WASHINGTON - President Obama took a little more than one hour to deliver the annual State of the Union address that touched on themes ranging from jobs and energy independence to the war in Afghanistan and gun-safety laws.
To view the President's entire State of the Union, visit this page.
After the State of the Union some politicians representing Pennsylvania have issued statements reacting to various parts of the speech, a collection of those statements is below:
Senator Bob Casey, (D-PA) -
"I was gratified that the President made jobs the focus of his address. While the economy has made good progress, there is no doubt that more needs to be done. I was particularly grateful that he recognized the need for investments in the manufacturing sector. I have fought to level the playing field for Pennsylvania manufacturers and have called for investments in manufacturing initiatives like the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs, Research and Development Tax Credit, the National Export Initiative, and the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. It is imperative that Republicans and Democrats work together on a balanced approach to reduce the deficit while making smart investments in manufacturing, education, small business and R&D that will continue to create jobs."
Senator Pat Toomey, (R-PA) -
"I was glad the president tonight addressed both the need to bring our out-of-control spending and deficits under control and that he spent a lot of time focusing on the need for economic growth and job creation. I disagree about the idea that we ought to raise taxes yet again. But if the president is willing to look at some of the areas where we can curb spending, I'd be delighted to work with him to help put us on a sustainable fiscal path. The president talked about the opportunity for tax reform - I couldn't agree more that there's a chance to really generate economic growth and job creation through tax reform.
We could start with repeal of the medical device tax, an idea that has broad bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Medical device tax is job crushing and costing us thousands of jobs in Pennsylvania. Repealing it would be very pro-growth.
And finally on the energy front, the president spent a lot of time talking about energy. Energy is really, in many ways, the key to strong economic growth. We could start - really kick-starting - our energy profile by improving the Keystone Pipeline, creating the thousands and thousands of jobs - including many in Pennsylvania - that would go toward the development of that pipeline and helping North American oil to flow.
So there are many areas where we can work together and help to restore fiscal discipline, put us on a path to a balanced budget, and get this economy moving again. And I look forward to working with anyone in either party to help us achieve those goals."
Representative Glenn Thompson, (R-PA), District 5 -
"With the unemployment rate hovering at close to the same rate it was in February of 2009 and the economy all but stalled during the last three months of 2012, the President made the right decision to pivot his focus back to jobs and the economy," stated Rep. Thompson.
"Stunted economic growth has not only had a negative impact on job creation, it also undermines America's ability to adequately invest in many of the priorities the President mentioned, including our shared goal of fostering and retaining a qualified and trained workforce."
"The President's call for 'not a bigger government' but a 'smarter government' is welcome news. In my view this is the only approach that will permit the nation to invest in shared priorities and grow the economy, but without leaving a legacy of debt for future generations," Rep. Thompson stated.
"I had hoped to hear from the President a pro-growth plan that will expand opportunity for all Americans and generate revenues needed to get Washington back to fiscal solvency," added Rep. Thompson.
"Unfortunately, the President merely acknowledged the nation's escalating spending path and combed over a record of persistently high national unemployment, while once again failing to offer concrete solutions to achieve fiscal balance and sustained growth."
"I will continue to work with both parties to find solutions to the nation's challenges, but tonight I'm left unfulfilled by the lack detail and direction put forward by the President."
Representative Keith Rothfus, (R-PA), District 12 -
"Tonight I was privileged to attend my first State of the Union as your Representative.
In his speech, President Obama once again promised a Washington-centered approach to addressing our nation's economic woes. Unfortunately, the unprecedented growth of government spending that characterized his first term has resulted in too many Americans out-of-work, too many families who struggle to pay the bills, and too much debt on our children's shoulders.
More taxes, more spending, more regulation and more government are not a recipe for more jobs and opportunity.
We can grow our economy by unleashing the ingenuity and potential of the American people. To do that Congress and the President must work together to balance the budget, reform the tax code, reduce excessive government regulations, and expand domestic energy production.
Because of our tremendous natural resources, we in Western Pennsylvania are uniquely positioned to lead our country in an economic revival.
If we work together to achieve these goals for the American people, I am confident our best days are ahead."
Representative Bill Shuster, (R-PA), District 9 -
"The past four years have brought record unemployment, out of control spending, trillions added to our national debt and a failing economy. President Obama can't seem to understand that spending our way out of this dismal recession is not the solution. Tonight he said exactly what I expected to hear: more spending and no cuts.
His only proposals are plans for more tax increases and more spending. He has no real plan to help struggling middle class families. The President spoke about rebuilding America and reinvesting in our country, but he has no way to pay for it.
Democrats in Washington refuse to believe that we have a spending problem. They need to get serious and work with Republicans on spending reforms. Our country needs real entitlement reform, to control spending, and to create jobs.
President Obama needs to reach accross the aisle and work with Republican leadership. We are ready for a plan to get back to a robust economy; but that won't start with more taxes."
