Chu Reacts to President Biden’s “Building a Better America” Speech

WASHINGTON, DC – ColoradoBoulevard.net:

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) issued a statement in response to President Biden’s first State of the Union Address.

By News Desk

In Person

I was so honored to be able to join with all of my colleagues in person for the President’s address to Congress tonight. This kind of gathering has been impossible for so many for so long. But thanks to the vaccine rollout made possible by the American Rescue Plan, new and effective therapeutics, and the determination of the American people, we are finally turning a corner with the coronavirus and we are beginning to see an end to the pandemic. Now, as the President said tonight, with restrictions being lifted, it’s time to focus on how we can build a better America for all of us.

Recovery at home

That starts with our recovery at home. I was incredibly encouraged to hear the President lay out his plans to help families get ahead, including by continuing to lower the costs of everything from prescription drugs to child care to energy. And I’m excited to build on the 6.6 million jobs that we have already created as we start to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law. Not only will this package put more Americas to work on projects that will improve our communities, it also will strengthen our supply chains as it improves the flow of goods across the country, further lowering prices.

Expanding Access to mental health

And while we focus on building a better America, we cannot ignore the impact of the pandemic on our nation’s health, especially mental health. As one of only two psychologists in Congress, I support President Biden’s plan to expand access to mental health care, including through the use of peer support specialists, something I’ve already introduced legislation to do. I’m also encouraged by the President’s commitment to ensuring that mental health is treated at parity with other healthcare, because mental healthcare is essential. Additionally, the investments made through the cancer moonshot will save lives for generations to come.

Support for democracy

I was also encouraged by the President’s repeated support for democracy. As the President said, we will not back down before authoritarianism. That means standing up to undemocratic forces and fighting for voting rights here so that every American has the chance to vote. And it also means standing with the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression and creeping authoritarianism.

Building a better America for all Americans

Building a better America for all must also mean making sure all Americans are included, something that President Biden has been championing from his first days in office by helping to address anti-Asian hate, police violence, and more. That is why I was so pleased to hear the President reference the ongoing plague of anti-Asian violence in our country which has led to over 10,000 anti-Asian hate incidents since the start of the pandemic alone. And it is why I am so thrilled that he has nominated our country’s first Black woman to the Supreme Court. By expanding whose voices are heard, President Biden is making sure this is a government that truly represents the entire country. And together, we can create a stronger future.