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Washington, DC– Congressman Brett Guthrie today issued the following statement in advance of President Obama’s State of the Union address:

 “Over the course of the last six years, our nation has fallen victim to this Administration’s failed policies.  From a one-size-fits-all health care law to unilateral action on immigration reform, this Administration has led with executive actions and regulations that hold America back from reaching its potential.  Tonight, I hope we will hear a new tune from this president – expressing willingness to work with Congress to put America first.  It won’t be easy, but it is possible.

“Last year, the president signed a bill to reauthorize our workforce training laws, which I was proud to play a role in.  As our economy continues to grow, it is imperative that we give employers and employees the opportunities to succeed.  This was an area where Republicans and Democrats worked together to improve our workforce and our economy.  There are many areas where we can work together, like energy, tax reform, and education, which impact everyone.

“To achieve energy independence, we must promote a true all-of-the-above energy agenda.  That means pursuing all available sources and opportunities, like approving the Keystone XL pipeline, expediting liquefied natural gas exports and rolling back the burdensome regulations that are piling up on energy sectors like coal in Kentucky.  Our domestic energy supplies provide a huge advantage for our economy and for our country on the global stage, so we must use these resources to their fullest potential.

“The laws governing K-12 and post-secondary education are also in need of repair.  Rather than issuing waivers from outdated laws or proposing new multi-billion dollar programs, we need to examine our current systems and improve them to meet the needs of today’s students.  Last year the House was successful in adopting a bill to replace No Child Left Behind and also passed a series of bills to pave the way for reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.  I am hopeful that the Administration will work with Congress to build off of this momentum and give our students a brighter future.

“Obamacare continues to be one of the biggest concerns of mine.  The House has acted repeatedly to offer the American people relief from Obamacare, as well as ideas on how we could move toward a more patient-centered system that lowers costs and maintains access for all Americans.  The president should listen to the American people and to Congress regarding the impact Obamacare’s overregulation and increased costs have placed on families and businesses.

“There are also great concerns about national security, both at home and abroad.  We are fortunate to call the greatest nation in the world our home.  But sadly others view America differently and are intent on causing us harm.  It is critical that we band together to counteract these extremist threats.

“In short, I hope that tonight the president sharply departs from his politics of blame and is more receptive to the ideas posed by the Congress and supported by the American people.  Kentuckians I’ve spoken with are tired of the political posturing and want to see true change in Washington, not more of the same.”

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