Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) issued the following reaction to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“In tonight’s speech, President Obama finally addressed the need for bipartisan fiscal discipline in Washington. However I am disappointed he did not sincerely challenge the House and Senate to put their politics aside and make serious and substantial decisions that will get our nation back on track and encourage small businesses to create jobs. The two chambers need to cut the budget, but must also reform mandatory spending and protect small businesses to make a true, positive impact on America.  With Democrats controlling the White House and Senate, it is impossible to address ballooning deficits, shore up Social Security and Medicare, and create jobs without bipartisan consensus. The president needs to take advantage of this opportunity and lead the House and Senate in finding a solution to our nation’s problems.”

Congressman Rick Crawford is the first Republican elected to represent Arkansas’s First Congressional District since Reconstruction.  He serves on the Agriculture and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. Rick and his wife Stacy, both ASU alumni, reside in Jonesboro with their two children.

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