State of the Union brings mixed reaction from local reps

BY BORYS KRAWCZENIUK (Times-Shamrock Writer)
Published: January 26, 2012

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The reaction to the president's speech by the men who represent Northeast Pennsylvania in Congress broke down along party lines.

Marino

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp., did not directly address any of the proposals Obama outlined, but said the president simply "delivered a campaign speech."

"Unfortunately, the president's words never seem to match his actions," Marino said. "Since taking office three years ago, the president has contributed more to the deterioration of this nation's middle class than any other president. Sadly, this president's words and actions are dividing, not uniting. He has become a master of the politics of envy and division."

Barletta

In a post-speech telephone call, Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, said the president gave "a great speech," but "facts speak louder than words." The president's policies have produced high unemployment, high gas prices and more poverty while Obama has ignored Republican jobs bills and failed to mention them in the speech, Barletta said. But he said he believes he can work with the president, including on a major transportation funding bill that Republicans plan to roll out Thursday.

Toomey

In a conference call, Sen. Pat Toomey credited the president for embracing the potential of natural gas drilling, but said he was disappointed by Obama's continuing opposition to the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. He said the president's push for Department of Defense spending on alternative fuels would "subsidize inefficient sources of energy" and "is a waste of money."

Toomey said he was especially disheartened by the president's push for a minimum tax on all income, which would raise the tax on investment income. Investment money spent on producing profits is already taxed several times and a higher tax on so-called "capital gains" will discourage and reduce investment in American jobs, he said.

Casey

In a statement, Sen. Bob Casey said the Washington agenda must remain focused on job growth, but he highlighted Obama's pursuit of China's unfair trade practices. "Pennsylvania manufacturers have been hit hard by unfair trade practices by countries like China," he said. "The Senate has passed legislation to crack down on China's currency manipulation. The House must follow suit and the administration must do more to use its existing powers to level the playing field for U.S. workers," he said.

Holden

In a statement, Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, St. Clair, said he agreed with the president's message to create "an economy that is built to last." "Strengthening the middle class through job creation must be our number one priority. The middle class built and sustained this country and we must put in place policies that expand the middle class to hard-working families," he said.

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