The Johnstown region’s two congressmen offered their viewpoints on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address Wednesday night.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, said the president addressed challenges that the nation faces now and those that threaten to be burdensome in the future.
“These challenges are not easily solved and will require great effort from all of us,” he said in a news release.
“Most importantly, we must focus on stimulating the economy by creating jobs. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked tirelessly to bring jobs to western Pennsylvania.
“I urge the president and congressional leaders to focus on job creation, which will get our economy back on track.
“While we are making progress, there is much work ahead of us. I am eager to continue working on behalf of the American people to solve these challenges.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster,
R-Hollidaysburg, said that while he is pleased that Obama has decided to turn attention to the economy and job creation, he has doubts that some in Congress are committed to the task.
“I also have deep concerns that the president’s newfound populism has more to do with slipping poll numbers than it does with an actual desire to change his agenda,” Shuster said in a news release.
“I join my Republican colleagues in welcoming the president’s newfound sense of fiscal responsibility, but we will hold him to his promises.
“House Republicans are ready now, as we have been since the start of President Obama’s term, to work with Democrats when common ground can be found.
“Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi and her leaders in Congress have done little to accept our input on the major legislative initiatives the president has proposed.
“It is my hope that the change in tone in tonight’s speech signals a willingness to allow Republicans to have an active role in shaping the agenda moving forward.”
