Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) released the following statement today after President Obama’s address to a joint-session of Congress:

“President Obama’s speech was a refreshing change of pace from the scare tactics and budget gimmicks we heard over the past eight years.  While we have very difficult issues to tackle in the next couple of years, there was still an air of optimism, hope and excitement in the House Chamber tonight.

“I commend the President on his commitment to solving our country’s health care crisis this year.  His commitment to comprehensive health reform comes at a time when our country needs it most. 

“I am committed to getting to work tomorrow with President Obama and Congressional Leadership to move a health reform bill quickly.  We will develop the necessary solutions to address the problems plaguing our health system that have prevented far too many Americans from receiving quality, affordable care. I warn my colleagues that if we continue to dally around, we risk failure.  We can’t wait.  Now is the time to fix the system so we have quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

“I concur with the President in his assessment that we can not solve our fiscal problems without reforming the health care system, reducing costs and increasing coverage.  We have kicked the can down the street for far too long on health reform and our inaction has placed American families and businesses in a rather precarious position.  The number of uninsured continues to rise each day; scores of other Americans are working harder yet struggling more to pay health care costs and make ends meet; and health care costs have more than doubled in recent years while wages are stagnant.
 
“Our current system has placed American businesses at a competitive disadvantage in the world market.  I have often said that our domestic automakers are not in the business of making cars, rather they are in the business of delivering health care.  Many of our foreign competitors benefit from a national health care system, whereas for companies such as GM, health benefits add more than $1,500 to the price of every vehicle.  This must end so our businesses can compete internationally in the 21st century.

“I stand with President Obama in his call for a revitalized foreign policy.  The recent surge of the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and other militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan underscore the need for renewed diplomacy and a new military strategy in the region.  After eight years of failed policy, I am also encouraged by the President’s appointment of George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace and strongly believe the United States must be a leader on the Middle East peace process. 

“I eagerly await President Obama’s more detailed plans for Iraq, including plans for troop withdrawal and increased support for Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.  I supported the President’s previously stated plan of responsibly withdrawing troops from Iraq by the summer of 2010.  Although I did not vote for this devastating war, I believe we have the responsibility to get the job done right. 

 “I am also particularly impressed with the President’s long-term domestic policy goals and vision for this great country of ours.  He is fighting to get our economy back on track, stabilize the housing and financial markets, cut the budget deficit in half and bring much needed fiscal discipline to Washington.  Working to combat climate change, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and ensure sure every child is able to get the education she or he deserves and, frankly, the education necessary for this country to maintain its leadership in the world will set us on the right track as we continue into the 21st century.

“I would be remiss if I failed to mention the road ahead will be difficult.  Because of the mismanagement over the past eight years, the budget is in shambles and it will take years to fix it.  We are still fighting two wars and the peace process in the Middle East is broken.  The laissez-faire policies of the previous Administration have created an ALMOST insurmountable breakdown of our financial markets.  In addition, millions of Americans face foreclosure on their homes, and we now face the frightening specter of a collapse of the domestic automotive industry, which will cause millions of job losses and decimate this country’s already weakened economy.

“In spite of these odds, I have utter confidence in President Obama.  He is a Commander in Chief who is focused on rebuilding our country and positioning it once again to be a global leader.  His words tonight on reforming health care and working to restructure a re-imagined auto industry were inspiring.  With his leadership, I am confident that we can and will achieve these great goals, including my dad’s dream and my life’s work: making health care affordable and accessible to all Americans.”