Swalwell Reacts to the State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) released the following statement tonight following President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress:

"Tonight the President laid out a compelling vision for our country that reflects the idea that Americans who work hard can find the economic security they deserve. I am hopeful these goals may be accomplished in a bipartisan manner. In that spirit, I sat at the address with my Republican and Democratic colleagues from the United Solutions Caucus to show our commitment to working together.

"We have many big challenges facing our country, particularly income inequality. In the East Bay, we see too many examples of families working hard, playing by the rules, but not getting ahead. I join the President in the fight to strengthen our middle class and support our working families. We need to enact common-sense solutions like raising the national minimum wage, restoring unemployment benefits, and making smart investments in workforce training and renewable energy so we may lead in a 21st century economy.

"One obvious solution to growing our economy is comprehensive immigration reform. I stand ready to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass an immigration reform policy that is fair, streamlines our visa system, and provides a pathway to earned citizenship for undocumented workers.

"Finally, it was encouraging to hear the President's comments about our responsibility to our veterans when they return home after serving their nation. Although it is improving, the Oakland VA backlog is still unacceptable, and I will continue to work so our veterans receive the benefits and care they have earned."

"I look forward to taking action with the United Solutions Caucus and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move the East Bay and America forward."