Rep. Smith Statement on the State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after President Biden delivered his State of the Union address.

"President Biden's address tonight made it clear: the past two years have been marked by historic progress for the American people, and in the next two years we must work together to build on that progress in a meaningful way.

"When President Biden took office, he promised to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and the middle out. Democrats in Congress have worked with him to deliver on this promise, and the facts speak for themselves. In just two years, we have created a record 12 million jobs, unemployment is down to its lowest level in half a century, and real wages are increasing. We have passed legislation to generate a manufacturing boom in infrastructure, semi-conductors, and clean energy, and to lower costs for working families, including prescription drug prices, health insurance premiums, and energy bills.

"I was inspired tonight by the honorary guests who represent our continued commitments to the American people: preventing gun violence, enacting police reform, continuing to lower costs, including child care, paid sick leave, and housing, codifying the right to abortion, combatting extremism, and defending democracy - both at home and abroad. President Biden knows the work that still needs to be done, and how we can get there. Tonight, he painted a picture of what's possible over these next two years.

"There are areas where both parties can come together, including continuing to support Ukraine in their fight against Russia, and other important advancements for the American people: ending cancer as we know it; supporting our veterans; tackling the mental health crisis; and beating the opioid and overdose epidemic. During his first State of the Union address, President Biden laid out this four-part Unity Agenda and tonight, he reaffirmed his commitment to moving us forward in these areas.

"America is a story of resilience and progress, and the progress we've made over the past two years is undeniable. Now we need to finish the job. I look forward to my continued work with the administration to deliver real results for the Ninth District and for the future of our country."

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