WASHINGTON, DC - Following President Barack Obama's first State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

"The President laid out a common sense agenda and made it clear his priority is putting people back to work and getting the economy working again.

"While the pundits are telling Americans to lower their expectations for the country's future, President Obama is raising them.

"He reaffirmed his commitment to invest in our economy, smartly reduce the deficit, reform health insurance, and make our country safer.

"President Obama inherited a downward spiraling economy and he stabilized it. Now our challenge is to rebuild.

"Congress passed an historic economic recovery bill last year that gave over $200 billion in tax cuts to middle class families and small businesses, and without it we would be in far more difficult straits. But too many Rhode Islanders still can't find work and we must keep redoubling our efforts to cut taxes for the middle class and help the private sector create more jobs.

"Let's remember: the Bush Administration ran up that national debt nearly $6 trillion and crashed the economy. We are working hard to responsibly fix it, but we won't get there overnight. It is going to take tough decisions and hard work on everyone's part.

"These are difficult times and there will undoubtedly be turbulence in the days ahead. But if we work together, and with President Obama's steady leadership, we will move our country forward and become a stronger, more prosperous nation."