term.  The American people want every citizen to pay their fair share – including the ultra-rich who have enjoyed tax breaks for far too many years – while we maintain our commitment to our nation’s most vulnerable, like our seniors.

“I also applaud President Obama for challenging Congress to address senseless gun violence in this country.  This is an extremely personal issue for me as I lost my nephew to gun violence.  We must pursue common sense solutions to gun violence, like the legislation to combat gun trafficking that I introduced last week with support from Democrats and Republicans alike. It is my hope that we can put aside politics, disregard partisan rhetoric, and work together on reforms that everyone can agree on.

“I was also pleased to hear the President call on Congress to immediately tackle the issue of protecting voting rights in this country.  Voting is a fundamental right that every eligible American is entitled to – not a privilege reserved for a select few.  Eligible voters should not be prevented from casting their ballots because of long lines and inaccurate voter records.  We’re better than that as a nation, and we need to protect the right of every single eligible voter to access the ballot box.”

113th Congress