Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) released the following statement regarding President Barrack Obama’s State of the Union address delivered to a joint session of Congress.
“President Obama’s themes of opportunity, optimism, and action struck exactly the right chord tonight. While we have seen positive economic indicators that the economy continues to gain strength, far too many Americans are being left behind. I stand with President Obama in supporting comprehensive approaches to grow the middle-class and reduce poverty by increasing the minimum wage, passing an unemployment benefit extension immediately, providing job training, making college more affordable, and investing in high-tech manufacturing right here at home. And Congress, particularly the Republican controlled House, must be a partner in finding common ground to move America forward.
“As Chair of the Democratic Women’s Working Group, I am pleased that the president echoed our women’s economic agenda when he reminded us that ‘when women succeed, America succeeds.’ He’s exactly right, and it is time to get behind policies to help America’s women. Let’s put politics aside and pass equal pay for equal work, raise the minimum wage, and provide quality, affordable childcare. Let’s give women the opportunity they have earned. This will grow our economy for all Americans, and it’s the right thing to do.
“The determination and ingenuity of the American people is without equal. We can no longer allow Washington to stand in the way. Each of us in elected office has a responsibility to work across party lines to find the compromise necessary to pass legislation that addresses the challenges we face. Quality education, long-term investments in infrastructure, and policies to help America’s women will move our country forward. That is the optimism captured in the President’s speech, and I will work with him and my colleagues to harness the potential of all Americans.”
