Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after witnessing his first State of the Union address:

“It’s encouraging to see that the President and the new Congress share many of the same goals. We all want to see affordable education, inexpensive and accessible healthcare, and a robust middle class. How we reach those goals is another matter.

“The Republican majorities were not elected to fall in step with President Obama’s agenda—the American people are demanding change. The President needs to learn to work with, not against, Congress to find solutions. It’s been only two weeks since the 114th Congress was sworn in, and we’ve hit the ground running by passing solid, bipartisan legislation. Now the President needs to act.

“For six years, we’ve heard President Obama tout big ideas and even bigger promises, and tonight was no different. Despite the annual list of promises, most remain unfulfilled. The programs and policies from this administration have hurt the middle class he claims to defend, taxed the families he claims are safe, and stifled the growth he claims to have created.

“The end result is bigger government and higher costs, forcing the middle class to pick up the tab for the President’s lofty goals.

“Despite our differences, it was an honor to hear from the President this evening. If he’s ready to get to work on the change that Americans demanded last November, Congress will be here waiting.” 

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