Washington, Jan 24, 2012 - Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address.

"Tonight’s speech contained no shortage of ideas, but it also raised one very important question: How will we pay for all these empty promises? After 1000 days without a budget, this president and his cohorts in the Senate seem to think that budgets aren’t necessary. Budgets ARE necessary; budgeting allows us to set priorities. If American families have to tighten their belts, Washington can do the same. 
 
"It's not right that President Obama refuses to take responsibility for his failed policies: blocking energy projects that would lead to sustainable job growth, attempting to heap the national debt on to the backs of hard-working taxpayers, and reducing the fighting power of our nation's military. We all know that the Obama economy is stifling the ability of hard-working taxpayers and small business owners to achieve their hopes and dreams.  
 
"The way forward to creating an environment for more innovation and job creation is through less regulation, less taxation, and less litigation. I’m willing to work with President Obama to undo the damage done in the last three years and get this great nation back on track. But I won’t do it at the cost of higher taxes, unnecessary government intervention, and job-killing legislation."