Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address:
“Tonight, President Obama delivered a message to America that makes us proud of what we’ve accomplished as a nation under his leadership and gives us hope about the future of our country. In his final State of the Union address, President Obama reminded Americans that there is far more that unites us than divides us.
Congressional Democrats are eager to work with our Republican colleagues to further strengthen our economy to create jobs, ensure North Carolinians earn a living wage, and bring fairness to our justice system. These social justice issues are important to all of us, but the recalcitrant Republican majority continues to block consideration of reasonable policies that are supported by the majority of Americans.
Our nation is better off because of President Obama’s work that has expanded opportunities for all of us to achieve the American Dream. Since being elected, the economy has added more than nine million jobs, and the African American unemployment rate has been cut in half. We’ve grown manufacturing here at home, given nearly 20 million individuals health insurance for the first time, and improved our education system so that truly no child is left behind.
I applaud President Obama on delivering an optimistic message to the American people. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that promote jobs and justice.
It has been an honor and privilege to fight alongside President Obama to secure a brighter future for us all.”