Essential Estrogen

Below are statements and reactions from Iowa's federal legislators, following President George W. Bush's final State of the Union address.

Senator Tom Harkin

"I welcomed the spirit of cooperation in parts of the President's speech tonight and I am looking forward to working with him on important legislation we must finish this year.

"The President's recent effort to help us enact a bipartisan stimulus package is an important step to averting a deeper downturn in our nation's economy. We need an effective stimulus package. We must get it right. Investing in nutrition assistance for low-income families and unemployment benefits, as well as putting people to work right away, must be central to our effort. Economic experts agree that these types of investments will show immediate results and make the greatest impact on our economy.

"The President mentioned reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The new farm bill currently moving through Congress has the potential to do just that, which is why the cooperation of the White House is so critical to passing our bill. I look forward to working with him to get this bill done.

"We heard the President declare his surge a success, and there is no doubt that our brave soldiers in Iraq have performed brilliantly. Yet the stated goal of the surge was to give the Iraqi government breathing room to bring about political reconciliation, and numerous independent experts agree that simply has not happened. Only by setting a timetable for redeployment of our forces will Iraqi leaders have the incentive to resolve their political differences and take responsibility for their own future. Only then can we begin to more effectively address the real threats to our security by refocusing our attention on a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan and working to restore democracy in Pakistan.

"The President didn't say enough about our broken healthcare system. Americans have made their voices clear that we must act now to expand access to quality care and I hope this Congress can take significant steps toward that end.

"The bottom line is that Americans are looking for a new direction for our country. Democrats in Congress intend to deliver. The question left unanswered tonight is whether President Bush will work with us, and not against us.”

Senator Chuck Grassley

"President Bush is responding to the anxieties of Americans and addressing them head on with his actions and his words.

"He worked with Congress on a bipartisan stimulus package, and tonight he's making the case for prompt action by lawmakers in order to increase the chances of legislation having a positive effect. Creating an environment for economic opportunity and job creation will be a well-deserved legacy of President Bush's. He has worked to expand export opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, service providers and farmers, and he's made lower taxes a hallmark of his presidency. Americans know that higher taxes right now would be devastating to an economy that's jittery, and President Bush is a forward-looking leader when it comes to making tax relief for families, individuals and entrepreneurs a permanent, predictable part of the federal tax code. If Congress doesn't act, the American people will face the biggest tax increase ever, and it'll happen without a vote of Congress.

"Along with letting people keep more of their own hard-earned money, the President is also responding to Americans' concern about pork-barrel spending by Congress. It's time to reform the appropriations process and control other spending in Washington.

"President Bush understands the critical need to preserve homeland and national security. He's committed to giving law enforcement officers the tools they need to continue preventing another terrorist attack. The global fight against Islamic extremists whose goal is to destroy our country and the freedom it stands for goes on. The intelligence bill before the Senate modernizes the FISA law and strikes the right kind of balance between respect for civil liberties and strengthening resources for our intelligence community.

"President Bush paid appropriate respect tonight to the U.S. service men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan and in places all over the world. The President's strong leadership has helped to guarantee support for their selfless efforts. By standing firm in opposition to political efforts to precipitously withdraw U.S. troops or cut off funding, President Bush has made sure that troop levels are being reduced only at the direction of military commanders in the field. We're safer here at home because of the sacrifice and commitment of all those taking the fight overseas instead of allowing the fight to come to U.S. soil."

Congressman Dave Loebsack

“I was pleased to hear President Bush discuss the economic concerns facing the people of Iowa’s Second District. As our country faces an uncertain economic future, hard working Iowa families are struggling now, more than ever, to make ends meet. I have been hearing first hand about these struggles from the people of the Second District, these folks work hard and play by the rules, but are falling further behind.

“Tonight, during his final State of the Union Address, President Bush discussed the bipartisan Economic Stimulus plan that was jointly created by Congress and the White House. Congress fought hard to negotiate a compromise that covers as many hard working families and seniors as possible. This plan, while not perfect, provides real relief. It will give middle-class, working folks, cash up-front to help with everyday expenses. These are the people that truly need help, they have been left behind for too long.

“Iowans are working harder for less and paying more for health care, college, home heating and other energy costs. For most people, one income isn't enough to raise a family and send your kids to college. Sometimes, two incomes aren't enough. Middle-class Americans, hard working Iowa families, are seeing their dreams slip further and further away. It is time for a change, time for more than just an economic stimulus plan.

“The President’s acknowledgement of the problems facing families today is not enough. We need to address these problems, we need log term solutions, we need to let go of the policies of the past and seize this moment in time to change our national policy and make critical investments in education, healthcare, economic development and renewable energy so we can once again establish an economy that works for all Iowans.

“Lastly, the President gave us no hope for an end to the war in Iraq. This war is making us less safe at home and abroad. We must begin to bring our troops home safely and responsibly, while also working to renew our commitment to Afghanistan. This country is the front line on the war against terrorism; our commitment in Afghanistan must reflect our commitment to national security.

“This will be my focus in 2008, and I hope the President will join us in this effort.”

Congressman Bruce Braley

“Our nation is facing growing challenges: American troops are still fighting in Iraq. Our economy is on the brink of a recession. The skyrocketing costs of healthcare and energy are squeezing working families to the limit.

“These problems demand quick action, but partisanship is crippling Washington. That’s why we need leadership as much as we need ideas.

“Seeing the President’s speech tonight, I see places where Congress and the White House can find common ground. We need to move quickly to pass an economic stimulus package into law that’s temporary, timely, and targeted, to bring relief to working families. There’s been an encouraging level of bipartisan cooperation to achieve that goal.

“But the President has a long way to go to convince me that he is truly going to do anything other than more-of-the-same with issues like the war in Iraq, trade, or healthcare. And the President needs to provide real leadership on boosting renewable energy production, not just an occasional mention in a State of the Union.”