Congressman Scott Rigell Responds to 2014 State of the Union Address

Rigell Response to
2014 State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2) released the following statement after tonight’s State of the Union address by President Obama:

“Tonight the President made clear that he will continue to issue executive orders whenever he finds that Congress does not agree with him. By advancing his agenda with an end-run around Congress, the President weakens the structure framed by our Constitution, and that which is so essential to good governance. Americans voted in favor of a government that operates within a system of checks and balances, and the President does not have the authority to work around the law
“Finding common ground is difficult, yet it is imperative that we do so if we are to make real progress on our nation’s top priorities, starting with more jobs and a stronger economy.

“I join a number of Members of Congress representing both parties and both chambers who are ready to pass legislation that reflects common ground and puts America first. To pass common ground legislation, the President and Congress must first believe it can be found. I, for one, do.”