Arizona representatives spoke out regarding President Obama’s State of the Union address.
U.S. Senator John McCain:
“Tonight President Obama decided to start the ‘lame duck’ portion of his presidency early and use his State of the Union address to shape his legacy instead of seriously addressing the challenges we face at home and abroad.
“Ten American sailors have been taken into custody in Iran. But President Obama completely omitted this latest example of Iran’s provocative behavior so as not to interfere with his delusional talking points about his dangerous nuclear deal with Iran.
“As we’ve seen in Paris and San Bernardino, ISIL’s threat to our homeland is real, direct, and growing. But President Obama squandered yet another opportunity to articulate a coherent strategy to achieve ISIL’s lasting defeat.
“The murderous Assad regime is still barrel-bombing the Syrian people and fanning the flames of extremism and sectarianism that gave rise to ISIL. Nearly 10,000 Americans are still in harms’ way in Afghanistan. Russia still occupies Crimea and is destabilizing Ukraine. North Korea just conducted its third nuclear test under this Administration. Yet these topics barely earned a mention in tonight’s address, if at all.
“Our nation does not need lofty words. It needs bold action. Our nation does not need abstract calls to hope. It needs a concrete strategy to confront the challenges of a more dangerous world. Unfortunately, it appears these tasks will be left to the next president.”
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema:
“We live in an increasingly complex and challenging world, where the threat of terrorism is a constant reality. I appreciate hearing that our military, law enforcement, homeland security, and intelligence professionals are working around the clock to destroy the Islamic State and other terrorist networks, but we need a clear, unified, and effective strategy to defeat terrorism. Now, more than ever, Arizonans expect and deserve strong, responsible leaders who put aside partisan rhetoric and work together to make our country safer.
“I am disappointed that the president did not clearly address the Phoenix VA and the need for real accountability and reform at the VA. The VA should be a center of excellence, providing our veterans with world-class health care. Our veterans deserve courage and leadership to fix the VA. I will continue fighting to reform the VA and to ensure veterans get the medical care, including mental health care, they have earned and deserve.
“While we’ve seen significant progress, too many hardworking Arizona families still struggle to make ends meet. We can work together to provide good-paying jobs and a strong economic future for more Americans by fixing our broken tax code and investing in today’s students so they are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. These are goals both Republicans and Democrats share.
“Finally, I hope that Washington can move past the destructive, “us versus them” politics. Our challenges are too serious and our potential is too great. America is exceptional because of the hope and opportunity it offers to its citizens and millions around the world, and we are strongest when we are united with shared purpose for a brighter tomorrow.
“I will continue to work with anyone who has real solutions to keep our country safe, honor our veterans, grow our economy, and move Arizona families forward.”
Rep. Paul Gosar:
Tonight, President Obama attempted to rewrite history and made it clear that he will continue to circumvent Congress in order to enact his failed policies by executive fiat. The State of the Union is poor because of this failed president. Ultimately, this president and his administration will be defined by a legacy of lawlessness. They have opened the door to unprecedented abuse of executive overreach that threaten the foundation of our Republic. Along with blocking Obama’s executive overreach, Republicans in the House need a plan to take action right now and enact proactive solutions ─ this year ─ not next year ─ right now. We need to enact policies that empower the people and allow hard-working Americans to pursue their own prosperity. Despite all of the forces working in D.C. to maintain our broken system, I know that there are countless Arizonans and people throughout the country who will take a bold stand with me to stop this madness. There is too much at stake. We must continue to fight.
Rep. Raul Grijalva: (issued on Monday)
President Obama delivers his final State of the Union address tomorrow, and I urge him to leave no doubt that he will fight with every remaining day of his presidency to achieve progressive policies that the American people are calling for. He has a year to build on the momentum that the Paris climate consensus achieved; a year to bolster good jobs by prioritizing employers who treat their workers well for federal contracts; and a year to ensure fair and transparent economic policies by closing tax loopholes and cracking down on “too big to fail” banks. Tomorrow night is President Obama’s chance to lay out an ambitious end to an already impressive administration, and I urge him to go big.