By Bob Howell – WSFA 12 News Anchor, Montgomery, AL

Here’s the latest from Democrat 2nd Dist. Congressman Bobby Bright on President Obama’s address:

_________________________

Congressman Bobby Bright: An Update from Washington- Responding to the State of the Union 

As you are aware, President Obama delivered his first official State of the Union address last Tuesday night.  Regardless of your feelings about the President, it is truly remarkable to witness one of the few Constitutionally-mandated duties that the President must perform.  Nearly every Congressman and Senator, along with Cabinet officials, the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff, the Supreme Court, White House officials, and honored guests were in attendance for the speech.  It was a show of unity and strength of our country.  

In his speech, the President made points with which I agree, and many that I didn’t.  Specifically, he cited the need to return to fiscal responsibility in our government, an issue too often forgotten by many in Washington.  His proposal for a three-year discretionary spending freeze is a good start, but we must go further in reducing federal spending.  I am also glad that he reiterated his support for a fiscal commission and statutory Pay-as-you-go budgeting rules, plans long supported by my Blue Dog colleagues.  

Additionally, I was pleased to see the President support investment in small businesses as a means to create jobs and get the economy back on track.  He proposed extending the tax breaks small businesses use when they purchase new equipment- legislation which I sponsored and was eventually signed into law in 2009.  These tax breaks are essential for allowing businesses to expand and create jobs even during a recession.  He also said capital gains taxes for small businesses should be eliminated, a good step to relieve the financial burdens that our job producers often face. 

However, President Obama did not go as far as I would have liked in extending tax relief for Americans.  Before he delivered his State of the Union and subsequently submitted his budget to Congress, I called for an extension of the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 under President Bush.  Without action, these tax cuts will expire this year, forcing millions to pay higher taxes in the midst of economic turmoil.  Unfortunately, the President proposed only a partial extension of this much-needed tax relief. 

He also restated his commitment to passing health care reform legislation this year.  After recent developments, I hoped the President would redirect his attention from health care to focus on jobs and fiscal responsibility.  Though the President took a humbled tone when he spoke about health care, I remain concerned that he will continue to support and push a plan to which a majority of Americans are opposed. 

While the President offered a brief outline about his plans to get our economy back on track, we will learn about them in greater detail in the weeks ahead as his budget is debated.  Without question, reining in government spending and creating jobs are the two issues about which all Members of Congress and the President must get serious.  Focusing our attention on anything else other than national security is merely seen as a distraction to many Americans. 

 In closing, it is important to note that few presidents have had as many serious problems to address in their first year in office as President Obama has.  As with most presidents, there have been ups and downs.  The President acknowledged as much last Tuesday night.  However, he needs a laser-like focus on the issues where he has a clear mandate:  getting Americans back to work and reducing the budget deficit.  In the coming months, I hope he listens to the will of the American people and works across party lines to create jobs while not breaking the bank.

Filed under: Uncategorized