Cardin Says Congress Should Work With the President to Ensure Hard-Working American Families Are a Priority During Our Economic Recovery

WASHINGTON – In response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement. Video is available here. Senator Cardin’s guest for the President’s speech was Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh (R).

“President Obama is right to be concerned that our economic recovery is not reaching all working- and middle-income families. I agree with him that while America’s economy has been showing signs of strength, too many families across Maryland and our nation are still struggling to pay their bills. Working together, Congress and the President must make it our priority to make the investments and enact policies that help working- and middle-class Americans. The President’s specific proposals for paid sick and family leave, expanded overtime, as well as his contributions to the overall tax reform discussion, are all positive steps that will make a real difference in the paychecks of hard-working families. I support his efforts to have community colleges become a cornerstone of a more affordable, quality higher education, and I applaud his dedication to the health and well-being of our military veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Despite the divided government under which we now operate, we cannot allow partisanship to block us from fulfilling our responsibilities to the American people.

“Events around the world – those that make the headlines and those unfortunately obscured from a media spotlight – prove how dangerous a world we live in today. President Obama is providing international leadership and needed resources during these changing and often violent times. As America’s combat troops return home after more than a dozen years at war, we perhaps are finally learning the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan: rushing to send in military troops is not the answer. A more stable and inclusive government, similar to the current situation in Iraq after the U.S. helped ensure the departure of President Maliki, is the best counter to extremism. The recent terror attacks in Paris also reminded us that not only ‘Je Suis Charlie,’ but we all must be vigilant. The security of our own nation, and that of our allies, is increased by sharing intelligence and security information across borders.”

Senator Cardin is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. He also is a member of the Senate Committees on Finance, Environment & Public Works (EPW), and Foreign Relations (SFRC).