Scott Statement on President Biden’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, released the following statement in response to President Biden's State of the Union address to Congress.

“President Biden outlined the historic progress we have made the last two years to bring the economy back from the pandemic and set the economy up for long term success. The President was clear that while we have made great strides, there is more work to do so we can finish the job of building an economy where everyone can succeed. Instead of passing tax cuts for corporations and billionaires, we have grown the economy by investing in working families. We fought to lower health care costs, prescription drug costs, energy costs and paid for it by making the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share.

“President Biden also addressed our work to make our communities safer. I brought Wayne Lynch as my guest to this address to highlight the need for police reform. Mr. Lynch is the father of Donovon Lynch, who was killed by Virginia Beach police in 2021. My fellow Congressional Black Caucus colleagues also brought people who have been impacted by instances of police brutality to demonstrate the need to finally act on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and I am grateful President Biden focused on this issue during his speech. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill over the finish line.

“As Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I was also pleased that President Biden laid out a clear vision for providing quality and affordable education for all students, improving the lives of workers and families, and expanding access to affordable health care.

“As the President noted, this vision is built on the historic victories we’ve already achieved, such as securing the largest, one-time federal investment in K-12 education in our history; creating a record number of jobs; reducing unemployment rates to historic lows; saving over one million workers’ pensions; fighting child hunger; and bringing the number of uninsured Americans down to the lowest level ever.

“However, as the President reiterated, our nation’s best days are still ahead. The American people are counting on Congress to continue delivering the critical investments and support that students, workers, and families need.

“I urge my Republican colleagues to heed the President’s call to put politics aside and pass legislation that prioritizes workers by raising the federal minimum wage and strengthening the right to unionize; supports students by addressing educational disparities and makes college more affordable; and lowers costs for families by investing in affordable child care and continues reducing prescription drug prices.

“We know all these key priorities face an uphill battle this Congress.  However, I remain hopeful that both Democrats and Republicans can come together to do the people’s work and secure a brighter future for students, workers, families, and our economy.”

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