Conservatives Pre-React to State of the Union Address
Sure, the State of the Union is still a while away --three hours and counting -- but where's the fun in obeying the House conservative's 9: 01 PM EST embargo on their post-SOTU comments?
After the jump: Representatives far and wide share their feelings of love for Bush. Don't miss such classics as this one from Rep. Poe in Texas: "President Bush's commitment to driving perpetrators of terror back into their foxholes continues to bear fruit." Mmm... foxhole fruit.—CS
Subject: HOUSE CONSERVATIVES REACT TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 17:29:44 -0500
From: RSC
*EMBARGOED UNTIL 9: 01 p.m. EST
Contact: Skip Brown*
*February 2,
2005
202-225-XXXX
*HOUSE CONSERVATIVES REACT TO *
*STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS*
Washington, D.C. - Members of the House Republican Study Committee
issued the following statements in reaction to President Bush's State of
the Union address this evening:
"It takes a lot of courage for any politician to touch the so-called
'third rail of politics.' By laying out a vision for Social Security
reform that guarantees benefits for current retirees and creates
personal savings accounts for younger workers, President Bush has shown
that he's more concerned about preserving and improving the program than
he is about partisan political fallout."
- */ Rep. Jeff Flake, AZ-6/*
"As the leader of energy policy in Congress, I was encouraged by the
president's remarks regarding our need to decrease dependence on foreign
sources of oil. I am determined to fight on Capitol Hill for a
comprehensive energy policy that meets America's energy needs while
reducing our reliance on other nations for help, and look forward to the
support of the White House."
- ***/ Rep. Joe Barton, TX-6/*
"As President Bush made clear tonight, freedom is a priceless right.
Whether it is in the form of joyous new voters in Afghanistan and Iraq
or in the form of financial freedom here at home through responsible
Social Security reform and tax reform, freedom must be promoted and
defended. I share President Bush's bedrock embrace of freedom and his
desire to create an 'ownership society.' I look forward to working with
President Bush on policies that will enhance liberty and make the
American dream a reality for more people."
- ***/ Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, FL-25/*
"George Bush is a leader who has proven he is not afraid to tackle tough
issues head on. I look forward to working with the President to spread
freedom and hope around the world, strengthen families here at home, and
reform those programs that simply cannot meet the demands of tomorrow.
In the end, these policies will make our nation safer and stronger and
our future more secure."
- ***/ Rep. Joe Pitts, PA-16/*
"I agree with the President that there is a real need for responsible
reform of our broken social security system. I support creating
personal accounts that allow younger workers to invest a portion of
their contribution, while still protecting the benefits many seniors
depend on."
- ***/ Rep. Dan Burton, IN-5/*
"President Bush really made the case for bi-partisan support on a lot of
these issues. The things he discussed - strengthening Social Security,
making America safer, celebrating freedom - these aren't Republican or
Democratic issues, they're American issues. We've got a lot on our
plate this year, but I think the President's optimism will be contagious
and we'll accomplish a lot, too."
- ***/ Rep. Phil Gingrey, GA-11/*//
"I share the gratitude of the President - and the American people - for
the amazing job being done by the men and women of the United States
military who are fighting for freedom around the world. The success of
elections in Iraq and Afghanistan speaks to the courage of our men and
women in uniform and the Iraqi and Afghan people - and is an encouraging
step forward in the pursuit of freedom and democracy throughout the world."
- ***/ Rep. John Kline, MN-2/*//
"By speaking of his support for our troops and his determination to win
the war on terrorism, President Bush continued to provide the resolute
leadership that Americans need during a time of war. I'm proud and
supportive of President Bush's vision to keep our nation safer by
advancing freedom in the world."
- ***/ Rep. Joe Wilson, SC-2/*
"President Bush has set a bold second term domestic agenda and pledged
to continue the effort to protect and advance freedom across the globe.
Although this aggressive plan will likely encounter political
resistance, it is important to recognize that the President's leadership
will foster greater security for future generations, both at home and
abroad."
- ***/ Rep. Tom Feeney, FL-24/*//
"The health of every American is important to me both as a congressman
and as a physician. President Bush's State of the Union Address has set
out a bold agenda. We are in a health care revolution poised to make
incredible changes. Through my work on the Energy and Commerce
Committee, I plan to make America's health care the standard by which
all others are judged."
- ***/ Rep. Michael C. Burgess, TX-26/*
"From continuing to wage the war on terror, to creating new
opportunities for every American, President Bush's State of the Union
Address serves as a blueprint for a new era of freedom, security and
prosperity. I look forward to working with the President as we forge
the policies that will move America forward."
- ***/ Rep. Connie Mack, FL-14/*
"Although politically perilous issues, energy, tax reform and social
security must be addressed; This President is obviously the right man
for that job. We can't confuse the seeming stoicism of the Democrats
with their obvious politics of obstruction that are stifling this
country from forward progression. The President's bold agenda in every
arena, including a comprehensive energy plan and urgent social security
reform, will save future generations from having to spend trillions of
dollars that could mean the vital difference between a bitter America
and a better America."
- ***/ Rep. George Radanovich, CA-19/*
"President Bush's commitment to driving perpetrators of terror back into
their foxholes continues to bear fruit. Just three days ago - amidst
intimidation, threats, and actual violence - the people of Iraq spoke
out against the past oppression of Saddam Hussein and his dynasty of
tyrants and spoke loudly for democracy. I was privileged to witness
first hand, during my visit to Iraq this weekend, the unfolding of
democracy that has resulted from the President's steadfast leadership
and dedication to extending freedom and liberty."
- ***/ Rep. Judge Ted Poe, TX-2/*