Craig Washington: “as I ponder the President's possible remarks later this evening on the State of the Union, I thought it was important to…”

“as I ponder the President's possible remarks later this evening on the State of the Union, I thought it was important to discuss some things that address what I believe will be the principal subject of the President's remarks. I am happy that several of my colleagues who preceded me on the microphone today have seen fit to address some of these issues. It seems to me, and what I read in the paper suggests, that the President will deal principally with the issue of crime in America, the reform of our health care system and welfare reform. I wonder if we in the Congress have the collective courage, the strength and the statesmanship to rededicate ourselves to true reform. For true reform is what is necessary. Some of the problems that principally beset us are crime, health care and welfare reform. These are problems that concern all Americans. Any poll that is taken indicates that these are the principal issues, concerns and worries in the hearts and in the minds of the American people.”