News Release

Washington, DC - Tonight's State of the Union Address from President George W. Bush may likely center on issues surrounding security, the War on Terror, and economic and energy issues, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, says with Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito now confirmed, the President may ask Congress to try and put politics aside in the coming year.

"It is my hope the President asks, and the Congress responds in the affirmative, to a call for working together in the coming year on the many issues we face," Crapo said. "We need to push harder to develop new sources of energy and related research to lessen our dependence on foreign sources, something I recently heard during Idaho hearings on the Farm Bill. Of course, there is also a long road ahead in the war against terrorism. And while our economy is moving forward, there are still decisions to be made in lowering our national debt. This address will give the President an opportunity to preview his budget and deficit plan, which he will formally submit to Congress next week."

Crapo will discuss the State of the Union Address during two satellite feeds today, both before and following tonight's speech. He will attend the Address in the U.S. House chambers this evening.

Crapo's remarks available before the State of the Union this afternoon: 1:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m., Mountain Time; 12:45-1:15 p.m., Pacific Time C-Band. AMC 1 Transponder 20 Vertical, Downlink 4100 Audio 6.2/6.8.

Crapo's remarks following the State of the Union tonight: 8:30-8:45 p.m., Mountain Time; 7:30-7:45 p.m. Pacific Time C-Band, AMC 1 Transponder 9 Horizontal, Downlink 3880, Audio 6.2/6.8

FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://src.senate.gov in the Radio Links.