McCaul Statement on State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address.

Chairman McCaul: “The President spoke tonight about strengthening the economy and our national security. However, his policies continue to put both at great risk.

“While the President warns of the devastating effects Sequestration will have on our defense, he has not proposed viable solutions for cutting spending, which would prevent the Sequester he originally proposed. Until he commits to working with Congress to cut the debt, our nation will be increasingly vulnerable to our enemies abroad.

“Additionally, while President Obama is committed to immigration reform, his State of the Union Address did not propose viable solutions to improving border security – which must come as a prerequisite to enacting changes to our immigration laws. The President continues to speak of border security in terms of resources and arrests, rather than the need for a complete picture of undetected crossings. Failing to solve this problem will continue to damage both our economic and national security.

“While I am pleased that the President is prioritizing cybersecurity, the Executive Order he signed today is unable to provide liability protections. This will stifle threat information-sharing needed to detect and thwart cyber attacks. I am also concerned his order will increase regulations on industry, which would also impede voluntary information sharing.

“If the President is serious about confronting all of the threats against our homeland, from our borders to cyber-espionage, to terrorists, and our rising debt, hemust work with Congress to enact meaningful policy on these fronts. Istand ready to work with the President on better securing our nation."

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