U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement today regarding President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

“While I welcome President Obama’s efforts to reign in spending and reduce the deficit, I’m skeptical of his new-found rhetoric.  This is, after all, the same President who has brought this country to the brink of bankruptcy with his irresponsible spending policies of the last year.  His trillion dollar stimulus has been a total failure, with over 3 million jobs lost since its passage.  His liberal allies in Congress have increased spending some 85% over the last 2 years, tried to steamroll a disastrous “Cap and Trade” and government run health care bill down our throats, and have proposed raising taxes on our hardworking families.  The time for action has long since passed, and I’m disappointed the President is just now coming to the table.  We need to focus on creating jobs and helping Americans get back on their feet.  That comes with hard work, not another speech filled with empty promises.”