Crapo: Jobs and Security Important to the State of the Union

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo expects President Bush will expand on his economic recovery plans and homeland security initiatives during tonightâ??s State of the Union Speech. Crapo will attend the speech in the U.S. House Chambers and said he supports the Presidentâ??s blueprint for economic stimulus efforts including tax cuts to bolster private sector investment and create new jobs.â??Having the private sector create new jobs is always preferable to long-term government programs that involve a more uncertain future for working Idahoans and Americans,â?? Crapo said. â??Tax cuts will create new investment and new jobs, but Congress must remain watchful that the threat of war does not move us too deeply into deficit spending, and Congress must be willing to follow the lead the President is proposing rather than delay in this time of economic and global uncertainly.â??Crapo expects the President will discuss the possibilities of war with Iraq given yesterdayâ??s report from U.N. weapons inspectors. But he expects much of the speech will be spent talking to Americans about the need for action on his economic proposals. â??Weâ??ve finally acted on some of the overdue budget issues here in Washington, D.C. Now, we need to work on the Presidentâ??s proposals.â??Crapo will offer comments before the speech on what Idahoans and Americans need to hear from President Bush:1:45-2:15 p.m. Mountain Time, 12:45-1:15 p.m. Pacific Time C-Band, Galaxy 3, Transponder 7 Horizontal, Downlink 3840, Audio 6.2 & 6.8.Crapo will react to the State of the Union Address following the speech in a second satellite feed:8:30 p.m. Mountain Time, 7:30 p.m. PacificC Band, Galaxy 3, Transponder 7 Horizontal, Downlink 3840, Audio 6.2 & 6.8.# # #