Bill Johnson Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Speech

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) issued the following statement after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address earlier this evening:

“President Obama said he wants to work with Congress to help the middle class. I hope he follows through on that pledge. There is no question, hardworking Americans are hurting…taxpayers and job creators have been laboring under more regulations, more taxes, and higher living costs for six years. They are the result of his failed policies. The solution is not more of the same. Initiative and ingenuity must be encouraged, not punished.

During the 2013 tax year, Washington took in more taxpayer dollars than ever before — $2.7 trillion. On the other hand, the national debt is higher than it has ever been before — $18 trillion, which makes each taxpayer’s share of the national debt $154,000. It is clear that Americans are not taxed too little; rather, Washington spends too much.

I’m hopeful that the President will choose to work with Congress on areas where we can find agreement to improve the lives of those we serve, and to provide the American people more opportunities. The President mentioned America’s “booming energy production.” It’s true that the oil and gas sector is doing very well, largely because of energy development on private lands. It’s also true that some industries are struggling to stay alive under this President. For example, the President and his activist regulatory agencies have proposed severe anti-coal regulations – that they were unsuccessful in passing into law — that could shut down the industry, cause energy costs to skyrocket, and kill jobs for all the families that depend on it.

The President spoke about his ‘America’s College Promise’ proposal that would provide eligible students a “free” education at a two year community college. I agree that giving our young people every opportunity to succeed is important. But nothing is “free” as the $18 trillion national debt — that our children and grandchildren stand to inherit – demonstrates. Washington has to start living within its means. If would hope the President would consider cutting the overreaching Washington bureaucracy that he expanded – like the EPA and the IRS – to pay for extended education benefits. Would he be up for opening up federal lands for responsible energy exploration, and use royalties from that energy development to pay for his proposal?

I’m hopeful that the President will choose to work with Congress on areas that we can find agreement. As always, he gave a good speech. It remains to be seen whether or not he will follow up with action that will improve the American people’s lives and provide with more opportunity.”