PA Congressmen React to State of Union

President Barack Obama urged better cooperation between Democrats and Republicans in dealing with the country's economic troubles and soaring debt.
In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, Mr. Obama talked about spending in core areas like infrastructure while also working to rein in the debt.
The president called for a 5 year freeze on spending at current levels while some Republicans want to roll back to 2008 levels and then freeze spending.
The President called for speeding up the economic recovery through greater
infrastructure spending. He called for a six-year plan to repair or improve bridges, roads and mass transit.
He says the plan should be paid for, not increase the deficit, and not include Congressional pet projects. He vowed to veto any bill that included earmarks.
The president said he knows there is opposition to health care overhaul legislation which House Republicans voted to repeal, but he said he's not willing to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny coverage.

In responding to the State of the Union address, Pittsburgh area Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA-18) said Americans are eager for a job growth agenda but are also eager for less government spending.
" Tonight, we heard that America's competitiveness is suffering from a case of sluggishness and the need to get back on track. But I am cautious of a solution that sounds like more government spending out of Washington. American families need jobs, but jobs and prosperity will not come from more government growth and deficit spending."
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA-04) said it's critical to work together to cut government spending and reduce the deficit.
" I support the president’s proposal to freeze non-security discretionary spending for the next five years. In the coming weeks, I look forward to seeing additional bipartisan proposals to further cut spending and get our fiscal house back in order. "
Altmire said he hoped the spirit of civility and bipartisanship that was visibly evident throughout the House chamber last night, with some Democrats and Republicans sitting with each other, "will remain with us as we move forward."