Cole Statement on 2014 State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress.

“Throughout his administration, the president has had difficulty working with Congress,” said Cole. “That has been especially true in this era of divided government. As expected, new promises abounded tonight, but lofty ambitions don’t pay for themselves. Our nation is currently suffering the weakest recovery since World War II, which should drive the president to keep the focus on healing the economy by offering regulatory relief, reforming entitlements and putting the country on fiscally firm footing—not imposing new spending or raising taxes.

“The president called for a ‘Year of Action,’ and certainly the country would like to see reforms that benefit the American people. That’s why the House of Representatives has passed dozens of bills that would benefit job creators, bring new jobs and improve the workforce. That’s why the House has worked tirelessly to find reforms that bring down the deficit. However, through talk of programs like unemployment benefits, the president again showed that he is more inclined to fight Congress than to work with it. To get things done in divided government, the president must set goals that unite Democrats and Republicans. But the message in tonight’s speech is a disappointment.

“As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote, ‘I have a very strong feeling that it is a president’s duty to get on with Congress if he possibly can, and that it is a reflection upon him if he and Congress come to a complete break.’ During much of President Obama’s time in office, he has refused to work with Congress or consider anything other than his own vision. We are a nation of laws and each branch of government serves as a check on the other. Whether the president likes it or not, he cannot act without Congress and remain true to the Constitution.

“In the coming days, especially with the expiring debt ceiling, the president has a real opportunity to move past rhetoric and into actual conversation and cooperation with lawmakers. Otherwise, he will be remembered in history for his inability to lead or accomplish anything of value,” concluded Cole.

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