This evening, Congressman Henry Cuellar joined other members of the U.S. House and Senate in a joint session of Congress to hear remarks by President Barack Obama.

Congressman Cuellar released the following statement on the President’s speech:

“Tonight, we heard a frank and sober perspective on the many challenges we face as a nation.  The President’s remarks struck me as both realistic and hopeful.  He acknowledged that we’re in a real bind, but he never forgot that America has been in dark places before, and we’ve always found our way to the other side.

“What he did not do is mince words.  America is facing tough challenges and difficult choices in the months ahead.  Families in Texas are concerned about their jobs, their homes, their savings, and their health care, and the only way we can solve any of these challenges is by confronting them all.

“I was glad to hear the President recognize that, even as we meet America’s short-term challenges, we have to keep our eyes on our long-term needs.  Our runaway budget deficits are hurting our national economy and undermining our national security.  We need to work with the President to cut the deficit and to finally pass a law that blocks new deficit spending."

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Government Oversight and Reform, and Agriculture Committees in the 111th Congress.  Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.