President Bush Continues to be a Best Friend of Freedom (Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart)

In his final State of the Union address, President Bush once again addressed the issues most important to Americans.  It is clear that national security, strengthening our economy and ensuring freedom and democracy remain priorities for the President.  It is evident that President Bush will continue working vigorously for the well being of our nation and its citizens.

He urged Congress to pass the economic stimulus package agreed to by both parties and the Administration that will benefit American taxpayers and give our economy a much needed boost.  Today Congress approved this package.  The President also stressed the importance of updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is critical for our national security.

Another issue the President made clear was the importance of passing Free Trade Agreements with Colombia and Panama.  I am a strong supporter of free trade with free and democratic nations.   Not only does it strengthen our allies in the region, but also it creates jobs and economic opportunities for many in the U.S.

President Bush also reminded us of the progress made thus far in Iraq.  Since the surge, violence has dropped and troops have started to come home.

Lastly, I was also glad to see that President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush once again demonstrated their solidarity with the Cuban people by inviting Blanca Gonzalez to the State of the Union Address.  She is the mother of Normando Hernandez Gonzalez, a political prisoner suffering in Castro’s tropical gulag.

President Bush continues to be the best friend that freedom has had in the White House in a long time.