Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

Washington DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Atwater) witnessed his first State of the Union speech as a Member of Congress in the House Chamber tonight. Cardoza listened intently as President Bush delivered his plans for the economy, healthcare, education and homeland security and discussed the possibility of a war with Iraq. "Our nation is facing numerous challenges - threats to our security, a struggling economy and further cuts to healthcare and education. I came prepared to listen to the President's proposed solutions with an open mind," said Cardoza.

During his remarks, the President discussed numerous proposals, including tax cuts, drug-treatment dollars for church groups and more prescription drug coverage for the elderly. However, the resounding message of his speech was that the nation needs to prepare for a potential war. "Tonight, I believe the President made a strong case against Saddam Hussein," Cardoza said. "He has missed numerous opportunities for a peaceful, diplomatic solution. If he continues this unbroken pattern of denial and deception, he will leave us with no choice other than to resort to military action," said a somber Cardoza.

The President also focused heavily on the economic plan he unveiled earlier this month. Specifically, he advocated large tax cuts on corporate dividends, which, Cardoza argued, would blow up our already fragile economy. "This economic stimulus proposal neither provides appropriate stimulus nor stems the red ink in our budget deficit. Under the President's plan, interest rates will skyrocket," argued Cardoza. Moreover, the plan would divert funding from critical programs. "While some progress has been made on the war against terror, the President's so-called economic stimulus plan is woefully inadequate when it comes to funding homeland security efforts, particularly for our first responders who are on the front lines every day. Denying local law enforcement the funds they need to implement these programs will leave our communities extremely vulnerable," said Cardoza.

Revamping the Medicare system appeared to be at the top of the President's healthcare agenda. During his speech, he advocated an expansion of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) for Medicare patients. "In my district, the HMOs were here one day and gone the next, leaving many residents of the Central Valley with no virtually no access to affordable healthcare. This plan will be a bumper crop for insurance companies but a bitter harvest for senior citizens," said Cardoza.

Tonight Cardoza was joined by Dylan Hallman, an 8th grader from Cruikshank Middle School in Merced. Hallman was selected by the Merced Sun Star as the winner of an essay contest in which students discussed their reactions to prior State of the Union addresses. Dylan was the proud recipient of the lone Gallery ticket Cardoza was afforded. "I became interested in politics at an early age and want to encourage my young constituents to begin paying attention now. It was a pleasure having Dylan in Washington and I look forward to extending this opportunity to young people in the future," said Cardoza.