WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN-08) released the statement below following President Biden’s State of the Union Address:
“Hoosiers and Americans across the nation tuned in to watch President Biden’s State of the Union Address hoping for solutions and a clear path forward from their leader. Sadly, President Biden took this opportunity to pay lip service to those concerns and doubled down on the progressive policies that have sparked record high inflation, plunged our nation into debt, created a border crisis, decimated U.S. energy dominance, and escalated healthcare expenses for patients. Families across America living paycheck to paycheck deserved more than the enumeration of President Biden’s liberal policy wish list, that if enacted, would only make things worse.”
“The President’s failure to substantially address the pivotal issues facing America in his State of the Union Address underscores the urgent need for proactive and decisive action from House Republicans. I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for the people of Southern and West Central Indiana and delivering conservative and bipartisan wins for the American people.”
On the Biden Border Crisis:
“One of the most pressing concerns I hear about from Hoosiers in Southern and West Central Indiana is the need to secure our southern border to prevent illegal immigrants from all over the world, as well as deadly drugs like fentanyl, from pouring in. Despite President Biden’s efforts to pass the buck and lay blame elsewhere for the current security and humanitarian crisis, the American people know better. Our southern border isn’t unsecured because of a lack of resources or authority; even if that were the case, providing more funding or new authorities wouldn’t matter because President Biden and the far-left liberals in his administration deliberately abandoned the effective policies of the Trump Administration and simply don’t have the political will to defy their open-borders political supporters and properly secure the border.”
On Biden’s Call to Expand Federal Price Controls on Prescription Drugs:
“A prime example of President Biden’s failure to understand the needs of the American people is reflected in his understanding of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug pricing provisions. Even before it became law, experts told Congress that it wasn’t a question if the Inflation Reduction Act would stifle innovation and result in fewer cures and treatments for patients, but just how many cures and treatments would never be developed or potentially save the lives of patients. Evidence shows that the IRA’s drug pricing controls will reduce advancement of new medical treatments and therapies, leading to worse outcomes for patients across America. Instead of acknowledging the facts, the Biden Administration is proposing to expand this harmful program by 400%. As a physician, I fear for the lives and livelihoods of the even greater numbers of Americans whose access to important medicines would be cut off as a result of this decision.”
On Biden’s Call to Provide Aid to Ukraine:
“The President also spoke regarding the ongoing invasion of Ukraine led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. I truly believe, if American power and will recede as dangers grow in Europe and the Middle East, rogue nations will fill the vacuum, exponentially increasing the likelihood of a larger war in Europe requiring American boots on the ground. I support providing lethal aid to Ukraine so that it can defend itself and defeat Russia – without a single American servicemember having to set foot on the battlefield. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to mention how his administration’s war on U.S. energy has emboldened Russia. Earlier this year, President Biden implemented a de facto ban on U.S. LNG exports, weakening global energy security and jeopardizing American leadership. The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats must stop their rush-to-green energy agenda and unleash American energy in order to weaken Russia’s assault of Ukraine.”
Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. represents Indiana’s 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives and is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
