McClellan Statement on President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden gave his third State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress: 

“The Biden-Harris Administration has achieved more in three years than some previous administrations have accomplished in two terms. Tonight, President Biden laid out his Administration’s incredible accomplishments on behalf of the American people and his vision for 2024 and beyond. 

“President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken historic action to build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out—an economy that works for every American and leaves no one behind. Inflation is down, unemployment levels remain at record lows, and corporations are beginning to pay their fair share. Thanks to historic legislation passed in the 117th Congress, Virginia is receiving millions in federal funding to modernize our infrastructure, invest in cutting-edge technologies, advance research and development, combat the climate crisis and create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs in the process – and we’re just getting started.

“Over the past three years, the Administration and congressional Democrats have stood strong in our defense of Americans’ freedoms and liberties. After the Trump-packed Supreme Court issued its disastrous ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, we have seen the devastating impacts of extreme MAGA Republicans’ unrelenting attacks on reproductive freedom: 21 states have implemented abortion bans or extreme restrictions; access to contraception is now under threat; and fertility services such as in vitro fertilization are now in jeopardy. While Virginia remains the only safe haven in the South for reproductive health care thanks to the Virginia Reproductive Health Protection Act, we must continue our efforts to safeguard comprehensive health care services nationwide. Tonight, President Biden reiterated our shared commitment to protecting patients’ rights to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their providers. 

“Since the first day of their administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked to move our country forward and defend our democracy from threats both at home and abroad. I commend the Administration on their commitment to ensuring our nation lives up to its values and preserves the rights of every American. I look forward to my continued collaboration with President Biden and Vice President Harris as we work to safeguard and build upon our historic progress.”