Cheyenne, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement responding to President Joe Biden’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Tonight, President Biden delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress. As a Nation, Americans seem to have split feelings about the year to come. 

“On one hand, businesses and families are feeling a sense of freedom and return to normalcy as their communities safely and responsibly lift COVID-19 restrictions- our economy is witnessing accelerating job growth and increased vaccine availability is helping support the return of opportunities for countless American workers and their families. But on the other hand, Americans, who were fed up with the “politics as usual” in Washington, D.C.- and elected a 50-50 Senate, a closely divided House, and a president who preached moderation- are now finding themselves on the burdensome end of a liberal agenda.

“Our fellow Americans elected such a closely divided Congress to ensure bipartisanship- I truly believe Americans are eager to see both parties in Congress work with the President to address the issues currently facing our country. But sadly, nearly five months into 2021, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have abandoned the idea of bipartisan solutions in exchange for costly, partisan legislation. 

“Make no mistake, Republicans are eager to work with Democrats on numerous issues: to improve the lives of working families; to ensure police departments have the resources they need to enact sensible reform; to provide critical security measures and immigration reform at the Southern Border; to develop cleaner, more affordable American energy; and to guarantee the investment in critical technologies to deter aggression shown by global adversaries.

“In the first four months of the 117^th Congress, Republicans have called for Democrats to join them at the Southern Border to address the humanitarian and security crisis at our Southern Border. My colleagues and I have introduced legislation that doubles funding for basic research and infrastructure, ensuring America’s leadership in technology and innovation. And we’ve worked in good faith to provide a sense of economic security to every American and their family.

“Congressional Republicans have shown we are willing to show up to the table, but so far we’ve been met with irresponsible government spending and empty rhetoric. Earlier this month, under the disguise as infrastructure, President Biden unveiled his climate and social justice agenda- the American Jobs Plan- that would eliminate entire industries of the U.S. economy. Tonight, the President proposed yet another taxing and inflated plan- the American Families Plan- that would expand government overreach into the homes of millions of families and individuals while imposing mandates on America’s job creators. 

“Ignoring current crises, passing the buck to our children’s children, and squandering opportunities for investment isn’t what the American people bargained for.

“The American people deserve a President and Congress who can work effectively to make lasting, bipartisan progress. There’s no reason we can’t craft legislation to improve actual infrastructure- our roads, bridges, waterways. There’s no reason we can’t ensure America’s security in science and technology. 

“President Biden campaigned on unity and tonight he spoke about the importance of bipartisanship. President Biden has an opportunity to set aside his party’s progressive all-or-nothing approach that sharpens the ideological wedge in our country. Should that happen, I look forward to being a part of a productive 117^th Congress.”

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