Democratic response to State of the Union

On winning the war
The President called again tonight for our commitment to win the war on terror and to support our troops.  Every Americans embraces those goals.  We can - we must - defeat those who attack and kill innocent people.  While the images of the World Trade Center are seared in the minds of all Americans, so too are the memories of those who died on sacred ground in Virginia in the attack on the Pentagon.  Our commitment to winning the war on terrorism compels us to ask this question:  Are the President’s policies the best way to win this war?

We now know that the American people were given inaccurate information about reasons for invading Iraq.  We now know that our troops in Iraq were not given the best body armor or the best intelligence.  We now know the Administration wants to cut tens of thousands of troops from the Army Reserves and National Guard at the very time that we’re facing new and dangerous threats.  And we now know the Administration wants to further reduce military and veterans’ benefits.

There’s a better way.   Working together, we have to give our troops the tools they need to win the war on terror.  And we can do it without sacrificing the liberty that we have sent our troops abroad to defend.  Our support has to begin at home.  That’s why we in Virginia – Democrats and Republicans – have reformed and enhanced our Department of Veterans Services to help our veterans and their family members access the federal benefits that they have earned.  And, we are working to provide state re-enlistment bonuses to honor Virginians who stay in service to Commonwealth and Country.

On energy reform
When it comes to energy, Americans are using more than ever, paying more for it, and are more dependent on the Middle East than ever before.

There’s a better way.  Last summer, I joined Democrats in Washington and in other states and called on oil companies to share in our sacrifice and return some of their record-breaking excess profits.

Democrats at both the state and national levels are leading the way on energy reforms, calling for greater public investments for alternative, advanced energy technologies.  These investments will promote energy independence, boost the nation’s economy, create jobs, and strengthen national security.

On immigration policy
The failure of the federal government to implement and enforce a rational immigration policy has resulted in a confusing patchwork of state and local efforts.  Of course, we should welcome those who seek to lawfully join and contribute to our American family.  And we must.  But the same time, we must ensure that our homeland defense efforts begin with consistent federal action to protect our borders.

The Administration is falling behind in other critical areas; preserving the environment, keeping our workplaces safe, protecting family farms, keeping jobs in America.  Our communities are then left to deal with the challenges and consequences of those federal failures without a reliable partner.  But, we manage to find a better way.

The better way is to focus on service.  It’s about measuring what we do in terms of real results for real people.  It’s not about partisanship or political spin.  It’s about protecting the rights endowed by our Creator; fulfilling the principle of equality set out in the Declaration of Independence; and ensuring that the light of liberty shines on every American.

If we want to replace the division that’s gripping our nation’s capital, we need a change.  Democrats are leading that reform effort, working to restore honesty and openness to our government, working to replace a culture of partisanship and cronyism with an ethic of service and results.

Our greatest need is for America to heal its partisan wounds and become one people.  You know, those are the words Thomas Jefferson expressed after he was elected President.  And they ring as true today as they did in 1800.  Tonight we pray, earnestly and humbly, for that healing, and for the day when service returns again as the better way to a new national politics.

We ask all Americans to join us in that effort.

Because together, America can do better.

Thank you for listening and God Bless the United States of America.

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