Statement by Congressman Jeb Bradley on President Bush's State of the Union Address

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN JEB BRADLEY ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Tonight, in his State of the Union address, the President discussed the serious challenges facing our nation, and expressed his utmost confidence that the American people will rise to meet these challenges in the coming year. I was strongly encouraged by his words, and commend him for his courage, poise, and vision.

In his speech, the President outlined progress being made in Afghanistan and Iraq, and noted the positive impact of our actions around the world, using Libya's recent cooperation as a clear example. I continue to support the administration's fight against terrorism, and efforts to make the world a safer place.

The President also discussed the challenges our economy faces. I applaud the President's commitment to creating jobs so that everyone who wants to work can, and look forward to continued economic recovery, thanks in large part to the tax cuts implemented last year. I also agree with the President's call for fiscal restraint.

The President also made it very clear that we must continue to address the skyrocketing costs of healthcare. Ideas such as granting tax credits to help people purchase health insurance, allowing small businesses to band together to purchase health coverage for their employees, and reducing frivolous lawsuits by providing real medical liability reform will no doubt curb costs, and I stand firmly behind the President as he seeks to implement these cost-saving measures.