January 28, 2008: Kaptur Responds to the State of the Union Address

I am truly disappointed by the President’s emphasis onfixing the economy using a flawed trade model and tired, old economicstrategies. The President advocates the same job-killing trade policies thathave outsourced good jobs for decades. If he wants to turn the American economyaround, he should not be encouraging more free trade agreements, but workingwith Congress to develop a new trade model that creates jobs and benefits thosewho work hardest building a stronger America.

The President again noted that we must reduce our dependenceon oil. During his Administration, our nationis importing a billion more barrels of oil annually. If his previous policies,both at home and abroad, are any indication, America will suffer further jobloss due to this unhealthy addiction to imported oil, and our national securitywill continue to erode in the name of energy. To address our oil dependency, America must invest with dispatch inalternative, domestic forms of energy. It is time our nation rids itself of itsstrategically destructive ties to undemocratic and brutal oil regimes.

I was honored to be joined tonight by a constituent, CharlesHerndon, an artist from Kelleys Island, Ohio. This heroic man is responsiblefor saving the life of a young boy in Lake Erieafter a tragic plane crash last year. Mr.Herndon represents the very essence of America—one that is selfless,protecting, and courageous. This is a man who has saved lives and hasselflessly earned his place in the people’s House this evening.