Quigley Statement on President Biden’s First State of the Union Address

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement in reaction to President Joe Biden's first State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, President Biden sent a clear message to the world and to Vladimir Putin—freedom will always triumph over tyranny. I am relieved to hear the United States is sending an additional $1 billion in aid to Ukraine and will continue to work with NATO in the effort to thwart Putin's aggression. The reaction to the destruction in Ukraine should not be political or partisan. I hope that we can work across the aisle in support of preventing further escalation by Russia. We will always be stronger when we work with our allies, and when we find common ground here at home.

"President Biden also outlined a domestic agenda that provides a clear path for our nation over the next year. Thanks to his leadership, we have already seen record job growth –I am confident that this will continue if we embrace the steps the President previewed tonight. By working across the aisle, we can accomplish the President's ambitious bipartisan agenda. Together, we can beat the opioid crisis, take on the mental health crisis, support our veterans, and end cancer as we know it.

"Finally, I call on my colleagues in the Senate to heed the President's call and immediately pass gun violence prevention legislation. Chicagoans and all Americans are tired of confronting gun violence. It's time to take action.

"I look forward to working with President Biden and my colleagues in the coming weeks and months to embrace this ambitious path forward and create a better tomorrow for the American people."

Quigley hosted Maria Solomia Bandriwsky as his State of the Union virtual guest. Maria serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago chapter of the American Ukrainian Youth Association and is an important voice in the Ukrainian American community in Chicago.