Bilirakis Statement on the President's State of the Union Address

"Tonight, President Bush outlined his priorities for the year ahead, including the call for approval of an economic stimulus package that provides immediate short-term economic stimulus. He also rightly touched on the need for Congress to improve our economy's long-term health by making permanent existing tax relief set to expire over the next couple of years. Congress should go a step further than that and fully repeal the death tax and AMT as well.

"The President also proposed initiatives tonight that provide greater relief and expanded benefits for our veterans and the men and women serving in our armed forces. If enacted, these reforms would greatly improve opportunities for these American heroes, their spouses and families.

"Congress will need to work with the President on these and other issues mentioned this evening. Now is the time to embrace the bipartisanship necessary for Congress to carry out its work on behalf of the American people."