Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement Thursday night in response to the State of the Union address delivered tonight by President Joe Biden:
“Tonight, President Biden reported on the state of our union and marked, in his words, the greatest comeback never told. Americans should be proud of the remarkable progress we’ve made together in rebuilding America after a pandemic and after so many years of neglect and dysfunction from Washington. Today, our economy is booming, kids are back in schools learning together, and we’re finally rebuilding our roads and bridges, investing in our workers and reinvigorating manufacturing in this great country. And President Biden spoke forcefully about America as an indispensable nation defending democratic values and leading the free world against oppression and dictatorship.
“I echo the President’s call for this Congress to finally get to work after more than a year of bickering and dysfunction among Republicans in Congress. Congressional Republicans should allow a vote to preserve every woman’s access to reproductive health care. They should allow a vote to supply vital military and economic assistance to our democratic allies on the front lines against tyrants. They should allow a vote on a bipartisan agreement to finally secure our borders. And they should have an honest debate and vote on legislation to lower health care costs for all Americans, to make owning a home more affordable, to help families afford child care, provide the resources to ensure our kids learn in safe and nurturing schools, and protect average Americans from predatory junk fees. To not act on these vital national priorities would be unconscionable.
“I applaud the vision and agenda proposed by President Biden tonight. He presented a clear and achievable plan to strengthen our economy, lower health care and prescription drug prices, create more good-paying jobs, and ensure a fair shot at the American dream for all Americans. I commend his commitment to uniting our country and working in a bipartisan manner for the good of our nation. I look forward to working with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and our congressional delegation to ensure that Connecticut remains a strong partner in this vision.”