President Obama talks economic blueprint and D.C. obstruction
Reclaiming the major theme from his State of the Union Address on Tuesday, President Obama discussed his "blueprint for an economy built to last." The President mentioned his multi-state tour across the country in which he talked to citizens about his plans - proposals, which President Obama says have received a majority support. However, a concern people have, President Obama said, is inaction in Washington, D.C.:
"This week, I took that blueprint across the country, and what I saw was people who work hard and believe in each other. They believe in the America that's within our reach. But they're not sure that the right thing will get done in Washington this year, or next year, or the year after that. And frankly, when you look at some of the things that go on in this town, who could blame them for being a little cynical?"
Keeping in line with the topic of political inaction, President Obama made reference to one senator's boycott effort in response to newly-appointed head of the consumer watchdog agency, Richard Cordray, as an example of D.C. obstruction:
"Just two days ago, a senator promised to obstruct every single American I appoint to a judgeship or a public service position -- unless I fire the consumer watchdog I put in place to protect the American people from financial schemes or malpractice.
For the most part, it's not that this senator thinks these nominees are unqualified. In fact, all of the judicial nominees being blocked have bipartisan support. And almost 90% have unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee.
Instead, one of the senator's aides told reporters that the senator plans to, and I'm quoting here, 'delay and slow the process in order to get the President's attention.'
Well, this isn't about me. We weren't sent here to wage perpetual political campaigns against each other. We were sent here to serve the American people. And they deserve better than gridlock and games. One senator gumming up the whole works for the entire country is certainly not what our founding fathers envisioned.
The truth is, neither party has been blameless in tactics like these. But it's time for both parties to put an end to them."
Lack of cooperation from Congress remains an important topic for the President who offered the following steps to address, not only the issue of obstruction, but also outside influences:
"I'm asking Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, to stop this kind of behavior by passing a rule that allows all judicial and public service nominations a simple up-or-down vote within 90 days.
We should also stem the corrosive influence of money in politics. The House and Senate should send me a bill that bans insider trading by members of Congress, and I will sign it immediately. They should limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. And they should make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can't lobby Congress, and vice versa."
President Obama's Weekly Address:
