WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“I am ready to work with the President and the Democratic leadership in the Senate, but there has to be a blueprint. There has to be a plan forward. There has to be leadership and results. Tonight we heard a campaign speech.

“Tonight I wish we had learned the details of a plan to reduce regulations hurting our small businesses, farmers and ranchers.  I wish I learned the details of a plan to reform taxes for all Americans. I wish I heard the President tell how he would promote American businesses that create jobs like our general aviation companies in Wichita, the air capital of the world. I had hoped to learn of a comprehensive plan to reduce spending, including entitlements.

“And finally, there was no mention of the four million waivers granted exempting unions and big businesses from the President’s new health care law. Costs are rising for families, and where is your waiver? Instead, we heard a lot of campaign rhetoric –and as they say, you can’t take that to the bank.”

Senator Roberts is ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. He serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Senate Ethics and Rules Committees.

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