Congressman Rodney Alexander
Louisiana's 5th District
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana

PRESS RELEASES

2/03/2005
Contact: Adam Terry
(318) 259-8260

BAYOU STATE GOP ENERGIZED

By Gred Hilburn

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Louisiana's Republican senator and 5th District U.S. representative said they were moved and energized by President Bush's State of the Union address here Wednesday night.

Newly elected U.S. Sen. David Vitter said he'll never forget the embrace between an Iraqi national and the American parents of a soldier who died in Iraq.

"That hug was one of the most memorable moments I've ever seen, and the whole speech was (Bush's) strongest since immediately after 9/11," Vitter said. "It really brilliantly (fleshed) out his broad theme of advancing liberty as a unique American calling."

U.S. 5th District Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, said Bush's address was "both inspiring and compelling."

"The president was able to bring the reason that we're fighting this war right here in the heart of democracy by showing us real people whose lives have been impacted," said Alexander.

Vitter and Alexander said they will support some kind of Social Security reform, which the president said is essential to the future of the program, though Alexander is more cautious in his enthusiasm.

"I don't think, until (Wednesday night), that my constituents in Louisiana or in America have been focused yet on what's at stake with Social Security," Vitter said. "But I think that the president's speech will help us begin what will be a serious debate."

Vitter said he supports the president's call for allowing younger taxpayers to personalize investments of a portion of their Social Security taxes. He also praised Bush's pledge not to raise withholdings to keep the program solvent.

Bush said that no taxpayer 55 or older will be affected by Social Security reform, which is a key to winning Alexander's support.

"I'm open-minded about finding ways for young people to invest, but I won't jeopardize any benefits that people are receiving now or that people who are near retirement are counting on," Alexander said.

Originally published February 3, 2005

 

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