WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the dean of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and the chairman of twin climate and energy panels in the House, tonight issued the following statement after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address:
“Tonight President Obama sent a clear message to the American people: Despite the challenges facing our nation, he offered us hope that together we can rebuild security for middle class families, restore hope to millions without health care and repower our economy through clean energy legislation,” said Markey.
“The president outlined a bold plan to create jobs and rebuild our economy, highlighting the need for clean energy jobs that are made here in America. President Obama knows that whether it’s weatherizing our homes to save families money on their energy bills or building solar panels and wind turbines that help boost American manufacturing, clean energy jobs will get people out of the unemployment line and back on the assembly line.”
“Tonight, President Obama called on Congress to pass clean energy jobs legislation, in line with the House passed Waxman-Markey bill, so that we can finally end our dependence on foreign oil, invest that money into clean energy jobs and lead the way in the global economy. The president is right. We need clean energy jobs, and we need them now. That's why passing clean energy and climate reform is the right path towards creating a profitable, sustainable, and responsible economy for the next 100 years.”
“President Obama inherited two wars, a meltdown in the nation’s financial markets and a severe economic recession on the day he took office. Tonight, he made it clear that he understands the anger, anxiety and frustration many Americans are feeling right now about the mess that was left when George Bush left office, and that he is committed to addressing the threats we face at home and abroad.
“I also especially appreciated President Obama’s commitment to enacting comprehensive health care reform legislation. Skyrocketing health care costs are crippling American families and I am glad that President Obama showed his commitment to fixing our broken healthcare system and finally ending the worst abuses by insurance companies. We have come too far and we must act to assure that we control healthcare costs.”
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