Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce issued the following statement after the president’s State of the Union Address:

“The State of the Union Address is one of our nation’s great traditions. It’s an opportunity for us all to reflect on our democratic principles and beliefs and consider priorities for the year ahead.

“Tonight, as I listened to the president’s address and looked up to our special guests, I was reminded that the state of our union is indeed strong. Strong because we have men and women in uniform – both overseas and at home – like California firefighter David Dahlberg willing to put their lives on the line to protect their communities. Strong because we have entrepreneurs, like James Lin, from the congressional district I represent, who are making the most of new opportunities to grow and create jobs. And strong because we have families, like the Warmbiers, who stand up – even in moments of great personal pain – to make a difference.

“Over the past year, we’ve made important progress toward building a brighter future for all Americans. Still, there is much more to be done. Stronger diplomacy and sustained financial pressure is needed to change the behavior of the North Korean and Iranian regimes. And with ISIS nearly defeated in Syria and Iraq, we must finish the job and keep foreign fighters from traveling to places like Africa and Central Asia to spread violence and their hateful ideology. These are just a few of the pressing issues we face. I look forward to working with the administration, my colleagues in Congress and my fellow Americans to advance solutions that will keep our country safe.”

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