Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement in response to President George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address:

"Now, more than ever, we need to listen to the President’s plea to work together in a bipartisan fashion. America demands it and America deserves it," said Congressman Mike Simpson. "Several requests were made tonight; many need immediate action, like the President’s request to pass a permanent fix to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Our country needs to obtain intelligence information in order to ward off future terrorist attacks. Congress must close this gap in our national security."

"The economy does need help, I agree with the President and believe the best way we can start to achieve this goal is to make his tax cuts permanent. If Congress does not act, over 116 million Americans will start paying on average of $1,800 more in annual taxes. The best way to stimulate the economy is to allow individuals to keep more of their hard earned money."

"We must also work on federal spending and that means addressing all aspects of the budget, not just earmarks as the President indicated. Entitlement spending is out of control and the longer we wait to address this problem, the more difficult it will become. Congress needs a bipartisan solution to entitlement reform."

"Much needs to be done and it is not in the best interest of the country to continue this endless bickering. It will be difficult during a Presidential election year, but I’m hopeful that leadership will work with the President on issues facing our nation."