Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement to preview President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress.
“Over the last three years, our nation has experienced tremendous economic recovery and growth while Congress has passed some of the most significant legislation in decades. Over 14.8 million jobs have been added since 2021, unemployment has been under 4 percent for the longest stretch in 50 years, wages are outpacing inflation, and consumer confidence is surging thanks to President Biden and Congressional Democrats.
“We have made tremendous progress that has led to significant improvements in our communities thanks to the leadership of President Biden and Congressional Democrats. From the American Rescue Plan to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have achieved incredible legislative accomplishments. I am particularly proud of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention law in decades which is helping to keep our communities safe. I am excited for my guest, Liz Russell, to be able to hear the president maintain his commitment to taking on the gun violence epidemic.
“Our country still has its share of problems, from high costs to an untenable situation at the border. But we are working to address these problems by taking on unfair and illegal pricing and working to pass the toughest border security agreement in decades. I look forward to hearing how Congress and President Biden can continue to work together to deliver for every American.”
Ahead of the State of the Union, Rep. Thompson was selected by Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as a designated survivor. He will watch the speech from an undisclosed location away from the Capitol.
Liz Burrell Russell, the former manager of The Pathway Home in Yountville, will be Rep. Thompson’s guest to the State of the Union. On March 9, 2018, the Pathway Home was the site of a murder-suicide that took the lives of three innocent women. Since the tragic events of that day, Liz Russell has partnered with Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action to advocate for commonsense gun violence prevention policies and she is a co-organizer of Rock the Ride, a benefit walk and bike ride to end gun violence.