Foster Statement on State of the Union

Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement after President Biden delivered the State of the Union address:

"Tonight, President Biden laid out why it's never a good idea to bet against the American people. After two years of fighting COVID-19, there is no economy on Earth in a better position to confront the global economic challenges triggered by the pandemic.

"Even as our economy grows at a record pace, we have a lot of work to do to lower costs for American families. Amid rising prices brought on by increased demand for goods, supply chain deficiencies, and Russia's military aggression, we must strengthen our nation's supply chain infrastructure and expand domestic manufacturing so we can make more goods right here in America. As someone who launched and grew a business that created hundreds of good-paying manufacturing jobs in the Midwest, I will continue to support policies that promote small businesses and invest in the economic future of communities in Illinois and across our nation.

"As a scientist, I'm proud that President Biden is committed to investing in the scientific research that will allow our country to tackle some of our most pressing problems – from fighting climate change, to beating the opioid crisis, to ending cancer as we know it. The investments we make in scientific research and STEM education will keep America positioned as the world's leader for scientific and technological innovation for decades to come.

"I'm also thankful to have competent leadership back in the White House as the world faces the most significant threat to international security since the Cold War. In the face of Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign democratic nation, President Biden and his administration have worked tirelessly to rally our allies and international partners to respond with severe economic sanctions. These sanctions have successfully struck a blow to the Russian economy, and they will make it harder and more costly for Putin to wage his war. In the coming days, we will push for additional, significant defensive aid for Ukraine as well as humanitarian aid for people forced to leave their homes.

"We have a lot of challenges to confront both at home and abroad, but the American people have reason for optimism – when we work together, there's nothing we can't accomplish as a nation."

###