Statement from Congressman Thompson on President Obama's State of the Union Address

Tonight, Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) released the following statement regarding President Obama's State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, the President spoke about the importance of increasing our country's competitiveness and investing in innovation. China, who recently passed the United States as the world's leading energy user, is investing double the amount of money in clean energy than we are. We need to make similar investments in clean technology, so we can create good, 21st century jobs here in the U.S.

"Just as important, reconstruction and infrastructure projects, especially in a rural district such as ours, are vitally important to creating jobs today while preparing our country for prosperity in the future. As our country continues to recover, it is important that we here in Washington continue to fund vital programs such as infrastructure and clean energy, but that we remember to trim the fat where ever possible.

"I agree that our country is at a turning point and we must decide now to work together. We, as a government and a people, need to respect one another and cooperate to create a future where our children can get a first-rate education, acquire an adequate job, and continue the cycle of prosperity and innovation for generations to come," said Congressman Thompson.