Shaheen Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

(Washington, DC)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address:

“The American public has been inundated with particularly reckless and divisive rhetoric over the last couple months. I appreciated the President’s call tonight for a more civil public debate and for focusing on what continues to make our country great: the resolve and optimism of the American people. I also appreciated that the President made special mention of the heroin epidemic. Opioid abuse is a national public health emergency and the federal government needs to do much more to help stem the tide of this crisis.

The overwhelming majority of Granite Staters want to see Republicans and Democrats working together to strengthen the middle class, protect our national security, and address the many challenges our nation faces. I’ve been very encouraged by recent bipartisan progress in Congress to provide resources to address the heroin epidemic, provide long-term funding to repair our roads and bridges, and reform federal elementary and secondary education policy.  However, much more needs to be done and I’m hopeful that Congress and the President can build on this progress in 2016.”