Washington, January 24, 2012 -

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-9) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“The President said he wants an economy that's “built to last.” What the President doesn’t seem to understand is, for the last 200 years, America has had an economy tough enough and solid enough to grow into the biggest economy in the world.  The success of the American economy is due to the hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and perseverance of the American people -- with limited interference from the federal government.  His policies of over-regulation, class warfare, and creating a set of Americans dependant on the government are undermining the foundation of this economy.”

“Mr. Obama said America needs to become a nation where everyone “gets a fair shot” and does their “fair share.”  Well, who determines what is fair?  Does the President get to decide?  President Obama needs to stop dividing Americans based on their hard work and achievements.  His brand of class warfare won’t help the economy.  Our future and our children's future aren’t endangered by those who succeed. The real threat to America is a bankrupt federal government which won't stop spending money it doesn't have, while encroaching into the personal affairs of its citizens."
 
“Tonight, President Obama called on an increase in domestic energy production.  Since he took office, the price of gas has nearly doubled.  His decision not to construct the Keystone XL pipeline was a mistake, and it was a failure of leadership.  The American government should not be passing on projects that would safely increase our energy supply and create thousands of jobs at no cost to the taxpayer.  If the President wants to help grow the middle class, maybe he should consider getting out of the way of private enterprise.”

“Congress needs to take a pair of scissors to President Obama’s maxed-out platinum card.  The federal debt has grown by a third in just his three years in office, an unprecedented rate of growth.  And, tonight, he gave us another laundry list of spending items, without any real plan for cutting the deficit.  The catchy language and applause lines of his speech won’t bring jobs to Georgia.  Ending big government’s reckless spending and its drag on the private sector will.  By re-establishing our fiscal solvency, America can ensure the survival of our free society, and pass the torch of freedom and opportunity to our children and grandchildren.”