Congressman Dent's Statement on State of the Union

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-15th, issued the following statement on President Obama's State of the Union address, which is to be delivered this evening:

Tonight, President Obama will outline his vision for 2012, focusing on proposals he hopes will accelerate our economic recovery and help Americans get back to work. Clearly, the task of revitalizing the American economy has been daunting and difficult. After three years in office, the President unfortunately has little to show for his efforts. Due to this lack of results, I am hopeful President Obama will tonight offer fresh ideas and embrace advantageous proposals he previously overlooked, rather than rebrand the failed policies of the past.

Reports indicate the President will address the importance of enhancing American energy security. I continue to believe the promotion of an all-of-the-above approach – one that advances the development of alternative, renewable and traditional sources of energy – is in the country’s best interest. This strategy will not only support job growth in a crucial manufacturing sector, but provide the energy to fuel our economic recovery. Despite last week’s rejection by the President of the vital Keystone XL pipeline project, which would have created thousands of American jobs and supplied the nation with reliable energy from our trusted ally Canada, I hope he will call for greater domestic energy production from a variety of sources, including coal, oil and natural gas.

This evening, the President is also expected to outline his plans to encourage growth in American manufacturing. While I agree steps must be taken immediately to preserve our global manufacturing dominance, I am concerned the President’s actions may fall short of his rhetoric. I am hopeful tonight’s address will include substantial commitments to reversing the recent trend of unattainable and counterproductive regulations.   

Rather than promoting punitive measures that will ultimately impact job creators, including countless small businesses, I would like to hear the President call for the completion of comprehensive tax reform in 2012. I am one of a growing number of elected officials who believe substantial reforms can be achieved this year, but not without the President’s leadership. Repeating the tired proposals of the past will only prolong the current partisan stalemate. But President Obama’s support for comprehensive tax reform that limits or eliminates loopholes and preferences, lowers marginal rates and broadens the base could convince both parties a transformational agreement is within reach.