Cole Comments on State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union address:

"The President is always eloquent, but the real degree of his commitment to fiscal responsibility will be measured by actions, not words.

"The five-year spending freeze is a nice gesture, but with yearly spending up to over $1 trillion, we need to reverse spending, not just freeze it. House Republicans voted today to cut spending back to 2008 levels, and we don't plan to stop there. That's the kind of progress Americans expect, and I hope to see the President and Democratic Senate embrace these serious proposals to rein in spending.

"For the first time in four years, we have an opportunity to make real progress in reducing the deficit before it's too late. Public support for spending cuts has reached the highest levels in recent memory, and that determination is shared by the Republican majority in the House.

"With both the debt and the public appetite for spending cuts reaching historic highs, deficit reduction has rapidly become not only the smart option politically but the only option fiscally. If President Obama offers a legitimate deficit reduction plan, he will certainly find allies in the American people and the Republican House.

"I appreciated the President's remarks on civility and am optimistic that this Congress can work together to overcome our challenges. As President Obama rightly noted, the spirit and strength that made America a world leader are more than equal to the moment, and I am confident that we will take the actions necessary to preserve America's competitiveness and prosperity."