Rep. Torres Statement on State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), released the following statement in response to President Obama's annual address to Congress on the state of the Union:

"At a time when our economy is on the rebound, I applaud the President for taking action to help all Americans benefit from rising economic growth. My district was among the hardest hit by the recession and has yet to fully recover. Investments in job creation and infrastructure, relief for working families, and policies that make home ownership and education more affordable speak directly to the needs of California's 35^th District.

We live in an economy where higher education is a necessity. I had the privilege of having local veteran and Chaffey College student Crystal Tettenhorst as my guest to the State of the Union. Crystal's story reflects the realities of so many Inland Empire residents working to adapt to a changing economy, and as the President details his community college plan, she reminds us that an investment in education is an investment in our future.

As a working mother, I also stand behind the President's efforts to make middle class families' paychecks go further and expand access to paid parental leave. No one should ever have to sacrifice their livelihood to care for a sick child or give birth. If every other industrialized nation can do it, so can we.

While we deal with challenges at home, we also continue to face unprecedented dangers from abroad. There is no question the world is facing uncertain times. With threats to the very liberties this nation stands for, the United States must remain a leader in the fight against extremism. I was encouraged by the President's insistence on "smart diplomacy," because this fight will not be won on military might alone. It requires the guiding hand of diplomacy to truly succeed.

As we begin to get to work in a new Congress, I hope we can move past the partisan jabs and give the President's ideas their due consideration. Despite political differences, I firmly believe that all Members of Congress have the same goals at heart: the security and prosperity of all Americans."