Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) issued the following statement in reaction to the President’s State of the Union:

“Americans aren’t looking for another good speech; they are looking for a good job.  Unfortunately, tonight we got another speech instead of a concrete plan that will create jobs.  When you add the tax increases that are expected to be in the President’s budget on Monday to pay for the poll-tested proposals we heard tonight, it is tough to see how small businesses will actually get back on their feet and be in a position to start hiring again anytime soon.

“I’m equally concerned that the President is not listening to the concerns the American people have about his health care bill and the way he went about writing it with Democrats in Congress.  There were far too many backroom deals that favored special interest group after special interest group, producing a bill that would cause most Americans to see their health care premiums go up and seniors' Medicare benefits slashed.  I hope the President will step back, start over, and work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to find a bipartisan path forward to actually lower health care costs and the price of coverage.

“As for trade, actions speak louder than words.  Over the past year, this Administration and Democrats in Congress have done little to promote U.S. exports even though we all agree that exporting more American made goods and services will create jobs here at home.  The President's inaction has put American companies and workers at a crippling disadvantage internationally as other countries race ahead to take these markets from us.  I welcome the President's new sentiment and hope he follows through -- I am committed to helping open new markets to create good-paying U.S. jobs."