WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) released the following statement concerning President Obama's State of the Union address:

"Tonight, President Obama spoke passionately about putting America back to work, and I know those efforts will remain our top priority far into 2010. He also did a great job explaining why we need to put in place long-term strategies to control federal spending.

"It's no secret that President Obama's priorities have been held up by the devastating recession he inherited from the previous administration. But we're starting to see policies that were enacted last year take hold. The economic stimulus, combined with middle class tax cuts and other important programs, have cut job losses by more than 90 percent, and we're starting to see the economy begin to grow. The recovery won't be quick, but the foundation Congress has laid will put us back on our feet.

"The president said he wanted to use tonight's speech to retool his priorities, and I think he did that. More importantly, he tempered them with a healthy dose of reality.

"We have to ramp up our efforts to spur job creation and we need to refocus attention on strengthening our schools. We need to look ahead toward controlling the deficit, but also must continue work to reform health insurance and put in place responsible energy policies.

"It's a heavy-lift the president has asked for, but Congress has already laid the groundwork for success, and I look forward to moving those policies ahead as soon as possible."

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