Working Together for Success

During his final the State of the Union address last week, the President voiced candid but optimistic words to the American people. He shared a vision for success and discussed issues that are affecting America's families and businesses. He focused his words on key areas where the administration and Congress can work together to concentrate on vital concerns such as fully supporting our troops, fighting worldwide forces of terror and maintaining a healthy economy. His words laid out an important roadmap for the future and they deserve consideration and practical follow-up by Congress.

Fully supporting our troops, like the President has pledged, means giving them the resources they need. For those engaged in tough fights in Iraq and Afghanistan, having access to modernized, safe equipment is critical. Congress must work together this year to pass troop funding legislation in a timely manner and avoid the stall-tactics of some members of Congress who delayed last year's funding for partisan political gain. For our nation's veterans and their families, Congress should work to expand the quality of health care and provide more access to childcare. It cannot be said enough - our troops have fought for and defended America's freedoms and they deserve all the support we can give them.

The President spent time during his address focusing on the need to keep our country's economy healthy. He called for Congress to pass an economic growth package that could be agreed on by both sides of the aisle. Last week, House members passed a bill that will give tax rebates to the American people. That legislation or something similar should be passed quickly by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature. Our economy needs this critical, short term boost but lawmakers also need to create a plan for sustained long term growth. I believe part of that plan should be making the child tax deduction, the elimination of the marriage penalty, the repeal of the death tax and other tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 permanent. This will keep our economy on track and growing.

The President's address highlighted a number of significant issues facing our nation. His words were determined and confident and I am proud that he offered an aggressive agenda asking Congress and the administration to work together. I hope that Congress works with the President making it the year of progress instead of partisanship. It is the responsibility of both parties to respond to his call for bipartisan cooperation and make 2008 a banner year.