WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth), Vice Chair of the Republican Conference, this evening released the following statement in response to President Bush’s State of the Union address.
“The President addressed a number of issues tonight, one of the most important being the economy. He told Congress it needed to pass the bi-partisan economic growth package quickly and I agree. The tax rebates in the package are going to help working families, especially single parents with children, who nowadays are increasingly women.
“It’s important we get this package passed quickly to help people now and then we need to continue to enact pro-growth policies that reduce the tax burden on employers and taxpayers and encourage investment and job creation.
“I was pleased to hear the President talk about the progress that has been made at our borders. We’ve expanded the Border Patrol from 9,000 agents in 2001 to more than 15,000 agents today. By the end of 2008, we should have more than 18,000 agents. That is a dramatic increase that is resulting in a significant reduction in apprehensions of illegal immigrants crossing the Southern border. We need to continue this trend and finish the job.
“The President also talked about Iraq. I agree that the surge is working and think the Iraqis see it working as well. Over the past few months they have placed their confidence in us and we are now working together to rid their communities of al Qaeda and other violent extremists. We now need to continue to build on this success.