WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Risch issued this statement following the president’s State of the Union address.

“Not surprisingly, the president continued the theme from his inaugural address of more federal government involvement in all aspects of American life.  His view has always been to expand the federal reach and to spend more. He looks to enforce a far-left philosophy on all matters rather than focus on individual rights and responsibilities and recognizing, as our founding fathers did, the preeminent role the states have through their sovereign status.

Notwithstanding all of that, I stand ready to work with the president where we can agree to cut government spending, reduce the size and scope of government, stop the borrowing of money and preserve for our children and grandchildren the greatest nation on earth.”

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