Following President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address, many Michigan politicians shared their reactions.
Congressman John Mulenaar (R), who is the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 2nd District, said:
“Biden’s State of the Union proclamations are not about Michigan families fighting for their lives. In Biden’s second term, inflation hit a four-decade high, gas was $5.00 a gallon, China encroached on our airspace, students were left behind, and the border sank deeper into crisis. It’s time to change course and get America back on track .I’m fighting for America’s energy independence, responsible spending, lower inflation, and for government to keep the promises made to our elders.”
Congressman Tim Wahlberg (R), who is the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 5th District, said:
“President Biden’s speech reflects the disconnect with the realities Americans are facing because of his failed policies.
“Real wages have fallen for 21 consecutive months. Inflation continues to be a heavy burden that many American families have never felt. When the president took the oath of office, inflation was just 1.4%. Despite the president’s rosy rhetoric tonight, Americans know your financial situation.
“Over the weekend, a poll by ABC News and the Washington Post found that more Americans are worse off financially since Biden took office than any other president since the start of the vote. The same poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that President Biden has not accomplished much.
“President Biden’s pursuit of an ultra-conservative agenda has fueled inflation, crippled our domestic energy sector, eroded the freedoms Americans cherish, and created a power vacuum on the world stage, most recently highlighted by the Chinese spy balloon that flew over Alaska and across the continental United States.
“Yet the Republican-controlled House is speaking to the issues facing Americans. In contrast to the president’s agenda, the House is pushing legislation to fight inflation, untangle energy production and lower gas prices, protect personal liberties and project power onto the world stage again.
“There is no consensus in Washington about which way to go forward, but it is clear that the American people do not agree with President Biden’s claim that this is a successful presidency.”
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) said:
“Under the leadership of President Biden and with a Democratic majority in Congress, we have achieved results. From creating good-paying jobs to investing in domestic manufacturing, rebuilding our roads and bridges, lowering energy costs for families and prescription drug costs for seniors, historic action on climate change, expanding benefits for toxic veterans and survivors, and working to strengthen our national security, we’ve made real progress on issues that matter to Michiganders. As the president said, by working together, we can build on these efforts — and I will continue to fight for Michigan every step of the way.”
Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach said:
“Over the past two years, President Biden has demonstrated what it means to be a health care president. Under President Biden’s leadership, Democrats in Congress have achieved success for the American people by expanding affordable coverage, lowering prescription drug prices, and expanding access to health care. These achievements have made a world of difference for our nation’s seniors, people of color, people with disabilities , rural settlements and countless others. Republicans, on the other hand, have promised to make devastating cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, as well as repeal the ACA and the Inflationary Reduction Act, which would eliminate critical protections and raise costs for more than 100 million Americans. It is imperative that we end the Republican war on health care and make access to affordable, quality health care available to every American.”
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) said:
“Our country has come such a long way in the past two years under the unwavering leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris.
“We came out of the pandemic and together we built the strongest economy in generations. We are seeing record job growth, record low unemployment and a resurgence of American industry with 800,000 jobs added. These results are not a coincidence. We’re investing back in America, and those investments lift up Michigan families, businesses and communities.
“I remain focused on creating good American jobs, strengthening our supply chains and lowering costs for Michigan families. In last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, we capped insulin at $35 for people on Medicare. Now President Biden is fighting to expand it to everyone. And I’m thrilled that more people can now access life-changing behavioral health care through the nationwide expansion of my initiative to transform Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. My national guest, Michigan Community Mental Health Association CEO Bob Sheehan has been instrumental in this success, along with so many other advocates.
“Our country has problems, but our union is strong. Our union is stable. And thanks to the leadership of President Biden and the American people, we are back on the path to a bright future.”