January 20, 2015

Manchin Reacts to President's State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement tonight following the President’s State of the Union address:

“I was encouraged to hear the President focus on our nation’s economic recovery, but too many Americans still don’t feel like the economy is recovering for them. A lot more still needs to be done. Moving forward, we must remain committed to helping the middle class and boosting development so that everyday West Virginians and all Americans are able to succeed.

“I am hopeful that the President’s proposals on tax reform begin a meaningful debate to get our financial house in order. It’s past time to find a commonsense, comprehensive pathway toward fixing our long-term spending and debt problems. Our current tax system is needlessly complex, economically harmful and, often times, unfair. The President and Congress should work together to reform our tax structure to help lower rates by closing unfair loopholes and deductions while also ensuring American businesses stay on U.S. soil.

“Finally, I was disappointed that the President did not focus more on promoting energy efficiency and investing in advanced fossil fuel technology that would strike a balance between a healthy economy and a clean environment. In order for America to become energy independent and ensure energy prices remain affordable and reliable, we need to use all of our domestic resources, including coal.

“Looking ahead, we face big challenges that demand us to work together, and I look forward to developing commonsense solutions with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

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