WASHINGTON—The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), released the following statement today after President Obama’s State of the Union address.
“The President laid out a bold, progressive vision for America’s future tonight. We agree that the most important challenge we face is creating jobs and expanding the middle class. America’s working families have carried the weight of this recession on their backs for years now. Our economy and our country need investments, not austerity. We stand with the President in supporting investments in green energy, infrastructure, and education all over the country. Congress has to move forward to improve our economy, not pass ‘grand bargains’ or use chained CPI to cut benefits for seniors, veterans, children and disabled Americans who rely on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
“The President’s announcement that 34,000 troops will be home from Afghanistan by this time next year is welcome news for their families and for all of us. The CPC is proud to have led the charge to bring our troops home from the longest war in American history. We welcome them with all our hearts and thank President Obama for making the right decision in ending our military involvement in Afghanistan.”
