Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) issued the following statement after hearing President Obama’s 7^th and final State of the Union Address at the U.S. Capitol:

“President Obama’s message of national confidence and working together towards a brighter future is much more representative of the American spirit than the defeatist rhetoric that we have heard from so many political candidates.

“By leading in trade and diplomacy, and preparing Americans through early childhood education, STEM, and worker training, we can increase America’s competitiveness in today’s global economy. And by advancing American economic leadership, we also enhance our national security.”

“I am encouraged by the President’s direct comments on defeating terrorism, and support his request that Congress debate and vote on a new Authorization of the Use of Military Force.

“Finally, I echo President Obama’s calls to tackle gun violence, climate change, and college affordability, and share his belief that in order to do so we must fix a broken Congress and a political system that is overly influenced by money.”

Congressman Peters was joined at the speech by San Diegan Joe Musselman, a Navy Special Operations veteran and founder of The Honor Foundation.

Peters continued, “The best ideas don’t come from Washington, they come from people like Joe and places like San Diego. As I continue to make veterans’ employment a top priority in Congress, I am honored to have Joe join me at the State of the Union.”