State of the Union Reaction
WASHINGTON–Members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation praised President Bush’s State of the Union Address last night, saying it demonstrated “clear and decisive leadership” in dealing with domestic and foreign policy issues. However Maine members were somewhat more skeptical about Bush’s message.
“At a time when many Americans cannot help but feel a sense of uncertainty, the President has set bold goals in an effort to meet the challenges which we face as a country,” said N.H. Rep. Jeb Bradley, who felt the President appeared firm and “resolute” in his declarations about the possibility the United States could act alone against Iraq.
Bush contended that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has shown “utter contempt” in the face of United Nations orders to disarm. “He is not disarming, he is deceiving. If Saddam does not disarm, we will disarm him,” Bush said, adding that “outlaw regimes” pose the greatest threat to America and its allies.
“Americans are a resolute people, who have risen to every test of our time,” the President added. “America is a strong nation, and honorable in the use of our strength.”
Sen. John Sununu, (R-NH), said in an interview after the speech, “One of the most impressive parts of the speech was the ten or fifteen minutes where there was silence in the chamber, an erect audience listening to violations and evidence and failures of Iraq to comply.” Sununu added, “You don’t often find [everyone] in the House chamber focusing for such a long period of time.”
“Leadership is taking tough issues head on and putting forward bold initiatives to get the job done,” Sununu said in a statement which also praised Bush’s economic growth plan, his push to improve health care including prescription drugs for seniors, and his firm stance on Saddam Hussein.
Sen. Judd Gregg, (R-NH), said in a statement, “It was an excellent speech. This is an important address, and the president once again showed why he’s a strong and effective leader.” Gregg also praised the President’s hard line on Iraq. “We can never turn over our own national security and our need to protect ourselves to somebody else.”
Sen. Susan Collins, (R-ME), said in a statement “I am hopeful the Administration will continue to work with the United Nations and our allies to strengthen the inspection process by adding more inspectors and more time.”
However, on domestic issues Collins said she was “pleased the President reiterated support for adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. This is long overdue.”
She added that she “looks forward to working with the Administration and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft measures to shore up our economy, strengthen our health care system, and safeguard our nation.”
Bush outlined four specific domestic policy goals in his hour-long speech: strengthening the economy to create more jobs—spearheaded by a $674 billion tax cut over 10 years; improving the environment while pushing for greater energy independence; providing affordable, quality health care for all Americans; and taking on America’s deepest problems by “applying compassion—the goodness, idealism and faith of the American people.”
Sen. Olympia Snowe, (R-ME), said in a statement the president laid out “an ambitious agenda to address the nation’s challenges and build a foundation for a strong future.” She also promised, as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, “to craft a bipartisan, fiscally-responsible plan that includes immediate aid for states.”
Rep. Thomas Allen, (D-ME), in a statement, was far less moved by Bush’s rhetoric, claiming the president’s tax cuts “would explode the annual deficit, drive up the national debt and in the long run, slow down the economy.” He was also critical of Bush’s message on Iraq, saying that “more time and a broader coalition” is needed before any action is taken.
Rep. Michael Michaud (D-ME) concurred, blasting the president’s economic plan in his statement as being “more concerned with giving tax cuts to the wealthiest people.”
“If the president had to work, like I have, in the mills beside men and women who are struggling from day to day, then he might pay attention.”
Published in Foster’s Daily Democrat, in New Hampshire.
