Tim Mahoney: “I am here today representing Florida's 16th District. Tonight we will listen to the President with the expectation that…”

“I am here today representing Florida's 16th District. Tonight we will listen to the President with the expectation that he will listen to the American people. Our Nation is facing some of the greatest challenges of our time. From the war in Iraq, to global terrorism, to ending the addiction to foreign oil, the stakes are high and getting higher. Americans understand the urgency of our challenges. It is time for the President to step up to the plate and offer real solutions that put America on the path to success and security. I hope the President will offer a new strategy to win the war in Iraq and that that strategy will use diplomacy as its cornerstone, not troop escalation. Let me be clear. I am committed to supporting our brave men and women in uniform, but do not believe their role should be policing a civil war. We need to turn our energy crisis into an opportunity by investing in domestic production of biofuels and alternative and renewable energies. Last year the President called for an end to America's addiction to oil. And one week later, he cut funding for the development of alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies. Instead of rhetoric, we need results. I ask the President to listen to the American people, to the message they sent last November. Our children depend on it.”