Hartzler offers thoughts on Obama's final State of the Union

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Headlining this week was President Obama’s eighth and final State of the Union address, which he delivered Tuesday night to a packed House chamber. In unconventional fashion, the President focused on issues he thought will be the major issues facing America even after he leaves office. Though opinions of his speech range wildly on both sides of the aisle, the President did discuss some issues we can address and agree on together as a nation.

He mentioned the scourge of drug use that continues to plague our society. Last year I kicked off ananti-drug initiative in our district to raise awareness, find solutions and improve lives impacted by drug abuse in Missouri’s Fourth. By bringing everyone together to combat a common problem, I am sure we make some real progress towards eradicating the looming and growing problem of substance abuse and addiction.

He also announced the creation of an initiative to find a cure for cancer. Comparing this to Kennedy’s space program, the President aims to spark American innovation and research to achieve what is seemingly unachievable—to “land a man on the moon” by curing cancer. We can all agree cancer has taken too many of our loved ones from us and something needs to be done. It doesn’t end there. I would like to extend this surge to include other illnesses, Alzheimer’s for one, that are growing problems amongst us.

Though he did highlight areas we can agree on, he also touted policies he has put forth that continue to divide and harm Americans. He did not speak of the many Americans who cannot afford healthcare due to the inflated deductibles, exorbitant premiums, and higher taxes from Obamacare. He neglected to accept responsibility for the fact too many Americans are still out of work, going so far as to say this is the strongest economy America has seen in history. Furthermore, he declined to address the reality that with policies that include his dangerous deal with the Iranians, many Americans are feeling less safe from terrorists and rogue nations like Iran.

There is an opportunity here; there is much to do. As the President spelled out his vision for the future, House and Senate Republicans met this week at our annual retreat to outline and discuss our vision for aConfident America. I am excited to get to work advancing real conservative solutions to address the issues threatening American families. We need to implement real healthcare reform to return choice back to the people; we need to address the rise of ISIS and extremism—at home and abroad; we need to address poverty in America; we need to return the control of government back to the people and rein in the Executive Branch. These issues are universal, and Congressional Republicans are looking forward to advancing the bold, conservative agenda needed to bring real solutions.

On another matter, the House approved a disapproval resolution this week to nullify the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redefine “navigable waterways” under the Clean Water Act.

There is no doubt that WOTUS has been little more than a federal government power grab disguised as an effort to keep our water clean. Farmers in Missouri’s Fourth District know this and so do Americans in other parts of the country. It could have disastrous economic consequences as it threatens the livelihood of Americans who work the land for a living. Having previously passed the Senate, this resolution now goes to President Obama’s desk where he will There is no doubt that WOTUS has been little more than a federal government power grab disguised as an effort to keep our water clean. Farmers in Missouri’s Fourth District know this and so do Americans in other parts of the country. It could have disastrous economic consequences as it threatens the livelihood of Americans who work the land for a living. Having previously passed the Senate, this resolution now goes to President Obama’s desk where he will have the opportunity to put our economy and the welfare of the American people ahead of the will of environmental extremists. I hope he signs it into law.

National security was on the minds of federal lawmakers this week as the House overwhelmingly approved the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act, expanding existing sanctions against North Korea in response to that nation’s claims that it recently conducted a hydrogen nuclear weapons test. It is imperative that the United States stand up to bullies like North Korea and to all those helping this dangerous regime.