Following President Bush’s seventh State of the Union, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement:
"At a time when our country is at a crossroads on the economy, energy, and the war in Iraq, the President delivered his last State of the Union address.
We have important decisions to make this year that will have lasting effects in the coming years and on future generations. When it came time to offer big ideas and a change in direction, this President offered little of either. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to push forward on a new direction on the economy, energy, and the war in Iraq.
For this last year the President is in office, I believe there are opportunities to work together on investing in new energy technologies. We need to continue making the U.S. a global leader in developing and utilizing alternative and renewable energy. The President laid out some good first steps, but we need to do more. The U.S. should follow Colorado’s lead in establishing the New Energy Economy. Quite simply, this kind of investment is good for national security, the climate and jobs. It is an investment in our infrastructure that can jump start our economy and have lasting positive impacts on our own and future generations’ stability. We can start this year by providing opportunities for our financial institutions to give lower interest loans to those who buy and build using energy-efficient products.
We also must offer timely, targeted and temporary economic relief to the hard working people of this nation. Our Congress needs to work in a bipartisan fashion with the President to put our country’s fiscal house in order. I believe this means lowering our debt. Most Americans live within a budget, so should the country. I also believe this means investing in critical infrastructure for our nation. I will work with the Democratic-lead Congress to empower American ingenuity and give business the tools to win in a global economy. The House already passed important reforms to help ease the housing crunch and address the subprime mortgage crisis, and I hope the Senate and this President move the ball forward to implement this important legislation. This is critical to thousands of people in our district in Colorado and across the nation.
Furthermore, we need a real plan to change course in Iraq and hold Iraqis responsible for their own country’s progress. When I was in Iraq in early December, I saw a glimmer of hope for the Iraqis to start restoring services and take control of their own country. They know the U.S. cannot and will not stay forever. It is time for us to begin multi-national reconstruction and political reconciliation and redeploy our troops home and to nearby bases in the region as soon as practicable. Enough is enough. It is time to come home.
Finally – the President offered no guidance on our homeland security. We cannot let the safety and security of our home take a backseat anymore. Last year, I proposed legislation to redeploy our National Guard home from Iraq so they can be the front lines of defense for our borders and during times of national disasters. I will continue to push this legislation in the coming year.
Our country needs leadership to restore hope, optimism and inspiration. We need a plan for stability at home and in the World. These are the kinds of things I want to see happen this year, and the kinds of things I will work for in Congress and with the President – if he is willing."
