Crapo: President's Speech Sets Out Challenges

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement after attending the President's State of the Union speech this evening on Capitol Hill:

"The President outlined some of the most pressing issues that are facing our nation at this time-the economy, federal debt, financial reform, education and energy. Now we all need to work hard to find common ground and build common sense solutions.

"With so many challenges facing our nation, we must prioritize reducing the federal debt, improving the economy and jobs and ensuring that Americans do not face increasing taxes. Our ballooning federal debt will leave future generations saddled with costs that they cannot bear; we are jeopardizing their futures. We need to keep taxes low and develop policies that encourage job growth. We must end the federal government spending spree and find the best ways to put Americans back to work.

"I stand willing to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress on these issues that matter so much to Idahoans and the nation. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which is tasked with looking in depth at the proposals put forward tonight, it is important to recognize that we cannot spend our way out of economic difficulties or print our way out of ever-increasing federal deficits. We face many, many challenges as a nation, and despite political differences, it is imperative that we work together and find ways to compromise and cooperate with each other with the benefit of the nation."