Swalwell Supports Call for Paycheck Progress in State of the Union

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:

"We have come a long way since the depths of the Great Recession, and this is no time to go backwards. Our economy is growing, more Americans have access to healthcare, and oil prices have gone down. We cannot afford to undermine the progress we have made.

"Despite these successes, there is still much work to do. For too long, the wages of the American middle class have stagnated. Rebuilding our infrastructure, reforming our tax code, and enacting comprehensive immigration reform are all ways we can achieve paycheck progress and support the middle class.

"I also agree that beyond growing the economy, we should explore policy changes that can better support working families. This includes providing paid sick leave, which millions of Americans are without, and expanding access to community colleges so more people can partake in the American dream.

"While we continue to make progress at home, I am keenly aware that there are threats to America's security from abroad. As a member of the Intelligence Committee I am working to advance our national security, while protecting civil liberties. It also is critical that we support those keeping us safe, both home and abroad, and provide the funding that is needed.

"Good ideas know no political party or ideology. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner through the United Solutions Caucus, a group I co-founded comprised of Republican and Democratic Members committed to working together to find solutions to pressing problems.

"Finally, I was privileged to share this State of the Union address with my special guest, Afghan interpreter Mohammad Usafi. My office is working to ensure our country gives back to Mohammad, after he did so much for our soldiers in Afghanistan, by supporting his family's asylum in the U.S. so they may escape persecution by the Taliban. This is another issue, living up to our promises to those that supported us, on which both parties should be able to come together."

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