WASHINGTON- Tonight, following President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) released the following statement:

“Tonight the President laid out a clear, plausible, and paid-for plan to prevent even tougher times and spur job growth.    

“Too many Americans are out of work or underemployed.  Congress must work together to turn the best ideas from the President's speech and other ideas into action.

“The President's plan to cut taxes for the middle-class and put more Americans to work rebuilding our roads, bridges, and schools will help.    

"I am pleased he included my work sharing plan to prevent layoffs and help businesses of all sizes succeed. Work sharing is a voluntary employer program that helps firms retain workers by reducing employees' weekly hours in­stead of laying them off.
    
"Congress must pass such measures to fully restore consumer confidence and clean up this economic mess. Republicans will need to finally show a willingness to support policies that are growth oriented and help get the country back on track.