Chairman Hatch Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

Utah Senator Says, “Tonight, the President regrettably reverted back to a partisan tone, refusing to acknowledge the failures of his health law and instead advocating for more misguided policies that will only grow the government, not the economy.”

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement regarding the economic policies addressed in President Obama’s final State of the Union address:

“With Republicans at the helm, Congress was finally back to work in 2015. Trade Promotion Authority is back on the books, and the nation is once again equipped to ensure trade agreements, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, are the best possible deal for America. We put in place responsible and permanent tax relief for American job creators and families; made meaningful reforms to the nation’s struggling entitlement programs; and provided five years of financial security for America’s highways, roads, and bridges.

“Our success was rooted in bipartisan compromise, and the American people are witnessing the results of a functioning Congress. But tonight, the President regrettably reverted back to a partisan tone, refusing to acknowledge the failures of his health law and instead advocating for more misguided policies that will only grow the government, not the economy.

“If we want to lift middle-class families, create a strong job market, and fully restore prosperity to the American people, then we must continue with bipartisan efforts and forge compromise on smart policies that will simplify the tax code, encourage investment here at home, lower rising costs in health care, and get our entitlement programs back on a strong fiscal footing.  As the President embarks on his last year in office, I hope he will step away from the same old stale, political campaign rhetoric and instead join with Congress again and work to advance a strong, pro-growth agenda to help build a healthier economy and brighter future for the American people.”

The Senate Finance Committee has the largest jurisdiction in either House of Congress, overseeing more than 50 percent of the federal budget and legislates on matters involving taxation, international trade, health care and entitlement programs. 

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