Top Kansas political heads react to Biden State of the Union speech

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Some of the biggest political leaders in Kansas are weighing in with their thoughts on President Joe Biden’s recent speech before Congress in Washington D.C.

Biden delivered the final State of the Union speech of his first term as president to Congress on Thursday, March 7. Some key takeaways of his speech, as noted in a report from The Hill, included comments on presidential contender Donald Trump, discussing his own age ahead of the upcoming election and addressing the ongoing war in Gaza.

Kansas Congressional representatives and senators took to social media to share their thoughts before and after Biden’s speech, critiquing his stance on big issues in 2024. Many of Kansas’ Republican Congressional members were critical of Biden’s performance regarding the southern border and national inflation rates.

“Kansans are frustrated with Washington and are demanding solutions over partisanship. Republicans and Democrats working together is the only way forward, and I was glad to hear the President’s commitment to bipartisan cooperation. I’ll hold him to that promise.

Although I did not agree with everything the President said, I appreciate his attention to lowering the cost of groceries and prescription drugs for Kansas families, defending reproductive freedoms and our democracy, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Also, safeguarding our nation’s security requires a humane and just end to conflicts abroad, along with bolstering America’s competitiveness against countries like China and securing our southern border – priorities mentioned tonight that I’ll continue working toward in a bipartisan manner.”

Democrat Representative Sharice Davids social media statement excerpt

“Kansans deserve better than what Joe Biden tried to tout as accomplishments in tonight’s State of the Union – an open border, Bidenflation, historic debt levels, disregard for human life and a failure to advocate for America abroad is nothing to brag about. I beleive in our nation and our people, but Americans know that the state of our union can be improved, which is why I will keep pushing to secure the border, rein in reckless Washington spending, recharge the economy and support American jobs through sensible trade and tax policies.”

Republican Representative Ron Estes social media statement

“Because of the Biden Administration’s open-border policies, more than 8.5 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border. I just voted yes on the Laken Riley Act in honor of a young life gone too soon because of senseless immigration policies. This legislation makes it clear that illegal immigrants committing a crime will be the first priority for arrest and will be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

Republican Representative Tracey Mann social media statement excerpt

“Joe Biden and his liberal allies in Congress have failed our country. It’s time for a new direction in the Oval Office. Kansans are ready to fire Joe Biden and make this his LAST State of the Union Address.”

Republican Representative Jake LaTurner social media statement

“Tonight, Joe Biden gave his final State of the Union address. America watched as he tried to rewrite history as part of a last-ditch effort to save his political future that’s in free fall. The fact of the matter is, there is no amount of ‘spin’ Joe Biden can give that will hide the damage he’s done to our nation: destroying a recovering economy, a secure border, and an energy-independent nation. His vacuum of leadership has allowed war through weakness and empowered Russia, Iran, and the Chinese Communist Party to sow chaos throughout the world.

In Joe Biden’s America, we are less safe, and the American dream is further out of reach by the day. Mr. President, actions speak louder than words, and your actions have proven you are not up for this job. November cannot come soon enough.”

Republican Senator Roger Marshall press release

“The American people were assured that inflation was transitory, but the high prices at the grocery store and the gas pump seem like they are here to stay. ‘Bidenomics’ reminded us of what we already knew – spending billions of dollars to reduce inflation only leads to higher prices for the everyday American.

There is a national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. President Biden and his administration have been derelict in enforcing the laws that already exist and which would make our nation undoubtedly safer today. The current state of chaos at the southern border is nearing a breaking point. Our border patrol are overwhelmed; drugs and people are being trafficked into our country; families are losing loved ones to fentanyl poisoning and our cities are aren’t able to house and provide for thousands of migrants. President Biden must take immediate action to fortify the border, slow illegal migration and apprehend criminals.”

Republican Senator Jerry Moran press release excerpt

Democrat Representative Nancy Pelosi, the speaker emeritus, had positive remarks to give following Biden’s speech.

“President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address was a masterclass, vigorously presenting his bold vision of progress and possibilities for all of America’s families.

It is fitting that the President opened his remarks with a forceful statement of support for Ukraine and the imperative of defending democracy at home and abroad. It is inspiring to hear the President share his plans to build on the great American comeback that his leadership has sparked.

President Biden’s hopeful, unifying, forward-looking vision stands in stark contrast with an extreme MAGA agenda that seeks to rip away our freedoms, rig the economy for the ultra-rich and abandon our responsibility to protect and defend.”

Democrat Representative Nancy Pelosi press statement

For the GOP response delivered by Republican Senator Katie Britt, click here.

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